William E. Bracey's legacy will contribute to the health and happiness of those serviced by the Hoag Hospital Foundation for years to come.
It was Journalist Tom Brokaw who said the World War II generation is the "Greatest Generation." Courage, integrity and honor, these are the guiding principles of those who served. William E. "Bill" Bracey was a World War II veteran and a wonderful example of that admirable ethos.
Bill passed away in June at age 90, but he lived his life in service of others. He was a Hoag Hospital Foundation gift planning donor and a longtime Hoag Auxiliary volunteer at the Hoag Family Cancer Institute. Bill was also a loved husband, father and grandfather.
Service to Others
Upon graduating from New Jersey's William L. Dickenson High School in 1941, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army. During his service to our country, Bill received seven medals, including the Combat Infantry Badge, which honors the men and women who personally fought in ground combat. Bill was honorably discharged from the Army in 1945.
After returning home from the war, Bill attended the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. It was during his time at SIT that he met the love of his life, Joan Johnson. The two were married shortly thereafter.
Joan and Bill enjoyed 43 years together before Joan passed away in 1993. The couple had two children, and especially enjoyed traveling and, later in life, spending time with their grandchildren.
Lifelong Reassurance
After Joan's passing, Bill focused his attention on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It was with them in mind that he approached the Hoag Hospital Foundation to learn how to ensure that he could always live in his home and receive a steady income.
The professionals at Hoag showed Bill that he could deed his property to the Hoag Hospital Foundation in exchange for a life estate. By signing a life estate agreement Bill gave the title of his personal residence to Hoag, while retaining the right to use it for the remainder of his lifetime.
When the agreement was made, Bill received an income tax deduction for the present value of his future gift to Hoag. Bill then gave the value of the future gift in exchange for a charitable gift annuity, which provided him with fixed payments for life. Bill was able to live the rest of his life in his home while getting quarterly check in the mail.
Bill's foresight and well-considered estate planning is helping support healthcare in our community, and it allowed him to use his assets to provide for his family. His generosity will benefit generations to come in our community and beyond.
How Can You Help?
By including a gift in your estate plan, you can ensure that the Hoag Hospital Foundation's important mission continues into the future. If you would like more information about how to incorporate Hoag Hospital Foundation in your estate plan, please contact Julie Heggeness, JD, CSPG at 949-764-7206 or [email protected].
