Thomas Gaetano Franco

It is with great sadness that the family of Thomas G. Franco announces his passing on May 5, 2020 at the age of 99 years. Thomas will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Helen, of 41 years and his first wife, Theresa, of 39 years. He was born on May 10, 1921 to Assunta and Carmine Franco. Thomas was one of eleven children, and is survived by his brother Ralph, and sisters, Eleanor, and Stella. He was predeceased by his brother, Anthony, and sisters, Yolanda, Annie, Jean, Jenny, Josie, and Mary.

Thomas will also be affectionately remembered by his children, Thomas (Jane), Donna, and Joseph. Thomas was predeceased by his daughter, Suzanne (Nicholas) and son, Carmine (Patricia). He will be warmheartedly remembered by his grandchildren, Nicholas (Dorothy), Theresa, Thomas (Grace), Danielle, John (Cheryl), and Dana (Ryan) and his great grandchildren, Jacquelyn, Madison, Ashley, Steven, Gehrig, Alessandra, and Sophie. Thomas will be remembered by his stepchildren John, Elaine (Mark) & Jacqueline and their children Emily, John Jr., Andrew.

Thomas was a renaissance man, working from a very young age to support his family in Bronx, New York. As a child, he shined shoes, delivered groceries, and assisted building superintendents, to name a few of his numerous jobs. Thomas was a graduate of Straubenmüller Textile High School in Bronx, New York and served in the Navy as a Seaman, Second Class, receiving an honorable discharge on November 16, 1945. His career as a manager of physical distribution was at Adam Hats, Sloves Mechanical Binding, and Technicon Corporation. In his spare time, Thomas loved to use his self-taught skills to build home extensions and undertake major housing renovations. He was an avid fisherman, chef, and showman.

A private service was conducted at Millspaugh Camerato Funeral Home, Catskill by Fr. Scott VanDerveer. There will be a service, held at a future date, to celebrate his life. Friends are welcomed to send messages of condolence to MillspaughCamerato.com, or mail condolences to the family “c/o” Millspaugh Camerato Funeral Home, 139 Jefferson Hgts., Catskill 12414.