William Bratton, Father of NYC Police Commissioner, Dies At Age 89

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork)-- William Bratton, the father of current New York City Police Commissioner Bill Bratton, passed away Thursday at the age of 89.

William Edward "Bill" Bratton died peacefully nearly a decade after the death of his wife.

Bratton was born on July 28, 1926 in Charlestown, Massachussets and was one of four brothers.

"He had a hard scrabble upbringing and always worked two jobs to support himself and later his family," Police Commissioner Bratton said. "He'd tell you that the highlight of his life was meeting our mother."

Bratton joined the United States Navy in 1944 and served as a gunner on the aircraft carrier USS Randolph. Bratton returned home to marry June DeViller in June 1946 and they spent the next 61 years together.

The couple eventually moved to Dorchester where they raised Bill and Pat. June ran the household, while Bill worked in the post office and metal plating shop to support the family. Bill was June's primary caretaker when she became ill later in life, and remained by her side until her death.

"My father was a very religious man," his daughter Pat recalled. "He had a pair of Rosary beads and a picture of the Pope on his bedroom wall. He recited his prayers every night and would always joke that as his family grew, his prayers got longer and his hours of sleep grew shorter."

During the final years of Bratton's life, he told family and close friends he was ready to be reunited with the love of his life.

Bratton is survived by his two children, two grandchildren, Lt. Kyle Bratton-Oestreich, David Bratton and two great grandchildren.