Robert James Franco

At 4:38 am Feb. 15, 2020, Robert J. Franco completed his journey on earth and slipped into God’s warm embrace. He died peacefully, surrounded by Vivian Franco, his wife of 49 years, and their son, Ricardo J. Franco. Bob Franco was born on February 23, 1946 in Fresno, CA to Thomas and Flora Franco. He is survived by his son Sean Franco and three grandchildren, brothers Thomas and Anthony, and sisters Carmelita, Marie Saldivar, and Irene Gonzales. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters in law, and extended family whom he loved dearly.

Bob attended San Joaquin Memorial and was conferred a BA degree in Social Work from California State University, Fresno. In 1971, he started the MSW program at the University of California, Berkeley where he received a full grant from WICHE. He completed his master’s degree and later earned his LCSW license. For 20 years, Bob worked as a Psychiatric Social Worker at Metropolitan State Hospital in Norwalk serving the severely mentally ill. He also worked at Pleasant Valley State Prison and was Business Representative for AFSCME. He was widely respected for his clinical expertise and skill as chief bargaining negotiator for the statewide AFSCME union where he served as union steward and state president. He worked tirelessly and fearlessly for fairness and dignity for state employees and for patient rights. His legendary success in labor disputes was recognized by line workers, professionals, and State Personnel Board representatives sitting across the negotiation table.

Bob was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, and exploration. He loved introducing his son, nieces, nephews, and friends to the outdoors. He enjoyed music, the Rainbow Ballroom, grilling, rebuilding cars, old western movies, and travels to national parks and historic sites. Bob loved meeting and interacting with others and he never knew a stranger.

The family extends its appreciation to doctors, nurses and medical staff at Kaiser Hospital. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held from 7 to 8 pm on Thurs. Feb 27 at Whitehurst Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church on Friday, Feb. 28 at 11 am followed by interment at St. Peters Cemetery. Condolences may be offered at Whitehurstsullivan.com