Rose Franco

Rose was a teacher, minister, counselor, businesswoman, Realtor, wife, mother, grandmother, author, and friend. She was born on October 25th, 1926. Rose walked this earth 95 years and four days before joining her husband of 74 years in Heaven on October 29th, 2021.

Rose is survived by her twin children Maria Miller and Robert Franco, along with her youngest son, John David Franco. Her legacy of faith and love also lives on in her seven grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.

She was born in New Rochelle, NY as Rose Foti, the third of five children. While Rose described herself as shy, her family often described her as friendly, funny, and bold. At age twelve, she was active in her church, and it was clear that God had His hand upon her life.

A true independent spirit, Rose left high school before graduation to attend Brown Business school in Hempstead, N.Y., commuting daily by train. After receiving her business school certificate, she again commuted by bus to Camp Upton Military Base to work full time. This kind of independence and drive was unusual for a young teenaged girl, but Rose was a woman ahead of her time.

Rose loved being at her church and it was there she met John Franco, the man who would become her lifelong partner in marriage as well as ministry. Soon after starting a family, John and Rose both felt a calling to be in full-time ministry and eventually accepted a full-time pastoral position in Youngstown, Ohio. Two years later, they relocated to Buffalo, New York, where they pastored together for over 14 years, raised their children, completed their Bachelors and Masters degrees with Honors.

Rose taught full-time in public high school and later at Buffalo State College. She was a celebrated artist in the Buffalo area, hosting “one-woman shows” in galleries featuring her sculptures, paintings, drawings, and photographs. She was a commissioned artist with sculptures gracing local buildings and universities.

Retiring from their ministry in Buffalo, they launched Full Gospel Evangelistic Ministries and began speaking in churches all over the country. During this time, the Francos lived in Arizona before returning to Long Island, New York where Rose began a career in real estate. Within months, her kind-heartedness, persistence, and faith-forward approach led her to becoming the top salesperson in her agency.

After a few years, the Franco’s sold their residences in New York and relocated to Southern California to be near family and explore evangelistic opportunities on the West Coast. During these years, Rose wrote her autobiography titled, “A Lifetime of Miracles” which was published and is still available today.

Rose will be remembered first and foremost as a strong woman of God whose first priority was sharing Jesus with everyone she met. She wanted everyone to know that Jesus desires to have a personal relationship with them. Second, she loved to spend time with her grandchildren.

Mom, you have finished the race well and have received your reward for a life spent in loving service to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. “Well done, good and faithful servant”. We will be joyfully reunited with you in glory.