WHITEHALL, N.Y. — Dennis J. Brancati, 83, died Nov. 18, 2009, at Glens Falls Hospital, following a short illness.

He was born Nov. 18, 1926, in Albany.

He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, serving as a PT boat gunner on the same boat with Robert Kennedy.

Mr. Brancati was a brakeman for Delaware & Hudson Railroad, retiring in 1984.

In Fair Haven, Vt., he was a communicant of Our Lady of Seven Dolors Church, where he served as usher, and was a member of American Legion Post #49.

He enjoyed playing cards, bingo and his swimming pool.

Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth "Betty" (Levesque) Brancati of Whitehall whom he married in 1953, and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Brancati was predeceased by a brother and two half-brothers.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Church in Fair Haven by the Rev. James Lawrence, pastor, followed by burial with full military honors in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Whitehall.

There will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to SPCA of Upstate New York, PO Box 171, Hudson Falls, NY 12839; or a charity of one's choice.

View the guest book at www.rutlandherald.com/ obits.