Orange County resident Jack Braun of Slate Hill, a hamlet of Wawayanda, died in Sullivan County around 1:30 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 22, on Route 17 West in Mamakating in a single-vehicle crash.
According to his obituary, Braun, a student at Minisink Valley High School, was born an ‘old soul' and was passionate about history, film, and music.
His obituary said that as a senior, Jack planned to attend Hunter College to study history and ultimately become a teacher.
A modern-day Renaissance man, if Jack was interested in something, he would immerse himself in it—he read, studied, watched, learned, and tried it—no was never an option in his mind," his obituary said.
"Jack has always been, & will continue to be, the bravest & strongest boy we will ever know ~ our very own Super Hero," his family said.
He is survived by his parents, Paul and Erin; siblings Hannah, Alison, and Peter; maternal grandmother (Mimi) Judith Hazen; paternal grandmother (Nana) Diane Braun; aunts and uncles Michele and Ken Mecking and Heidi and Charles Nyland; cousins Matthew Mecking (Catherine and family), Ayden Nyland, Travis Mecking, and Ella Nyland; endless extended family members; and many, many friends.
He is predeceased by his maternal grandfather, Sean T. Cunningham (G’pa), paternal grandfather, Richard Braun, & cousin, Emily Mecking.
"There is no doubt Jack was saluted by the many historical figures that he greatly admired & enjoyed studying," the obituary said. "May Jack’s life be celebrated by the beautiful way he lived it, and may his passing be not in vain."
A memorial service will be held on Wed., Oct. 2, at Martinez Morse Funeral Home, 33 Railroad Ave., Middletown, from 3 to 7 p.m.
A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3, at Holy Name of Jesus Christ, 45 Highland Ave, Otisville.
In place of flowers, the family asks for donations to Shriner’s Hospital for Children or Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital - two organizations that had played a large part in Jack’s life.
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