William R. Braese Jr.

William R. "Bill" Braese Jr., 59, of the Orchard passed away peacefully on Friday at Baystate Medical Center. William was born in Springfield, a son of William R. Braese Sr. and the late Jane (Elliott) Urrutia. He was raised in Springfield and attended local schools. He graduated from Classical High School and furthered his education, graduating from Cambridge College. William worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a Social Worker for the Department of Child Services. Even though Bill was legally blind, he completed his schooling, receiving degrees in Social Work and worked for many years in the Social Service field. He was a New England sports fan, enjoying the Patriots, Red Sox, Bruins and Celtics. He loved listening to music. Bill was also predeceased by his mother, Jean (Dupuis) Braese. Two siblings; Thomas Urrutia, Nancy Flynn and a nephew, Dakota Chayer.  He is survived by his father; William R. Braese Sr. His siblings; Alan Vieu, Thomas Vieu, Keith Braese,  Scott Braese, Victor Urrutia Jr., Joshua Urrutia, Judith Scoles, Kimberly Braese, Christine Braese, Carmen Gregoire and  Tracey Mooradian as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family. VISITING HOURS FOR BILL WILL BE ON TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2022 FROM 9:15 TO 11:00 A.M. AT RATELL FUNERAL HOME, 200 MAIN ST., INDIAN ORCHARD, MA. THERE WILL BE A PRAYER SERVICE AT THE FUNERAL HOME AT 11:00 A.M. FOLLOWED BY A JOINT BURIAL OF BILL AND NANCY FLYNN (Bill's Sister) ASHES IN HILLCREST PARK CEMETERY, 895 PARKER ST., SPRINGFIELD, MA.  Donations in Bill's memory may be made to the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, 600 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111