Franco Mario DeNicola

Franco grew up in Henrietta, NY and lived most of his adult life in Pittsford, NY. He is survived by his children, Mario and Erica, his daughter- and son-in-law, Monisha and Alex, beloved grandchildren, Samuel and Amara, his brothers Alex (Pam) and Issa, his sister, Stella (Tony), and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Maria and Gustavo, and his beloved wife, Kathie.

Franco was a man of deep passions and a generous spirit. Whether he was admiring a piece of art, listening to music, or enjoying good food, he found beauty in the things he enjoyed and lived to share it with those around him. A teacher at heart, Franco began his career as a physical education teacher before leaving the workforce to stay home with his children and support Kathie’s career. He never stopped teaching, though; he loved nothing more than introducing others to his favorite fascinations, always eager to share a delicious meal, a clever joke, or a new insight.

Though Franco found much joy in his interests, his life did not always go as planned. For most of his adult life, he faced chronic health issues—a hardship that impacted him and his family deeply. Throughout these years, he remained dedicated to the things that brought him satisfaction and peace.

He found immense peace in nature, often found in his office studying his latest interests or quietly observing the wildlife in his own backyard. He took great joy in the simple presence of the birds, deer, squirrels, and the occasional raccoon that called his and Kathie’s yard home. When not in quiet reflection, Franco was a spirited competitor at the card table, ready for a lively game of Euchre, Scopa, or Wizard with his family or close friends. In his final year, he found great joy in spending time with his grandson, Samuel.

He is now at rest and will be deeply missed by his friends and family. A celebration of life will be scheduled in the near future for close friends and family; notifications regarding date, time, and location will be forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to honor Franco’s love of nature and the outdoors by supporting causes close to his heart:

Ocean Conservancy - a U.S.-based organization that works globally to protect the ocean:

https://oceanconservancy.org/

Rainforest Trust — protecting critical habitats and biodiversity:

https://www.rainforesttrust.org/