Francis Loparco

I decided to write my own obituary because this is my last chance to share myself with you. Now the first thing people ask, after seeing my age, 78, is: how did he die? Does it really matter? I’m gone. Let’s just say my ‘best by’ or ‘expiration’ date had been reached on 9/11/2026. I had a wonderful life. Born to Vincent P and Mary Loparco on March 14, 1948 in Troy, NY, but raised in Watervliet and Camillus (Syracuse) NY. Preceded in death by a loving legacy of family members including grandparents: Frank & Vincenza DiNuzzo, and Eugene & Anna Loparco, my parents, and sister, Mary Grace Loparco (little sis) and in-laws: Ralph & Leona Donnelly; also by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, all of whom were wonderful people. I am survived by my wife and life’s partner Patricia of 53 years who faithfully worked hard to provide a loving relationship and home; son, Michael (Tammi) & grandchildren, Liam and Delaney; Siblings, Eu’Gene’ (Linda), Anne (Fred) Russom, Vincent Jr (Joanne) and Uncles Anthony & Pietro LoParco, Vincent, Phillip (Aunt Ann) DiNuzzo with a multitude of nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom, even though not named individually, I loved dearly as they were all unique in their own special way. A special father-daughter relationship is with Danielle (Kyle) Kirk, Grace and Emily. Together since she was three years old, I was proudly her only father figure and was her ‘Uncle Dad’ and was always introduced as ‘my daughter’.

I was also blessed with many friends and was fortunate to have had an extraordinarily close and personal relationship with each. I will always thank Our Lord for all of the aforementioned individuals with whom He provided during my life’s journey. I was so blessed!

I was proudly a veteran of the USAF (Nellis AFB), attended Universities in Albany (SUNYA) and Las Vegas (UNLV) and retired after a 32 year career for the State of Nevada Welfare Dept.

My decision to answer the door when Jesus said “Behold, I stand at the door and knock: If any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him and sup with him and he with Me.” Rev 3:20, was one of the most profound decisions I had ever made. Following the examples set by my dear sister, Anne and my precious, Pat who became ‘Born Again’ before me, I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior in 1977 and my life was never the same. The Lord has blessed me throughout the years and has given me a calm assurance for my eternal soul. Although I was imperfect, the Lord walked with me during my entire life and worked with me in my striving to be more Christ-like. He will, of course, be the Determinator of the level of my achievement.

To all of you who were a part of my life, Thank you. If I had offended anyone or hurt you by an unkind, misguided or misspoken word, I sincerely and deeply apologize. I have made mistakes in life and will answer for them, and those made as an immature young adult, especially to SM, I especially ask for your forgiveness. One lesson learned in life is that one cannot take back a spoken word blurted out in a moment of anger, confusion or immaturity.

Well, that’s it. I’ve had my say and pray that you, also, will open the door to your heart and let Him in. Most importantly, in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

The choice will always be yours and yours alone. I’ve never lied to any one of you, trust me. You will never regret accepting Him into your heart.

My love, as ever

Francis/Frank

“…and then he closed his eyes as if to go to sleep…” (D Button)