John Peter Franco Jr.

Pastor, husband, father, soldier, business man, fisherman, author and friend, was born 5/12/1927 and went to heaven 12/18/2020. He is survived by his treasured wife Rose Franco, twins Robert Franco and Maria Miller, son John David Franco III, 7 Grandchildren, and 20 Great Grandchildren all to continue in this legacy of a “Life of Service.”

In nineth grade, he won the state championship in pole vaulting 10 feet with a bamboo pole. He had to leave school because his father thought that pole vaulting was a waste of time. Consequentially he went to work with his dad as a landscaper’s helper. In 1946, he enlisted in the Navy as a cook instructor and was honorably discharged after World War II. He was married in June 1947 to wife Rose of over 73 years and had twins Robert and Maria in May the following year. John owned his own butcher shop. In church he played trumpet, taught Sunday school, all while working nights on his GED. He was an active volunteer fireman. Eventually he was asked to be the Youth District leader for Eastern coast. In December 1958, their son John David Franco was born. At this time, John had received his License to preach, graduated with his GED and was working on his bachelor’s degree. In those years, he felt the call to the pastorate. In 1960, Rev. John Franco Jr. became the pastor at Youngtown Christian Church in Ohio. The local newspaper wrote a public interest story about John’s journey entitled, “From a cutter of fish to a fisher of men.” At the Youngstown church, he successfully facilitated selling their Inner city church and built a new church in the suburbs. He also pastored at Buffalo Christian Church for about 14 years relocating the church to Main Street in Buffalo and hosting a weekly radio broadcast every Sunday night. Attending Canisius University, he earned his M.A. Theological Science. He was invited to Argentina and South America to hold evangelistic meetings. In his years at the Buffalo church, he inspired over 25 people to enter various areas of ministry. God had given him the ministry of healing and mentoring. For many years, as an Assembly of God evangelist, he was invited to preach throughout the United States and Canada sharing the good news of Christ and healing the sick. He was privileged to lead a group of Christians to Israel and Europe to visit the Holy Lands. Later in life, he authored some books. He is fondly remembered as a committed, hardworking, courageous, generous, and caring mentor.

Finally, John, after completing your mission on earth, you have reached your heavenly destination where you will have peace, joy and rest for evermore. Amen.