Joseph Vincent Franco, 96, born Giuseppe Vincenzo on December 10, 1916 to Francesca (Lagana) and Ignazio passed away on Friday, April 26. He was brother to Charlie, Vinny, Millie and Mamie. He graduated from Textile High School, and began to hone his craft in the electrical trade, which became his career. In 1942, he wed Frances Miceli, who predeceased him after 55 years of marriage. His daughter Jeanne Carter, sons-in-law Leward and Michael, five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren survive Joe.
Franco married Frances in November 1942 just eight days before beginning his overseas service in WWII in the U.S. Army. Throughout his active years in North Africa, Italy and Corsica, Franco served the 41st Field Artillery Regiment 3rd Infantry Division as a Staff Sergeant and the 137th Military Police Company as a Squad Leader and Wire Chief.
Franco was awarded the Rome-Arno Victory Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Victory Medal for his years of service. He received an honorable discharge in December 1942. Upon returning to his wife, Frances, they settled in Elmont where they remained for the duration of their lives.
Franco has five grandchildren and his eight great-grandchildren. Throughout his over 60 years of local community involvement, Joe has bee proud to be a part of St. Vincent de Paul Church and its outreach programs, a reliable Sunday Mass usher, IBEW Local 3 Retirees Organization, member of VFW Elmont Post 455, member of American Legion Elmont Post 1033, Order Sons of Italy in America Lodge 2245, Elmont Public Library, Knights of Columbus, a friendly electrician for so many local community events, and a passionate voice in local government forums.
