Robert Lee Brancato


 

Robert Lee Brancato, age 87 of Westlake Village, CA, passed away peacefully in the early hours of May 29th, 2018.

“Bob,” as he was known to his friends and family, grew up in Kansas City, KS, the only child of Marion and Agnes Brancato. He attended De La Salle Military Academy for high school, and upon graduation, enrolled in the Navy reserves where he was placed on special service for 4 years playing left-field for the 9th Naval district baseball team before being honorably discharged in 1954. During his time in the reserves, he attended Rockhurst University, where he received his bachelors in Industrial Relations. After landing his first job at Westinghouse Electric, he simultaneously pursued his MBA at University of Missouri, and later moved to Sacramento working for Aerojet General. He ultimately settled in Westlake Village, CA in 1968 after accepting an offer at Litton Industries, where he retired from, at age 63, after 24 years.

He was an active member of the community, serving on the HOA board for First Neighborhood where he was one of the original residents, and was a founding member of the Agoura High Chargers Booster Club with his first wife Rose Brancato. He loved all things sports. He coached little league, and loved watching his sons play football, basketball, and baseball where he could be described as “very spirited” from the sidelines. He was an avid golfer and was president of Men’s Golf Club at the Westlake Golf Course in 1979. He also was involved in church service at St. Jude’s and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus.

Bob married Sheila Brancato (nee Wildermuth) in 1985 and enjoyed many years of fun and companionship pursuing their mutual interests. He was happiest when he was traveling, skiing, or on the golf course. He completed his bucket list of playing historic golf courses around the world, his favorite being The Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Sheila and his son-in-law Reber Carroll. He is survived by his 3 children from his marriage to Rose: Thomas Brancato and his wife Marianne, James Brancato, and Terese Carroll, his 5 stepchildren from his marriage to Sheila, and 23 grandchildren.