Stanley Franco

Stanley Franco was born May 22, 1927 in Oak Creek, Colorado. He was the oldest of seven children born to Natividad and Bernabe Franco. Stanley also had an older half-brother, whom he met as an adult. From Oak Creek the family moved to Denver.

As a young teenager, Stanley took many odd jobs to help provide for his family. The sugar beet fields afforded him the opportunity to perform back breaking work while tending and harvesting the sugar beet crops. This work was seasonal and took its toll on his education. When Stanley was in 8th grade he dropped out of school so he could work full time at the Denver Country Club. He was responsible for making pies, one day he was asked to make four dozen pies, half apple and half cherry. That’s just what he did, each pie crust was loaded half with apple filling and half with cherry. Don’t let it be said that Stanley didn’t follow orders.

At the age of 18, Stanley joined the Army serving in WW II. He was stationed in Germany during the Nuremburg trials. His interest in cameras took hold while he was serving in the war. Stanley captured many vivid images of Germany during WWII. He had a natural talent with the camera and was able to tell extraordinary stories with a simple click of the lens.

When Stanley returned home from the service he enlisted with the United States Naval Reserves. The government was offering student loans, he saw this as the opportunity to expand on his 8th grade education. He attended a trade school where he refined his skills in photography. Photography was his passion, he was very comfortable behind the lens.

In 1948 while waiting for the bus a young pretty lady caught his eye. Josephine Plancarte was working at Neustetter’s in downtown Denver and rode the same bus. He was taken by her beauty and grace. It took Stanley some time to build up the courage to speak to Jody. Until then, he was determined, asking all his friends if they knew who this young beautiful woman was. He mapped out when she got on and off the bus, what days she rode the bus and any other notable clues he could gather so he would have a lead into a conversation. Mutual friends would provide Stanley with additional details about Jody, I guess you could say he was an early version of a “stalker”. His determination paid off, the two were married November 25, 1951.

That following February Stanley was hired by the United States Geological Service as a Cartographer where he worked for nearly 30 years. Stanley was also a young apprentice for Mr. Ralph Morgan, a successful photographer in the Denver area. Mr. Morgan taught Stanley how to shoot weddings, family portraits, baby pictures, landscapes. Regardless of his subject, Stanley could capture its essence and take incredible pictures. Subsequently, he started his own business, Franco Photography.

Stanley and Jody had four children, Michael, Gregory, Jeffery and Celeste. They raised their family in North Denver where he became involved in many civic organizations. He started his own photography business out of their two bedroom house. His talents were quickly noticed by his community. He was the unofficial photographer for Horace Mann Junior High and North High School. He received numerous awards and recognition for his contribution to the community as a small businessman.

Stanley and Jody also had five grandchildren, Felicia, Joshua, Kayla, Jillian and Erica and two great grand-children, Alberto and Lilyana. In addition, there are numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. Memories include Stanley teaching his niece Patricia how to drive a stick shift. He had great patience as the car would thrust them forward and seat belts would yank them back. Another memory is of his nephew Joey, the two shared the same birthday. A friendly competition between the two grew as to who was going to be the first to call and wish the other “Happy Birthday”. To secure his victory it was not beneath Stanley called Joey at 12:01 a.m. A third memory is of Stanley taking his granddaughter Felicia to Federal Center Day Care so her mother Jeannie could receive professional training for her job. From carefully placing her in her car seat to walking as a proud peacock while holding her little hand down the hall, it was evident he loved his precious little granddaughter. While Stanley was in the nursing home his greatest joy would be when his great grandchildren “Betito” and Lilyana would come for a visit. His eyes would light up as they would spend time visiting and making holiday decorations for his room.

Stanley Franco, was a man who can be described as creative and artistic, charismatic and charming. He had a great sense of humor and a quick wit about him. He was known for his signature red suspenders and an undeniable whistle that every kid in the neighborhood knew. He loved to cook and entertained with ease, the best parties were always at the Franco’s house. He was a terrific dancer and always had a line of young women eager to dance with the handsome young man in the red suspenders. He loved Christmas and would make beautiful ornaments and meticulously decorate the entire house. Mexico was his paradise as he spent many vacations basking in the warm sun, and so loved his Mexican culture. He also loved the Colorado Rockies and never missed a home opener, whether in person or on TV.

The family takes great comfort and joy in knowing that he has received the greatest home opener, as he enters into the Kingdom of Glory. We celebrate his life and rejoice that he is whole and complete in the arms of our loving savior Jesus Christ.

Visitation will be Thursday, May 10, 2017 from 5:00-7:00pm at Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary. Memorial Service will be Friday, May 11, 2017 at 2:00 pm at Arvada Covenant Church. In lieu of flowers donations are preferred to DDRC 11177 W. 8th Ave. Lakewood, CO 80215.

Arrangements under the direction of Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary, Cemetery & Arboretum, Wheat Ridge, CO.