Francesco franco Sapienza

Francesco ""Franco"" Sapienza, 86, of Hartford, beloved husband for 48 years of the late Giuseppina "" Josephine"" (Tralongo) Sapienza, passed away peacefully on Monday,(January 1, 2007) with his family at his side. He was born in Siracusa, Sicily, son of the late Natale ""Lido"" and Gaetana (Scirrio) Sapienza and had lived in Hartford for more than 30 years. He grew up in the baking industry, and he became a baker taking over the family owned business in Italy moving to Canada and finally establishing the business in Manchester. He was an Italian Navy veteran of World War II, having served in the Royal Navy from 1940 thru 1945 and was a prisoner of war in Algeria for two years. Franco lived his life to the fullest, and his greatest joys were singing, dancing and most of all baking and cooking. He was a loving father and grandfather and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He leaves behind his loving family, a daughter, Tina Nelson of South Windsor, and the loves of his life his adoring grandchildren, Rick, Ryan and Taylor. He also leaves a sister Lina Sapienza in Sicily and many other extended family members and friends here and in Italy, Canada and France. He was predeceased by brothers, Neli and Micheli Sapienza. His family would like to especially thank Carmela Czarnojan for all her kindness and attention she showed to Franco. Funeral services will be Friday at 9 a.m. from the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd, Wethersfield with a Mass of Christian Burial 10 a.m. in St. Augustine Church, Hartford. Burial will be in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. Friends may call at the funeral chapel on Thursday 4-7 p.m. For on-line expressions of sympathy please visit www.desopo.com