Salvatore Franco Jr.

Sal was born in Passaic, New Jersey, son of Salvatore and June Franco. He grew up in Totowa, NJ. After graduating from Passaic Valley High School in 1976, Sal attended the University of Denver to earn his degree in business and restaurant/hotel management.

In 1980, Sal married the love of his life, Phyllis. They were married for 45 wonderful years and made many lasting memories together. Sal lived for his family and enjoyed summers by the pool with his granddaughters and trips to Disney. Over the years, Phyllis and Sal continued to share many laughs and adventures. Sal’s wife, two daughters, and four granddaughters were his pride and joy.

Sal didn’t have many hobbies, but he absolutely loved taking care of his beautiful backyard, his fish pond, and his palm trees. He enjoyed listening to music by Andrea Bocelli and Luciano Pavarotti. Sal tried to spend every second he could with his granddaughters and always wanted to give them the world. His girls were his true passion in life and he was the most amazing dad and poppy.

Above all of his hobbies, Sal was a loving husband and family man, who devoted his life to providing his wife and children with everything he could. He always offered tremendous support and encouragement to his children, whether it was through helping with homework, writing essays, or cheering from the sidelines. Sal never missed a cheer competition, a dance recital, a gymnastics meet, or a soccer game. For both his daughters and granddaughters, he was truly their number one fan.

Throughout his life, and up until the very end, Sal was an intelligent, hard working, kind-hearted, supportive, and loving man. You could always find him in either the kitchen or the backyard, and you could always count on him for some delicious Italian food. Sal will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He made wonderful memories with his family and friends throughout the years that will never be forgotten.

Sal is survived by his wife, Phyllis; his daughter, Danielle, her husband, Michael, and granddaughters, Giuliana and Michaela; his daughter, Deanna, her husband, Bob, and granddaughters, Arabella and Audriana; his mother June; his sister Gale, as well as many beloved relatives, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and friends. He is predeceased by his loving father Salvatore Franco and sister Jamie Lowe.

Friends and Family will be Gathering at Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, located at 703 Main Street, Toms River, NJ, 08753, on Sunday, October 26, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. A Memorial Service will follow, starting at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation on behalf of Sal to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.