Ferdinand “Fred” Brancato

PORTLAND – Ferdinand “Fred” Brancato, of Portland, beloved family man, teacher, spiritual explorer, and Tai Chi master, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026, surrounded by family. He was 88.

A man of deep and expansive interests and a remarkable capacity for human connection, his career took him from Catholic seminary to professional baseball to executive leadership in child welfare.

Born in Bronx, N.Y, in 1938, he earned an M.A. in Religious Studies from Fordham University and a Ph.D. from New York University’s Department of Culture and Communication. He was a social worker, high school teacher, foundation director, and the executive director of New York child welfare agencies.

After moving from New York to Maine in 2001, he taught at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute of the University of Southern Maine and conducted workshops and retreats on spiritual development. In retirement, he founded Elders for Future Generations, a grassroots network of senior activists based in Portland. He was well loved as a local Tai Chi master and teacher.

Fred authored three books, including, “Mystery and Manifestation: Reflections on Life Experience Beyond Ideology, Theology, and Belief Systems” (Strategic Books, 2023).

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jane Burdick, of Portland; children Mark, Jennifer, and Jason Brancato, all of Long Island, N.Y.; six grandchildren; and sisters Caroline and Mary.

A celebration of life will be held later this summer for family.