Julia Bracaglia, wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, died on Sunday, Feb. 21, from complications due to chronic Lyme disease. She was 33 years old and will be missed immensely by all who experienced her life-embracing spirit, selfless generosity, intelligence, grace and love.
Julia’s favorite place was Martha’s Vineyard, where she vacationed every year at the family cottage, Huckleberry Lodge. She retains many childhood friends in the Lagoon community, which her mother Nancy Noble Gardner began visiting in 1953. Julia’s grandmother Helen Gardner’s passion for the Island began in 1939; grandfather Herb Gardner became smitten on his first visit after a surprise win in the 1953 fishing derby.
Julia’s favorite memories included frolicking on the Gay Head beach with her brother Jason Danforth, her parents, and multiple wonderful families. Her family will make certain Julia’s four year old son, Francesco, and her husband Dan, will continue this tradition with them.
Julia was born in Albany, N.Y. in 1982, growing up in Slingerlands, N.Y., and later moving to Selkirk, N.Y. with her husband Daniele. She graduated from Sage College, completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in photography and graduating with honors and a special achievement award. As a photographer, painter, and pianist, she pursued her mother’s love of the arts as a fine arts gallerist in Albany, before eventually applying her father’s organizational skills as a licensed insurance broker.
While dedicated and accomplished, Julia often reserved her finest moments for her friends and family: she fell in love with her husband Daniele quickly, deeply, and unreservedly, and his unwavering support allowed her to endure her prolonged illness with fortitude and grace; she adored her young son Francesco, whose infectious laugh and beaming smile reminds her family of the happiness that Julia brought into their lives; and their home remains as brightly colored and joyful as only they could make it.
Julia is survived by her husband Daniele Bracaglia, son Francesco Bracaglia, her mother Nancy Noble Gardner and step-father John Berninger, her father Brian Danforth, her brother Jason Danforth and his wife Cloelle, her mother in law Claire Bracaglia, and sisters in law Cici Bracaglia, Gabriella Bracaglia, and Angela Bracaglia and her husband Steve, as well as her many friends near and far.
There will be a memorial gathering at a later date, and friends may contact the family for details. Donations to the Julia Bracaglia Family Fund can be made through gofundme.com/x4r5srn8, and contributions to Francesco Bracaglia’s college fund can be made by contacting the family.