Read the obituary for Marine recruit Joseph Brancato
The remains of the 21-year-old, who was reported missing in November, were discovered on March 25.
Funeral services for a 21-year-old Marine recruit from Winthrop will take place in his hometown Tuesday.Joseph “Joey” Brancato was reported missing in November, and his remains were discovered last week near I-95 in Canton. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and death. An autopsy performed on his remains “did not immediately establish cause or manner of death.”In his obituary, Brancato’s relatives described the 21-year-old’s love of fishing, skiing, and dirt bike riding.“Just prior to his sudden passing, he had enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps., and was waiting to report to Parris Island for basic training,” the family wrote. Read the tribute from Brancato’s relatives, shared by the Maurice Kirby Funeral Home, below:
BRANCATO, Joseph Albert “Joey”, of Winthrop, passed away unexpectedly. He was 21 years old. Beloved son of Kim Marie (LeBaron) Brancato of Winthrop and Andrew R. Brancato of Peabody. Dear brother of Andrew R. Brancato of Melrose, Gabriella N. Brancato of Winthrop and Rebekah R. Brancato of Everett. Cherished grandson of Mildred (Todisco) LeBaron and the late Albert N. LeBaron of Winthrop and Veronica (Joyce) Brancato and the late Andrew R. Brancato of West Peabody. Loving nephew of Shawn LeBaron of Bradford and the late Al LeBaron, Andrea Brancato-Walke of Danvers and Karla Brancato of West Peabody. Also survived by his great-aunts, many cousins and close friends who were like his family. Visiting hours will be held in the Maurice W. Kirby Funeral Home 210 Winthrop St. Winthrop, on Tues, April 3, from 4-8pm. A Funeral Service will be held that evening in the funeral home at 7pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Attn. Development Charles B. Wang International Children’s Building, 699 Prince St. Alexandria VA. 22314. Joseph loved fishing and enjoyed spending time at the Winthrop Yacht Club to fish. He also enjoyed skiing and dirt bike riding. Just prior to his sudden passing, he had enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps., and was waiting to report to Parris Island for basic training. For guestbook and directions, please visit: www.mauricekirbyfh.com.
