Anthony Gerald Branco

Tony was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Barbara Ann (McCall) Branco and his son Gregory Branco.

He is survived by his son Christopher Anthony Branco (and daughter in law Christine), as well as his cherished grandchildren Abigail Marie and Christopher James Branco.

Tony was born on May 28, 1935 to Gerard and Elizabeth Branco in Newark, NJ. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the Air force where he worked as a laboratory technician. After he was discharged, he transferred his laboratory skills into his new career as a chemist. Tony spent most of his career working at International Flavors and Fragrances, retiring in 1997.

Tony met the love of his life, Barbara Ann McCall in Newark and they were married in August of 1961. They started their young life and family in Matawan, NJ where they had a wonderful network of neighbors and created long lasting friendships. Tony was a family man and spent much time fishing with his sons and playing, coaching, and watching their sporting events. He was incredibly devoted to his community, running for Matawan’s city council and was heavily involved in community parks and recreation.

He also began running in mid-life and ran more marathons over the course of his lifetime than anyone could count. He continued to be an avid exerciser right up to the time of his passing. Tony and Barbara loved visiting Cape May with their family and ultimately purchased a second home there. They enjoyed walking the mall, visiting Congress Hall, taking in the beauty of the Victorian homes, worshiping at the Lady Star of the Sea Church, and dining at the Merion Inn and the Ocean Drive diner.

Tony also spent some of his retirement summers working as a Cape May beach tagger! After the birth of their first grandchild, Tony and Barbara purchased a home in Wilmington, NC where they relocated for the late fall, winter, and early spring of every year. They loved, cared for and helped raise their two grandchildren. Tony was a master of coming up with fun and creative ways to entertain his grandchildren including feeding the ducks, treasure hunts, golfing into the gutters and doing arts and crafts.

Although Tony was not granted the educational opportunities that others had, he proved his wisdom and intellect through his anecdotes that were famous within his family, and he was constantly reading and learning about anything and everything. He had a thirst for knowledge that he most certainly passed down to his grandchildren. Anthony Gerard Branco was truly one of a kind. He was quietly strong yet very loving. He was a hard worker and always ensured his family was safe and provided for.

He was generous and always filled with gratitude for the simplest gestures. Though he will be missed by those he leaves behind, his legacy of patience and thoughtfulness lives on through those whose lives he touched, as he now rests with his “angel” Barbara.

A Graveside Service for Anthony will be held on Friday, October 20, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 1311 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, North Carolina 28412.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CobleGreenlawn.com for the Branco family.