Vincent Joseph Brocato, Jr., age 94, died at Providence Hospital on Monday, December 29, 2025, after suffering a heart attack. He was born in 1931, and grew up in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He attended elementary school there, as well as Sacred Heart Academy in Helena, Arkansas, and Morris School in Searcy, Arkansas. His high school and beginning college years were spent at St. Bernard's School in Cullman, Alabama. His final college education was at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama. It was in Mobile at Spring Hill College that Vince first met beautiful Georgette Sharretts, while she was studying to be a nurse. In 1954, they became engaged but decided to wait for marriage because Vince was called to military service. He served in the Army for three years during the Korean War and was sent overseas to Korea and then Japan. In 1957, Vince and Georgette married at St. Margaret Church in Foley, Alabama. They were blessed with three children: Barbara Marie, Daria Ann, and Vincent Joseph, III. Vince spent his professional life as a dedicated educator. He was employed by the Mobile County Public Schools for 27 years. Vince's first position was as a teacher of math and science at Ben C. Rain High School. He also served as Math and Science Supervisor, and then Vince completed his educational career as the Coordinator of Secondary Curriculum for MCPSS. Early in his career, Vince joined a local Toastmasters International Club that was designed to help people develop public speaking and leadership skills. He loved this opportunity, and Vince earned recognition for the skills he developed as a speaker. He also enjoyed selling men's clothes, and in the early days, Vince worked part time for several years at Stoll's and Metzger's in Mobile. After he retired, Vince became an active member of the Mobile Retired Teachers Association and served as its treasurer for many years. Another group to whom Vince gave several years of his time and sincere effort was the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Dominic Parish. He leaves behind his daughters: Barbara M. Brocato and Daria A. Brocato; his sister, Sister Maria Vincent Brocato, a Sister of Charity of Nazareth; his brother-in-law, Donnie Sharretts (Jeanmarie) and many close cousins. He was predeceased by his wife Georgette; his son Vincent J. Brocato, III; his parents: Vincent J. Brocato, Mary Sorce Brocato; and his stepmother, Pauline Abraham Brocato. Vince also leaves behind his dear friends: Orland Thomas and Bob Clardy and many others who knew and treasured his friendship. Two other friends that offered special support for many years were Wayne Hawkins and Cleveland Gantt. Special gratitude is extended to neighbors George Ann and Merrell Horsley, whose faithfulness and kindness are deeply appreciated. We want to thank Kay Rehm, Father Pat Driscoll, and Brenda Christian of St. Dominic Parish for their spiritual support, particularly during Georgette's illness.
December 18, 1931 — December 29, 2025
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in the Murphy Center at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 4156 Burma Road, Mobile, Alabama. Mass of Christian burial will follow in the church at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be immediately following at Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 6100 Three Notch Rd, Mobile, Alabama.
