Manuel H. "Manny" Branco

Manuel “Manny” H Branco, 83, of Walpole, Massachusetts, passed away unexpectedly on October 7 2026.

Born on November 18, 1943, in Boimo, Portugal, Manny was the son of the late Joao Fernandes Branco and Maria Alves Henriques. Manny was raised in Portugal until he immigrated to the United States with his wife, of 60 years, Piedade C Branco, where together they laid down roots in Norwood, MA. Manny later settled in Walpole, MA, with his young family, where he would spend the majority of his life building a home and raising his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Piedade C Branco, and his two children: Patricia B Giardino and her husband Gregory Giardino of Franklin, MA, and Maria B Collins and her husband Michael Collins of Franklin, MA.

He is forever loved by his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Alexandrea Ritchie, her husband Jeffrey Ritchie and their daughter Ruby Ritchie, Gabrielle Pisani, her husband Zachary Pisani and their daughter Lyla Pisani, Megan Gilbert her husband Randall Gilbert and their two children, Wesley and Sophia Gilbert, Madison Gebara and her husband Jason Gebara and Michael Joseph Collins.

Manny leaves behind his two sisters, Maria Cerqueira and husband Diamantino Cerqueira of Norwood, MA and Rosalina Preto and her husband Armindo Preto of Franklin, MA and a brother, George Branco and his wife Claudette Branco of Quebec, Canada.

He was predeceased by his brother Artur Branco and his surviving wife Gloria Branco of Norwood, MA.

Manny and Piedade immigrated to the United States from Portugal in 1966. He was proud of his roots and was a member of the Portuguese Club in Norwood, MA, where he celebrated and shared his culture with family and friends. Manny was a dedicated and hardworking man who held many jobs throughout his life. Most notably, he devoted 34 years of service to Bird & Sons, where he proudly worked until his retirement.

Outside of work, Manny’s greatest passion was running his beagles, a hobby that brought him immense joy and earned him numerous awards and titles throughout the years. He was a proud member of the Plainville Beagle Club for over 30 years, where he was honored with the title of “Man of the Year” in 2011, one of the many recognitions he received throughout his lifetime. However, it was never about the awards or accolades for Manny. What he truly loved was spending time outdoors and pursuing his passion, a love he was fortunate to share with his grandchildren, creating memories they will cherish for years to come.

Above all, Manny’s greatest accomplishment was the family he built and the love he shared with them. He treasured being able to watch his five grandchildren grow up and was overjoyed to recently welcome his four great grandchildren. More than any award or title his family was his greatest source of pride and happiness. The time he spent with them and the memories they created together will live on through the generations that follow.

Family and Friends are invited to attend his services. Calling hours will be held at Charles F. Oteri and Son Funeral Home in Franklin, MA, on Monday October 12, from 4-6 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held the following morning at St. Mary’s Parish in Franklin on Tuesday, October 13 at 11 am, burial to follow at the parish cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Manny’s memory to Mass General Brigham give.massgeneralbrigham.org

Guestbook www.franklinfuneral.com