Michael G. Brocato, born May 18, 1953, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026 at 7:36 a.m. surrounded by his family as they finished praying the rosary at his bedside. It was a fitting moment for a man whose standard for living in this world — and whose standard of faith — were always high.
Mike was born in Baton Rouge to Anthony and Angelina Brocato. He and his sister Angela were second-generation Brocatos born in the United States. Their grandparents emigrated from Cefalù and Messina, Italy, bringing with them the traditions of faith, family, and hard work that would shape Mike’s life.
Mike graduated from Redemptorist High School and Southeastern Louisiana University, where he was a walk-on wide receiver for two years before earning his degree in education. He married his high school sweetheart, Loretta Nezat, in 1973, the beginning of a 52 year marriage that would define the rest of his life.
Soon after their marriage, Mike accepted a teaching and coaching position at Berwick Junior High School. Mike and Loretta made their home in St. Mary Parish, where they planted roots and built a life centered on faith, family, and community.
Mike spent his career in education, beginning as a teacher and coach and eventually serving as assistant principal and later principal of Patterson High School, a role he held for more than twenty years. But Mike was more than a principal. To generations of students, teachers, and families in “P-Town,” he was a mentor, a steady presence, and a man who believed deeply in doing things the right way. He held high expectations, cared deeply about the people around him, and took pride in the school and community he served.
At home, Mike and Loretta raised four children and created a life filled with stability, faith, and love. Their family prayed together, fished together, played ball, camped, and traveled countless miles together in family vans. Their home was warm, safe, and full of laughter.
Mike was known for his honesty, his precision, and his work ethic. Whether coaching a team, leading a school, building cabinets, or cutting grass, he approached everything with full effort and pride. There was simply no other way he knew how to do things. He loved his family with that same dedication and passion, and those who knew him experienced the quiet strength of a man who lived his values every day.
Mike’s faith remained unwavering throughout his life and even in his final moments. He faced the end of his earthly life with the same quiet confidence in God that had guided him all along.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Angelina Brocato; brothers-in-law Doug Hood, Jerry Nezat and his wife Carolyn, and Dave Garrett; and nephews Sean Nezat and Kevin Garrett.
He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 52 years, Loretta Nezat Brocato; his children Michael Brocato, Jr. and wife Nicole, Lyle Brocato and wife Angelena, Michelle Gaspar and husband Jason, Leisha Chamberlain and husband Sheldon, and his sister Angela Brocato Hood.
Mike was the proud grandfather of thirteen grandchildren: Taylor, Alex, and Parker Brocato; Rocco, Luca, Rossi, and Franco Brocato; Mackenzie Samuels and husband Kaden and soon to be great grand-daughter, Laklyn; Gabrielle Fabre and husband Dylan; Kobe Marcel and Luciana Gaspar; and Cullen and Lex Chamberlain.
Mike’s life was truly beautiful, and his family was blessed to be part of it.
The family requests visiting hours be observed at Ibert’s Mortuary in Patterson on Sunday, March 15, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM, and again on Monday, March 16, from 8:00 AM until time of dismissal at 10:00 AM. The Holy Rosary will be prayed at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Patterson at 10:30 AM.
Funeral services will be held Monday, March 16, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Patterson during an 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial. Father Herbert Bennerfield III will be the Celebrant for the Mass, with Father Richard Greene concelebrating and Deacon Shannon Freeman assisting. In keeping with Mike’s wishes, following funeral services he will be cremated. A private graveside service will be held with the family at a later date in the St. Joseph Cemetery where he will be laid to rest.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the following: Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Africa 38 Wiley Road Belmont, MA 02478; St. Joseph Catholic Church in Patterson, LA; or Thibodaux Regional Cancer Center.
We invite you to share your condolences, cherished memories, photos, and messages of love and support with the Brocato family on his memorial page at www.iberts.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc., 1111 Lia Street, Patterson, LA 70392, (985) 395-7873.
