Born: March 28, 1947 Brooklyn, Kings County, New York

Died: April 12, 2015 McLennan County, Texas

Ron “Ronnie B” Bracciale, 68, of Waco went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ unexpectedly on Sunday, April 12, 2015. Funeral will be 3 p.m. Friday April 17, at Oakcrest Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Dr. Joel Boesche. Burial will follow at China Spring Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Thursday, April 16, at Oakcrest Funeral Home.

Ronnie was born March 28, 1947 in Brooklyn, New York. He was baptized on April 20, 1947 at Church of Saint Mary Mother of Jesus in Brooklyn, where he also received his first communion on May 22, 1954.

Ronnie spent his childhood in Brooklyn where he attended Catholic school and served as an altar boy. He attended Lafayette High School in Brooklyn and served in the United States Navy. As a young adult, Ron owned and operated Ronnie’s Deli in Staten Island.

Ronnie then moved to Phoenix, Arizona where he owned and operated a medical center. In 1976, he moved to China Spring and began his 27-year career with H-E-B Grocery. While working for HEB, Ron met the love of his life and soulmate, Deanna. Ron and Deanna Williams of China Spring married on April 28, 1990 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Waco. They would have celebrated 25 years of happiness this month.

Through the years, he worked his way up through the ranks from overnight stocker to store director, working at several stores throughout the Waco area. Ron worked hard to retire early at age 55 which allowed him to pursue his passions for golf and travelling with Deanna.

In spite of a diagnosis of Parkinson’s in 2007, he continued to pursue his passions, in true Ronnie style. He never allowed his illness to interfere with living the life he loved. Even though some days were more challenging than others, Ronnie took a proactive role in his health, with the support and encouragement of his wife Deanna and his many friends.

Ronnie made many friends and formed HEB, golf, and racquetball brotherhoods throughout the years. He was a devoted husband to Deanna and a proud father to his son Tony, and his step sons Gary and Tim.

Ronnie B was a true friend and always had your back. He loved his Lord, and loved doing for others. Ronnie will always be remembered for his larger than life personality, his booming voice, and his Brooklyn accent. His most endearing trait, however, was his ability to make others feel special, always exemplifying a Christian life. His generosity, and kindness were evident in everything he did and in the countless lives he touched. Most of all Ron Bracciale was a good man, and those whom he counted among his many friends were privileged to be such.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Mae Barone, his brother-in-law Darren Williams, and his father in law Dan Williams.

Survivors include his wife Deanna Williams Bracciale, his son Anthony Bracciale , his brother Anthony Bracciale and wife Jan , step sons Gary and Timothy Schymkiu (Bracciale), half brother Robert Barone, Mother and Father in law, Bobbie and Gene Reinhardt, brother in law Dwayne Williams, and numerous relatives and friend, and his fur baby Lucy.

Memorials may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s , St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, or the animal rescue of your choice.