Gregory Joseph Franco

Gregory Joseph Franco was born on September 30, 1955, in Denver, Colorado, to Stanley and Jody Franco. Greg's life was a beautiful testament to unconditional love, perseverance, and joy. He was born with Down’s Syndrome which left him with intellectual and developmental delays. Although he was born with a disability, he was highly intuitive and possessed a deep emotional understanding of the people and the world around him.

Greg spent his early years at Ridge Home in Grand Junction and later in Arvada, where he successfully developed valuable life skills and independence while remaining deeply connected to his family. No matter where he lived, family was always at the center of his life. He looked forward to weekends together and faithfully called every Thursday evening to ask about coming to the "house," the special name he gave to the family home. He loved his weekends with us, but like clockwork, he was always ready to return to his own “home” on Sunday evening.

Throughout his life, Greg took great pride in his independence. He was hardworking, reliable, and resourceful, embracing daily responsibilities with determination and resilience. Through the Developmental Disabilities Resource Center (DDRC), he enjoyed meaningful work, friendships, and community. On January 23, 2020, Greg transitioned to the Life Care Center of Westminster to receive closer support for his declining health and frequent falls. True to his outgoing nature, he quickly turned the facility into his second home. Throughout the day, Greg could be found walking or wheeling himself through the halls, transforming his daily routine into an opportunity to connect. He quickly became a beloved member in the community. Greg thoroughly enjoyed his time there, finding genuine happiness in the warm community, the daily meals, and his absolute favorite spot—the facility's ice cream parlor.

While Greg's accomplishments were many, it was his love for family that defined him most. Some of the family’s most cherished memories are the simple traditions he made unforgettable: Sunday mornings after church often meant gathering around plates of warm waffles topped with strawberries and whipped cream. Christmas and birthday celebrations filled with his enthusiastic cheers for every gift opened, Fourth of July fireworks at Stenger Field, afternoons spent coloring and working puzzles together, cheering on the Denver Broncos, and sharing plates of enchiladas lovingly known by his family as "ladas."

Greg had a unique ability to make people feel seen, valued, and loved. His kindness, warmth, and joyful spirit taught all who knew him to embrace differences, show compassion freely, and find happiness in life's simplest moments.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and staff at the Life Care Center of Westminster and Choice Hospice for the compassion, friendship, and loving care they provided throughout Greg's final years.

Greg's greatest legacy is the love he shared and the joy he brought to those around him. Through laughter, traditions, and countless cherished memories, he taught our family the value of unconditional love and togetherness. Because of Greg, Sunday waffles taste a little sweeter, Christmas feels a little brighter, and every Fourth of July sparkle carries a treasured memory. Though our hearts ache in his absence, we are profoundly grateful for the gift of having Greg in our lives. His love shaped our family, his memory will continue to guide us and comfort us, and his joyful spirit will live on in our hearts for generations to come.

Gregory is preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Josephine "Jody" Franco. He is survived by his siblings, Michael (Beth) Franco, Jeff Franco, and Celeste (David) Kellenberger. He is also survived by his nieces and nephew, Felicia (Alberto) Jaime, Jillian (Drew) Spellman, Joshua (Samantha) Franco, Kayla (Joseph) Quintana, Erica (Matthew) Ladwig; and seven grand nieces and nephews.

As we gather to honor and remember Gregory, we kindly ask those planning to attend the service and reception to click on the RSVP link below: https://tinyurl.com/2kruwtwe . Your response will help us thoughtfully prepare the reception for all who wish to join us.

A Funeral Service will be held at Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary in the Serenity Pointe Chapel on September 22, 2026, at 11:00am. A Reception will follow at Olinger Crown Hill in the Pavilion of Reflection. Gregory will be laid to rest with his parents in a private ceremony at Fort Logan National Cemetery.