Marion Matthew Brancato

Marion Matthew Brancato, age 96, was born on September 29, 1927 to Matt and Frances Brancato. He was delivered at home by his grandmother, who was a well-known midwife in the Italian-American community. Marion, the oldest of three children, was raised up in the north-end area of Kansas City (now known as Columbus Park) surrounded by his many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Marion attended Karnes Grade School, and later he went to Manual High School.

At the age of 17, Marion enlisted in the Navy to serve his country during World War II. He was stationed in the Pacific serving on an LST style ship. Marion had many stories of those times, mostly about missing home & family. As the war ended, Marion and one other sailor were left on the ship to bring it to the Philippines for decommissioning.

After the war, Marion returned home, and using the GI Bill benefits, he was able to attend Mizzou. He began his professional career working for Mike Berbiglia in his many liquor stores around Kansas City. Mike would send Marion to the stores that weren’t doing so well, as Marion had a knack for turning negatives into positives. Marion finally decided that he wanted to do the same for himself, and that is when he bought his first liquor store, Washington Liquors, shortly followed thereafter by Quality Hill Liquors. Marion knew how to make a customer feel special, and that talent led him to opening numerous more retail stores and bars. At one time, Marion had the second most liquor licenses issued by KCMO, coming in only after the old Milgram’s stores.

His successes in life were shared and supported by his “bride” of 67 years, Joan Follina Brancato. Side-by-side, they grew their lives together, supporting each other’s careers, and raising their two girls. They were also focused on purchasing rental properties, that gave them both happiness and headaches over the years.

If you knew Marion, you knew about his epic sense of humor, his kindness towards everyone; he truly never knew a stranger (and never forgot a name), he loved being with family, had the most dapper way about him and was a reminder of a better world. He was the consummate gentleman. Marion always reminded his girls that it was better to know the doorman than the CEO. He knew how to lift a person’s spirit, even when they were feeling the lowest. Marion was the most positive person, always reminding you to lift others up to your standards rather than lowering yourself to theirs.

The light of Marion’s life, besides Joan, were his two daughters and his two granddaughters. He relished every moment together with them. He was always there for his girls, in the good times and bad, lending guidance and advice. His toasts would often include, “A la Familia”, because to him, there was nothing more important than family. Marion didn’t have any hobbies because his family was his hobby. Marion was the consummate girl-Dad. He was thrilled and proud to have two daughters. He would drive them to school, take them with him to his stores, dance at all the Father-Daughter Dances (and Marion was a great dancer!), and supported their decisions in life.

Marion was an incredible “mixologist”. He made the best cocktails -- whiskey sours & sidecars being some of his real standouts. He always had the cocktail shaker ready for any guest at his home.

Marion loved his monthly lunches with his “Rumbala” pals. Their kindness to Marion was unmatched. He loved being of Sicilian heritage and sharing this with his buddies.

His daughters would like to thank all the caretakers from “Home Instead” who took such special care of him during his last year. You each brought him a lot of joy to his daily life after Mom passed. Your companionship and delicious cooking helped make his long days easier. We would also like to thank John & Claire at Claridge Court for making our Dad’s last few weeks bearable.

Marion is preceded in death by his parents, Matthew & Frances Asta Brancato, his brother Jack Brancato, uncle/brother-in-law Senator Jasper Brancato, brother-in-law Jim Fitzgerald, and nieces Vicki Brancato and Veronica Lipari Bonino.

He leaves behind his two daughters, Stefani Brancato and Andrea Brancato-Vovk (Frank Vovk), and his two dear granddaughters, Gabriella “Gabi” Vovk and Sofia Brancato, sister Madelyn Fitzgerald, sister-in-law Rosalind Brancato and his nieces JoAnn Cannova (Joe Sr.), Frances Meany (Kirk), and Dr. Leah Barreca (Mike), nephew Steve Lipari, and his grand-nephews, Dr. Joseph Cannova, Jr., Dr. Christopher Cannova, Dr. John Bonino, and Nick Bonino.

Marion's visitation will be from 9-9:45am with Rosary at 9:45am followed by his Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am on Friday, August 2, 2024 at Visitation Parish, 5141 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64112. Interment will follow in Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery, 7601 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO 64138.

Pallbearers: Frank Vovk, Dr. Lynn Crawford, Kirk Meany, Daniel Meany, Mike Barecca & Dr. John Bonino.

In lieu of flowers, Marion’s family asks that you consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/donate).

“Family is Everything!”