Thomas (Tom) G. Franco

Thomas (Tom) G. Franco, 94 of Daytona Beach, Florida passed away Sunday March 19, 2023. Tom was born October 1, 1928, in Manhattan, New York to Emilio and Theresa (Sirico) Franco.  He graduated from City College in Manhattan, NY in 1949 and married Rose Anna Rispettabile in 1950.  His early career began as a buyer with Montgomery Ward and as a salesman for AP McAuley Company and Owen Brooker in NYC. Tom leveraged his sales experience and was promoted to Vice President of Sales for Charles D. Owen Manufacturing of Swannanoa, NC. Eventually relocating to Asheville, NC with Rose.  They retired in Asheville in 1994.

Tom and Rose were married for over 50 years until Rose’s death in 2000 after which Tom married Tommasina Miano in 2001. Tom was an active member of St. Pius X, St. Eugene’s, and Our Lady of Hope. He spoke of his faith often and prayer was a very important part of his life. 

Tom never knew a stranger. He imparted wisdom and advice to all those he loved. His words of wisdom began with, “You gotta know these things, it’s important, and this is what you gotta do…” and “I want to tell you something, but you need to keep an open mind….” Tom was an avid NY Giants Fan.  He was loved by all throughout his lifetime.

He is survived by Tommasina Miano Franco of Daytona Beach, Fl, his children Teresa Franco, and partner Julie Jones, Emil Franco and his wife Becky, Anthony Franco and his husband Dunn, Thomas Franco Jr, and his wife Sheila, and his daughter Lisa Franco.  He is also survived by his grandchildren Michael and his wife Andrea, Anthony and his partner Ashlyn, Samantha and her husband Mark Poczontek, Kayla, Thomas III, Andrew, Jacob, Christopher, and David, and his great grandchildren Mark and Collins Rose. 

He is survived by his stepchildren Joseph Miano and his wife Ruth, Jo Ann Donatelli and her husband Vince, Annette James and her husband Al, Vincent Miano, Alfred Miano and his wife Maryann, and Morganna and his grandchildren Mike, Christina and Morganna, Nicole and Eric, Tommy and Brooke, Jess, Rick and Kellie, and Sean and Julie, and his great grandchildren Joshua, Evin, Jayden, Jaydon, Vivian, Jerrod and Heidi, Camryn, Kenzie, and Sean Michael.

He is preceded in death by his sister Coletta, Viola and brother-in-Law Nat Alvich, brother-In-Law Peter Avena, and brother Emilio Jr. He is survived by his sisters Libby Avena, Lucille Faso, and Dorothy Franco, as well as his many nieces and nephews.

A memorial graveside service will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, July 22, 2023, in West Memorial Park. Rev. Father John Schneider will officiate.

In lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to Shriner’s Hospital and Wounded Warriors.

West Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.