Joseph A. Franco's Obituary
Joseph A. Franco, age 93, of North Ridgeville, passed away on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at O’Neill Healthcare, North Ridgeville.
He was born in Fulton, New York, and had been a resident of North Ridgeville for the past 3 months. He previously lived in Parma and Middleburg Hts. During his retirement years, he resided in Strongsville and Clearwater, Florida.
Joe served in the US Army Air Corp during WWII.
He received his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York.
He worked in management for General Electric in Cleveland and played a key role in developing the lighting for the Apollo Space Program. Joseph retired in 1986 after 38 years of service.
He was an active member of St. Michael Parish in Clearwater, St. John Bosco Parish in Parma Hts. And St. John Neumann in Strongsville. He was a lector and taught PSR for 10 years. He was also involved in Christ Renews His Parish renewal program.
Survivors include his daughters, Barbara (Rob) Kenny of Bradenton, Florida, Anita (Bryan) Kokish of Brunswick; son, Rev. Robert Franco, Pastor of St. Peter Parish in North Ridgeville; 7 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; his sister, Maria Christiansen of Penn Yan, New York.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; parents, Simon and Virginia (nee Fodera) Franco; brother, Jack Franco.
Friends may call Monday, July 17, 2017 from 2-4 and 6-8PM at the Bogner Family Funeral Home, 36625 Center Ridge Rd., North Ridgeville where a prayer service will be held on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at 10:30AM followed by a 11AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter Parish, 35777 Center Ridge Rd., North Ridgeville. Rev. Bob Franco, Pastor, will be the celebrant.
Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Valley City.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Peter Parish Memorial Fund.
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