Hernani J. Chaves “Ernie” Branco, 61, of Norton, formerly of Brockton, died December 8, 2013 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Born in Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal, he was the son of Armanda (Chaves) Branco of Riverside, RI and the late Antonio P. Branco. Ernie earned a teaching degree from Bridgewater State University. He was first a health teacher at East Middle School and later became an educator and soccer coach at Brockton High School for many years and also served as principal of the Keith Center, retiring 2 years ago. He was the head coach of the Championship winning Stonehill College men’s soccer team during 1990 and 1991 and was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame. He will always be remembered as a kind and helpful person. Ernie was the beloved husband of Jennifer (Sousa) Branco for 30 years; loving and devoted father of Tiffany, Jordan and Morgan Branco; dear brother of Paul Branco and his wife Lisa of Brockton and Elizabeth B. Condinho and her husband Joaquim “Jack” of East Providence, R.I. Ernie leaves many loving family, friends and colleagues. All are welcome to calling hours Saturday, December 14th and Sunday December 15th from 1-7 p.m. in Waitt Funeral Chapel at Waitt Funeral Home, 850 North Main St., Brockton. Funeral Mass Monday, December 16th at 9 a.m. in St. Edith Stein Church, Brockton and burial at Melrose Cemetery, Brockton. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Ernie Branco Scholarship Fund, Harbor One Bank. www.ErnieBrancoSF.org

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