Thomas Francis Brackett was born in Oakland, California on December 17, 1941 to Thomas and Margaret Brackett during the blackouts of World War II. He passed away peacefully of heart failure at Eden Hospital in Castro Valley, one month before his 82nd birthday on November 17, 2023.

Tom was surrounded by his loving family and friends during his final days. 

He attended Sacred Heart Grammar School, St, Joseph Alameda High School and graduated from Oakland Technical High School, class of 1960. He married his high school sweetheart Sherry Larsen, now Sherry Larsen-Beville. They had three sons. He lived in Washington Manor in San Leandro since 1962. Tom enjoyed hosting family events and Christmas celebrations at his home. 

Tom was employed at Kellogg Cereal Company in San Leandro since 1962. He retired in 1995 as a Plant Engineer. He was a lifetime member of Local 211 of the American Federation of Grain Millers. He was a dedicated charter member of the Oakland Raiders Booster Club. He was an honorary lifetime member of the San Jose Postcard Club as well as a member of the San Francisco-Bay Area Postcard Club.

Tom became an avid postcard collector in his retirement years, focusing first on his hometown of Oakland, and the Bay Area. He accumulated a large collection of rare and hard to find postcards in mint condition going back over a century. 

One of Tom's greatest joys was his grandchildren. He attended their various sporting events, their plays and ceremonies in Oakland and Castro Valley. He cherished taking and sharing pictures of them with everyone. It gave him great pride. Tom was an Irishman to the core. He established Irish citizenship for himself and his sons. He was known for his Irish wit and humor, especially his elaborate tall tales.

Tom will be remembered for his generosity, always eager to help others and share his knowledge of fixing things, just like his father.

Cars, plumbing, house maintenance issues... you name it, he could fix it!

Tom is survived by his sister Marie Plumb of Walnut Creek, his three sons; Tom (Dawn), Richard and Steve, and four grandchildren; Carina, Aerielle, Keely and Tommy. 

A memorial mass will be held at 12 noon, Monday, December 18, 2023 at Holy Sepulchre Funeral Center, 1051 Harder Road, Hayward.