James “Jim” Branco, 61, of Marlborough, loving husband to Alice (Sterenczak) Branco, peacefully passed away Monday, July 16, 2018 at home with his family by his side. James was born September 16,1956 in Santa Maria, Portugal, son to the late Manuel Branco and Jesvina (Riccardo) Branco. He came to America at age 10 and resided in the Hartford area. James was a hard-working self-employed owner of The Wine Seller Liquor Store in Vernon. He had many interests and hobbies, to include fishing and boating, he loved the water, playing golf, driving remote controlled cars, flying drones and home improvement. James gave his time unselfishly, especially within the Ukrainian community where he was a member of the Ukrainian National Home, volunteering with bingo, and volunteering with the Ukrainian Youth Association CYM; in addition to volunteering as a counselor for the YMCA working with kids, as a coach for Marlborough Soccer Club and Park and Rec Basketball. James’ greatest passions were spending time with his family and photography, capturing life memories. He honorably served in the CT National Guard.
Along with his wife Alice, James will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family, a daughter Kristen Branco of Marlborough; a son Daniel Branco and his fiancé Allison Naylor, in Oak Park, IL; five siblings, George Branco and his wife Irene, John Branco and his wife Lisa, Joe Branco, Zelda Silva and David Branco and his companion Lisa, all in Florida; two sister-in-law, Irene Masnyj and her husband Taras and Mary Throop and her husband Vernon, all in Arizona. In addition to his parents, James was predeceased by two older brothers, Manny Branco, Antonio Branco and his mother-in-law, Julia Sterenczak.
Friends and relatives may pay their respects to the Branco family, Friday, July 20, 2018 from 5-8 pm at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Rd., Wethersfield, with a Panachyda service at 7:30 pm, with the Very Rev. Pawlo Martyniuk officiating. A Funeral Liturgy will be held Saturday, July 21st at 10 am in St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 135 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford. Interment will be held privately. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Ukrainian Youth Association CYM, 961 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford, CT 06114 or the Marlborough Volunteer Fire Department, 7 Hebron Rd., Marlborough, CT 06447. To extend online condolences and/or share a memory, please visit farleysullivan.com.