PALM BAY, FL: On May 24, 2015, Antonino Brancaleone, known to many as Captain Nino, passed on to eternal peace with his beloved wife holding his hand and his devoted daughter at his side. Nino was born to Giuseppe and Lucia Brancaleone in Terrasini, Sicily, Italy, on August 4, 1927. Nino, his mother and his three brothers moved to the States in 1938 to join his father, who had established himself as a commercial fisherman in Gloucester, Mass. Nino began fishing with his father at the age of 16. He learned the trade, only taking a break to serve in the Navy during WWII, where he was stationed in Hawaii. Upon his return, Nino married the girl of his dreams and returned to the ocean to continue fishing. He eventually became captain of one of the Brancaleone fishing vessels, a 95-foot steel trawler called The Joseph and Lucia II. Before long, his excellent skill at fishing earned him a place among other successful fishing captains who were referred to as "High Liners" or "Top Skippers." Those who worked alongside Nino often described him as an intensely hard-working man. Others have often said that he was a proud man, who was fiercely honest and a true gentleman. His strong work ethic and constant devotion to his family was admired by many. As a result of their successes, Nino and his brothers were often the subject of many newspaper and magazine articles about Gloucester fishermen over the years.
After a long and very fruitful career in commercial fishing, Nino retired and moved to Palm Bay, where he had resided with his wife for the last 30 years. During his retirement, Nino enjoyed spending time with his daughter, Lucia, and her family who lived just around the corner. He also looked forward to regular visits from his son, Joe Michael and his family from up north. It was at these times, when his family was together that Nino seemed happiest. He always enjoyed having his family around him, especially during the holidays. Each Christmas, Nino went all out decorating his Florida home, and for many years, people came from all over to see his festive display. In addition to spending time with family, Nino loved to go on cruises with his wife, Nina, and their friends. Nino and Nina went on countless cruises over the years. When he was not traveling around on cruise ships, Nino enjoyed bowling with his wife and their team, playing cribbage, and working in his garden.
Nino was very loved and respected not only by his family, but also many of his peers. He will be greatly missed.
Nino was predeceased by his parents, Giuseppe and Lucia Brancaleone; brothers, Gaetano and Antonio Brancaleone; and his son, Joseph Michael Brancaleone. He is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Antonina Brancaleone; a brother, Joseph Brancaleone; a daughter, Lucia Duff and her husband, Robert Duff; daughter-in-law, Jeana Brancaleone; grandchildren, Nina Azarian and her husband, Charles Azarian, Joette Garcia and her husband, Tony Garcia, Robert Duff and his wife, Krista Duff, Krystyna Grant and her husband, David Grant; six great-grandchildren; and many extended family.