Salvatore John Brancaccio

Salvatore “Sal” John Brancaccio, the beloved husband of Annamarie (Vachal) Brancaccio, and much loved father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend, passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife by his side on June 2, 2024, at the age of 85.  Born on December 7, 1938, in Brooklyn, New York, Sal was the cherished son of Frank Brancaccio and Marianna (Carollo) Brancaccio.

Sal grew up in Brooklyn, New York.  He attended PS 29 and Brooklyn Technical and then went on to graduate from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas, with a B.A. in 1962.  He married the love of his life, Annamarie Vachal, in Kansas 58 years ago in 1966.   Together they began raising a family in Bay Shore, Long Island, before moving to Arlington, Texas, in 1979.  While in Arlington, Sal continued to work as a food and beverages analyst for American Airlines, where he worked for over 25 years, before transitioning to become a successful stockbroker at Provident Strategies Group, from which he eventually retired.

A true family man, Sal adored his wife Annamarie, with whom he enjoyed collecting antiques over the years, and found immense joy in his four children and five grandchildren and in supporting their interests and activities.  He was an avid reader and had a particular fondness for playing cards.  Known for his quick wit, Sal was a devoted fan of “Jeopardy!” and greatly appreciated the music of Frank Sinatra, Andrea Bocelli and Luciano Pavarotti, among others.  He was proud of his Italian heritage, and was a member of the Sons of Italy.

Sal loved spending time with cherished friends and family from throughout his life from New York, Kansas, Texas, California and elsewhere.   Sal used his sharp mind, positive outlook and generous spirit to help others.  He loved following the stock markets and serving others by providing advice on investing and saving for the future.  He was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees, and had a special place in his heart for the New York Giants and the University of Kansas Jayhawks, cheering them on with great enthusiasm.

Sal is survived by his loving wife, Annamarie Brancaccio, his daughter Marian Brancaccio, his son, Dr. Frank Brancaccio and his wife, Dr. Anne, his daughter Helen (Brancaccio) Davidson and her husband, Paul, and his son Charles Brancaccio.  Sal is also survived by five treasured grandchildren, Austin Davidson, Brandon Davidson, Carmen Davidson, Salvatore Brancaccio and Vincent Brancaccio.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia (Brancaccio) Bonadonna, and his brother, Vincent Brancaccio.  Mitzi, the family dog, will miss Sal, too, and Sal delighted in the companionship of other beloved pets during his lifetime.

In remembrance of Sal’s life, the family will have visitation at Wade Funeral Home in Arlington from 5 to 8pm on Monday, June 17.  A funeral mass for Sal will be held at the Church of St. Vincent de Paul in Arlington on Tuesday, June 18 at 11am, followed by a reception at the church and burial thereafter.  In lieu of flowers, the family invites contributions to Prevent Blindness, the American Diabetes Association, or a charity of choice.

Salvatore John Brancaccio will be deeply missed but never forgotten.  Sal’s legacy of love, wisdom, humility and humor will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.  May he rest in peace.