Joseph Anthony Franco

Joseph Anthony Franco passed away at the age of 80 years old on June 21, 2024 after defying the odds for 26 years while battling Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). Joe was born to Angelo and Emily Franco on December 5, 1943 in San Diego, California, the fourth of seven children.

He spent his childhood in New Berlin, New York, before attending college at the University of Notre Dame where he studied mechanical engineering and met his beloved wife, Mary. Throughout his entire life, he held a deep affinity with his alma mater, where he spent some of his most formative years and experienced many cherished memories.

Joseph Franco and Mary Reese wed on February 5, 1966. They moved to Ithaca, New York, to start their family while Joe pursued his Master of Science degree at Cornell University. He deeply enjoyed his work as an engineer with Ebasco, Envirosphere, Raytheon, and Foster Wheeler, as well as all of the travels that the job entailed, before retiring in Southern California.

An avid reader, sports enthusiast, music lover, and cook, he enjoyed many interests and hobbies that he now passes on to his children and grandchildren. Not the least of which was his incredible pride in his Italian heritage. He was self-taught in the Italian language and found great enjoyment in exploring his ancestry through study and travel throughout the country.

Above all, his greatest joy was his family. Whether helping his grandchildren with their math homework or simply enjoying a meal with his wife and children, his family was at the very center of everything he most enjoyed.

Joe is survived by his wife, Mary, his three children; Helen Horn, Amy de Guia, and Andrew Franco, as well as their spouses; Michael Horn, Darren de Guia, and Linda Franco; his beloved grandchildren, Mina de Guia-Cole, Roman de Guia, and Dominic Franco; and his siblings, Anne, Pat, John, Kathy and Gerry.

He is greatly missed by his family and loved ones and continues to be a model of leading a life of kindness, dedication to family, and profound faith in God.

Joseph's funeral mass will be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/live/ANtwilFQZfM

Joe's favorite charities...

OC Rescue Mission https://www.rescuemission.org/give-now/

St. Labre Indian School https://www.stlabre.org/