Nicholas M. Franco

Nicholas M. Franco, 88, of Wethersfield and Old Colony Beach, Old Lyme, passed away peacefully, Monday, (May 17, 2010), at St. Francis Hospital. He was the husband of the late Angeline Montanaro Franco for 60 years. Nick was born June 15, 1921, in Hartford and was the son of the late Michael and Mary (Vignone) Franco. He attended Hartford High School, and was a proud U.S. Army World War II veteran who served in France and Germany. He and his wife owned and operated the former Franco's Market in Hartford for over 30 years, retiring in 1991. Nick is survived by his children, Candis Franco, Nicolette ""Nikki"" Sposito and Mark Franco, all of Wethersfield; his loving sisters, Christine Calaci of Vernon and Antoinette Papa of Rocky Hill; his cherished grandchildren, Paul M. Sposito and his wife Rebecca Parrish Sposito of Rocky Hill, Gina Sposito and fiancé Adam Prestia of Wethersfield; and their father Paul J. Sposito. He is also survived by his lifelong friend; his brother-in-law, Andrew L. Montanaro and wife Virginia ""Gin"" of Old Lyme; sisters-in-law; Irene Montanaro of Wethersfield and Fran Montanaro of Newington; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, grandnieces, grandnephews, also his special friends from ""The Boyz"" club, and all the great ""Jazz"" musicians from the Arch Street Tavern. Besides his wife, Angie; Nick was predeceased by his brothers, Joseph, Carl, and Angelo Franco; and sisters Anna Abbruzese and Linda Dragon. Nick was a man of many passions and talents, and was always the life of any party. A past member of the Hartford Musicians' Association, he played stand-up bass with the then popular Hartford band ""Tempo Four"". His love for music was so strong that he passed this love and passion to his son to continue long after he was gone. He also was an accomplished carpenter, who in his spare time built three cottages in Old Colony Beach, Old Lyme with his brother-in-law, Andy Montanaro. The family wishes to extend their heart-felt thanks to Dr. Grise, Lana and associates from Prime Health Care, Sue Gagliardi, Maria Santos, Vinnie, Una, Vilma, and Barbara May from Masonicare VNA, and also the wonderful, caring nursing staff from St. Francis Hospital. Funeral service will be Saturday, at 9 a.m. at the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Incarnation, 544 Prospect Street, Wethersfield. The burial will be in Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill with full military honors. Calling hours are Friday from 4-8 p.m. at the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel. Donations in Nick's memory may be made to the Masonicare Home Health & Hospice, 111 Founders Plaza, Suite 200, East Hartford, CT 06108. For on line expressions of sympathy please visit www.desopo.com