Obituary of Antonietta Brancato

Antonietta (Bascetta) Brancato, of Burlington, MA,  a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the age of 88.

Born in Syracusa, Sicily, Antonietta’s early years were filled with the warmth and smells of her mother’s kitchen, where she learned to cook timeless family recipes passed down through generations. It was there that her love for cooking and for bringing joy to others through food began. She married her beloved husband, Antonino, from the nearby town of Floridia, and together they started a life full of love, laughter, and adventure in Sicily. In 1960, with their three-year-old son, they immigrated to the United States, eventually settling in Burlington in 1978 after calling Dorchester, Woburn, and Stoneham home.

Antonietta was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. After raising her two sons, she worked alongside her husband at Borden’s Confectionary, where they shared many happy years together, with Antonietta continuing to work even after her husband’s retirement.

Her love for her Sicilian heritage shone through in every aspect of her life, especially her cooking. Antonietta’s kitchen was always filled with the comforting aroma of homemade sauces, soups, pastas, and an endless array of delicious dishes that no one could resist. Visitors knew that a meal was always waiting for them, and when they left, they would be sent home with jars of sauce, tomatoes, and a sweet treat to carry with them. Sunday mornings were her special time, starting with music, a simmering pot of sauce, and the joy of cooking for her family. Her old-fashioned ways, like roasting peppers on the wood stove, became cherished traditions. Antonietta’s love for the holidays was unmatched, and she would spend days preparing enough food to feed an army, all with a smile.

Antonietta and Antonino were inseparable, partners in life and love. Together, they attended events at the Burlington Council on Aging, enjoyed card games, exercise classes, and social gatherings. Though she claimed to not be a fan, Antonietta secretly enjoyed watching pro wrestling with her husband. The couple’s bond was unbreakable, and in Antonino’s later years, Antonietta’s love and care for him shone through as she supported and brightened his every day. They also shared a love of watching the Red Sox and Patriots, and their trips back to Sicily and family cruises created lifelong memories.

A devoted "Nonna" to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Antonietta’s love and care for them knew no bounds. Her home was always a safe and loving place, where laughter filled the air, especially when she chased them around with a wooden spoon—though she never quite caught them! She also had the joy of seeing the births of her great-grandchildren, an experience that brought her great happiness.

Antonietta’s legacy was one of warmth, kindness, and unconditional love. She had a special way of making everyone feel like family, and her home was always open to visitors, whether for a meal, a chat, or simply to enjoy her company. She never had a bad word to say about anyone and saw the good in everyone she met. Her family, friends, and all who knew her will lovingly remember Antonietta not only for her incredible cooking but for the boundless love and light she shared with all. She truly was a special angel.

Antonietta will be dearly missed but never forgotten. Her spirit lives on in the hearts of all those she touched.

Antonietta was the beloved wife of 67 years of Antonino Brancato.  She was the proud mother of Mario Brancato & his longtime companion Paula Dias of Westford and Salvatore Brancato & his wife Kim of Burlington.  She was the loving “Nonna” of Anthony Brancato, Nicholas Brancato, Tina Mitchell, Robert Brancato, Michael Brancato, and Melissa Smith.  She was the sister of the late Angelina, Marianina, and Lucia Bascetta.  She was the sister-in-law of Frank & Rose Brancato of West Roxbury, Joseph & Lucia Brancato of Wilmington, John & Tina Piscitello of Sandwich, and the late Connie & Sally Alicata.  She was also survived by 12 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington on Sunday November 24 from 4-6pm. Funeral services will be held at the Versailles Mausoleum in Woodlawn Cemetery, 302 Elm Street, Everett at noon on Monday, November 25, 2024.

For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net