Joe Franco

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm this Sunday at the Life Event Center at Florida Memorial – 5950 South US Hwy. 1, Rockledge, FL 32955.

Joe was born in Sada, Samoedo Spain to Basilio and Maria Franco. He came to New York with his family in 1929. His father worked at the Seaport and his mother was a seamstress in a factory.

Joe became a US citizen and was part of “The Greatest Generation” – proudly serving in the U.S. Army Air Forces in Europe during WW II. Right after “D-day”, he landed in France and his first job was to create an airfield. He was a mechanic and worked tirelessly to ensure the planes were mission-ready.

After returning from the War, Joe continued to serve his county as a civilian employee of the Air Force. Most of his career was spent as a quality assurance engineer at Cape Canaveral. He took great pride in helping ensure the safety and success of our Space Program.

Joe loved everything about America – he was extremely compassionate about America’s pastime – Baseball. Joe was a very good player and even got a tryout with The New York Giants – even though his was a life-long Yankees fan.

Mr. Franco is survived by his son, Richard Franco, granddaughter Nicole Franco, sister Angelita Vanella, and his former wife and loving friend -- Martha Franco.

He was preceded in death by his sister – Tonita Sanchez.