Anthony P. Franco

Anthony P. Franco, 88, of Wakefield, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the South Kingstown Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. He was the son of the late Joseph Franco and Ethel (DeCubellis) Pollock. He is survived by his wife of sixty years Margaret Frances (Garrett) Franco; a sister Elaine Pucella of Peace Dale, her son, Daniel Pucella of Westerly; and two sons, Michael P. Franco of Wakefield, and his wife Kristen, and Steven R. Franco of North Attleboro, MA and his wife Janet. He was predeceased by his daughter, Cynthia A. Bartlett, formerly of Tomball, TX. He is survived by her husband, Charles A. Bartlett III. He leaves eight grandchildren, Kaurie, Jaclyn, Collin, Kaitlin, Emily, Elizabeth, Patrick, and Marlo, and one great grandson, Evan. Born in Providence, he served in the US Navy from 1943 to 1948, first aboard the USS Lexington in the Pacific until his ship was torpedoed, later aboard the USS Palau in the Atlantic. Tony was an avid golfer, sports fan and follower of the Boston Red Sox, NY Giants and New England Patriots. He had a private pilot’s license. A private Mass was held in St. Francis of Assisi Church in Wakefield. Interment with military honors was held in the RI Veterans Cemetery, Exeter. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the South Kingstown High School Athletic Boosters Club, 215 Columbia St., Wakefield, RI 02879.