George Branco Jr.

George John. Branco Jr., 78, of Vickery and Catawba Island, Ohio, passed away Monday, January 12th – a year to the day his beloved wife Joanne passed, after an admirable battle against dementia. He was born in Bellevue, Ohio on March 5,1948 to his cherished parents, George and Shirley Branco. George Married Joanne (Yurista) in Port Clinton, OH on May 19th, 1973, and they were married for 52 years.

George is survived by his stepson Richard (Lorene), his grandchildren: Alexandra and Olivia. He is also survived by his siblings: Rita Bradbury, Paula (Richard) Hackenberg, Michael (Jill) Branco, Vince (Stephanie) Branco, and Randy (Cindie) Branco. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Rose Marie, brothers Mark (Karen) and Brian (Kimberly) and Paul (Brenda) Branco; and his cherished in-laws, John and Ann Yurista. He is also survived by innumerable nieces and nephews, cousins, and a lengthy list of cherished and dedicated friends.

George grew up on the family farm in Vickery, Ohio where he developed a tireless and admirable work ethic that was second to none. A 1966 graduate of Fremont Ross High School, and a 2005 inductee into the Fremont Ross High School Athletic Hall of Fame, George excelled in academics, football, and wrestling, gaining All-State 1st team recognition in football, and qualifying for the state tournament in wrestling. George's love and knowledge of wrestling led him to be a high school referee for over 20 years.

George attended Heidelberg College on scholarship and continued to play football and wrestle and excel in the classroom. He was a proud member of the Excelsior Men's Club and admitted later in life a slew of "Animal House – like" activities he and his brothers were involved in. They sure had a blast and remained brothers for life. Special thanks to the Berg Brothers for the many visits with George over the last year. After receiving his undergraduate degree from Heidelberg, he attended Toledo University receiving his MBA in Business and Purchasing.

During his long and extremely successful career, George worked at Vulcan Materials in Sandusky, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals in Gibsonburg, The Stolle Corporation in Sidney and Alcoa at multiple locations. George even sold boats for a brief time while living on Catawba Island and quickly became the top salesman.

George loved to work and there was nothing he was incapable of doing. Nothing. Especially when it came to building something with his hands – a house, a garage, a chimney. You name it. He was truly gifted. He was also always willing to lend a helping hand to family, neighbors, and friends. He loved gardening, whether his garden on Catawba or the family garden in Bellevue, gardening was always a big part of his life. His gardens always flourished with the most incredible produce – he truly was blessed with 'a green thumb.' He loved to cook with homemade spaghetti and ham and bean soup being his specialties. He was an avid golfer. He cheered for the Browns and THE Ohio State Buckeyes his entire life. He did not like the Pittsburgh Steelers or Michigan. Who does? George saw something his grandchildren will never see – a Cleveland Browns Championship in 1964.

George loved fishing for perch and walleye on Lake Erie on the family boat and gave his family a wonderful life on Catawba Island. He loved to sing (he had a great voice) and rolled on the floor in complete laughter anytime he watched a Peter Seller's Pink Panther movie.

The last 22 years of his life were dedicated to caring for his wife who had MS, most of which time she was confined to a wheelchair. It was by no means easy, but he provided for her 24/7/365 and handled her care, even when his own health was declining. He never asked for help although family and friends were always there to lend a helping hand. George and Joanne never let their health challenges stop them from enjoying a highly active life.

The family extends its love and appreciation to Vince, Paula, and Rita for their many visits with George over the last year and a half, as well as assisting in providing care during exceedingly challenging times. And Lexi – George's granddaughter. Thank you for your dedicated love and support of your grandfather over the last year and a half. Passionate and steadfast in advocating for him, his health, safety, and well-being. Making sure he always had what he needed (lots of sweets) and visiting him sometimes 2-3 times a day. And to George's best buddy Al and his precious wife Eileen – the family is so incredibly grateful to you.

A funeral Mass for George will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 12 noon at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, 231 East Center Street, Bellevue, Ohio 44811. Interment will follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, 556 Monroe Street
Bellevue, Ohio.

A luncheon will be held at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church following the burial where the family will also give eulogies for George and celebrate his life. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

In lieu of flowers or donations, lend a helping hand to someone in need, in whatever shape or form that may be. That is what George would want.