Vincent Benedict Franco

Vincent Benedict Franco, age 96 of Parkland, Florida passed away May 16, 2023. “Sonny” as he was affectionately known was born April 19, 1927 in Brooklyn, NY to Francesco and Nicolina Franco. Vincent was the youngest of six children and a first generation American.

Sonny will be remembered for his many accomplishments. After graduating from Erasmus Hall high school in Brooklyn, Sonny enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard. Upon discharge he attended Pratt Institute where he studied art and design. He was first employed as a designer at Raymond Loewy. While at Raymond Loewy, Sonny was on the team that designed the US Postal Stamp Commemorating the life of the late President John F. Kennedy. Sonny’s career took him to the firm of Chermayeff and Geismar where he was part of the design team for Mobil Oil.

Sonny met the love of his life, Barbara at the Empire Roller Drome in Brooklyn, NY. They were married 72 years. Both hardworking people they managed to save for their first home and moved to Long Island, New York where they raised two children, Vincent Jr. and Joan.

A gifted artist he was happiest painting and creating the yearly Christmas card. Sonny participated in local art exhibits on Long Island and most notably created a mural for the town of Huntington Senior Center. Sonny was an entertainer at heart, and you could find him playing the organ and singing. His love of dance propelled him to participate in the tap dance ensemble with his wife, Barbara, at Huntington Senior Center. Sonny’s strong faith was his belief in the power of prayer.

Sonny is survived by his wife, Barbara, his children Vincent Jr. and Joan, daughter-in-law Regina, son-in-law Paul and grandchildren Christopher, Justin and Lauren. His gift to his children and especially his grandchildren is the tremendous love and interest he showed in them.He will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, his entertaining stories of growing up in Brooklyn, his unfailing work ethic, his generous smile, and his love for animals – especially his dogs Rexy and April. Sonny lived life with warmth, joy, gratitude and a strong sense of his faith.