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Frank Branco Obituary
Des Moines
Frank "Papa" "Cheech" Joseph Branco (85) of Des Moines, Iowa, died March 9, 2014, peacefully at home with his loving family by his side.
Frank was born in Des Moines, Iowa to Joseph and Anna on October 3, 1928. He went to school at Park Avenue Grade School and Lincoln High School. Frank faithfully served our country in the United States Marine Corp. He was most known for his warmth and sense of humor. Frank married Betty Lou Green on October 9, 1949. He worked for John Deere for several years before starting his own home improvement business and became the best in the business. In his free time he enjoyed being the first to 'PRESS' while golfing and always catching the biggest fish on our trips. He enjoyed our annual pilgrimage to Notre Dame to see touchdown Jesus. Frank loved playing cards in the old principal's office with his friends at the Italian American Club and most of all spending time with his beautiful family.
In his 64 years of marriage to his beautiful wife Betty Lou, they had five children, Mike (Patti), Joe (Jen), Marcia (Pete), Deb (John), and Frankie II. He had 12 grandchildren, Christy (Erich), Mary Michael, Joe II, Katie, Frank (Michelle), Kelli, Melissa (Barima), Anthony, John, Anna, Claire, and Kathleen (David); five great grandchildren, Parker, Drue, Clover, Madison and Melissa (with 2 more in the oven!). He is also survived by his sister, Theresa Sbrocco.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Anna, his sisters, Sara, Mary, and Anna; and grandson Anthony.
The visitation will be held at Hamilton's South Funeral Home on March 12, 2014 from 4-8 p.m. Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony's Church on Thursday, March 13, 2014, at 11:00 AM. The entombment will follow immediately after funeral at Resthaven.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Papa's favorite charity (www.stjude.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frank Branco
May 21, 2014
Betty, I just found out about Franks passing 10 minutes ago sorry for your loss. Gregg Schroder Bangor Maine (he was very nice to me)
Janet Hanson
March 15, 2014
I am Janet Grange Hanson, Ray & Lois Grange were my parents. We lived a few houses away on 13th street years ago. I remember your family with a warm heart. I babysat Frank, Mike & Debbie for several years in late 1950's. I had a pretty standing Saturday night gig, your parents were very social and fun. I think I made 25 cents an hour! Loved them and loved you too. We kind of lost touch as us kids grew but I can remember those days clearly. Ray & Lois passed away in 2011.
I am so sorry for your great loss.
Pat Lafferty
March 13, 2014
Mike and Joe, Your papa/mama sure made a handsome couple.. great dad, wonderful family. Fond memories of the southside with you's and yours..good times and great food. Miss you all and smile when I think back to our gatherings.. Love from asia ..Pat
Joe Katich
March 12, 2014
Debbie and family, our condolences to the Brancos with Franks' passing. I'm sure there are many wonderful memories.God bless.
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Pete and Esther Leo
March 12, 2014
Dear Betty and family,
We are sorry to hear of Frank's passing, we have many happy memories of him. Sorry we can't be there our condolences to you and your family.
March 12, 2014
Can't ever remember when Frank wasn't with a smile. Great guy. God rest his soul. Condolences to family.
Jim Pigneri, Tustin, CA
ALHS Class of 1946.
Grant Dickinson
March 12, 2014
I remember fondly getting to know Frank and Mike on a few fishing trips to Canada! Frank always did catch the biggest fish, and taught me a few things around the card table also! He will be greatly missed, and my prayers go out to the Branco family!
Carrie Loffredo
March 12, 2014
Thinking of you all... He will be missed!
Old photo of Bill and Noreen. You were their best friends ever!
Bev Randa-Williams
March 11, 2014
Betty I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will always remember the fun when you two and the boys came to our house and played canasta with my mom and dad! The boys were so sweet and we had a good time. I remember you guys coming to the Charcoal Room in the good old days. Many fond memories. Love from me and Mom and Shar.
Ingrid Litten
March 11, 2014
Frank, I am so sorry to hear of you father's passing. I know you loved him very much and talked very fondly of him and your younger years. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
3 and 1/2
March 11, 2014
momma lou, mikey, joe,marcia, deb and Frankie, my heart goes out to you all.Papa was a wonderful man and a joy to be around.I will miss him greatly.
Cindy Simms
March 11, 2014
Frank our prayers are with you and your family
March 11, 2014
To Betty Lou & kids: Connie and I wish that Frank was still among us, but we know he is in a better place in heaven. sorry we can't be there for the services but we'll be keeping you all in out hearts an prayers
Lloyd & Connie.
Dick and Phyllis Cacciatore
March 11, 2014
Our sympathy and blessings to Betty and the family. We regret that we are unable to attend the services. We remember Frank and Betty as a very handsome couple and very gracious and always smiling. Dick and Phyllis Cacciatore
Melanie Devine
March 11, 2014
Frankie, we are so sorry to hear about your dad. We are thinking of you and your family. Melanie and Rob
USMC
Herb Guyer-Sharfenaker USMC
March 11, 2014
God Bless/RIP,to ALL who served during WWII.The USA would NOT be as it is today. Thank YOU"Leatherneck",for your service..and SEMPER FI.
John Roeder
March 11, 2014
I am sad that Frank is no longer with us but smile when I think of him and the whole family because I got to meet and know such a wonderful man and family. May God grant you all peace in your grief. My love to you all.
Patrick McIlhon
March 11, 2014
Mike, your father and family are in our prayers.
Peggy & Leo Gustafson
March 11, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
We love you and pray that you will find comfort and strength in the days ahead.
Freddy Hale
March 11, 2014
My condolences to everyone in the Branco family. Frank always made me smile when I seen him, and was a great man.
Kelly Ellis
March 11, 2014
As a young man working at Echo Valley I remember Frank (and his family) quite well and with very fond memories. God bless him and god bless the Branco family in the celebration of Franks life
Milo DePhillips
March 11, 2014
We will keep Frank, and your entire family, in our prayers. I remember his trip to visit jis relatives in Cariati with great fondness. Please accept our sincere condolences. Milo DePhillips
Kathy Flanagan Garton
March 11, 2014
I was saddened to read of Frank's passing, working at Dahl's I knew the whole family. Then after work stopping to get Branco's pizza and the best homemade salad dressing ever. I would like to send many hugs and kisses to the family. Smile a lot when sharing all the stories, Frank was a great guy and will be missed by all that knew him. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Barbara Gilbert
March 10, 2014
My heart and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. I know your husband, father, grandpa, brother and friend will continue to be with you all and that you will feel his love just as he feels your love.
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