- Date Of Death: January 24, 2023
- State: Rhode Island
Louis “Louie” or “Luigi” Franco Jr., 82, unexpectedly passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday January 24, 2023 in Warwick. He was born May 27, 1940 in the Silver Lake section of Providence, to Luigi and Maria J. (Girardi) Franco. He was the fourth of the seven boys and tenth of sixteen children. He moved to Warwick when he married the love of his life, Kathleen (Malo) Franco, then to Scituate and later on back to Warwick.
Louie is survived and missed by his loving wife Kathleen of 59 years; son Louie Franco III; daughter Lisa Garcia and son-in-law John Garcia; grandchildren John Garcia (Ariannah) and Guilia Garcia; great-grand son Rowan Garcia; siblings Anna, Frances, Richard (Beverly), John (Lucy), Marie, Rosa (Mike), Donald; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends who were like family. He was predeceased by his siblings; Connie, Katie, Eleanor, Edward, Virginia, Harry, Thomas, and Margaret. He was a good father who always took care of his children and did the best he could to teach and guide them, a loving papa and “great-grand” father.
As a very young man he learned to work hard. Growing up he worked on Curly’s Farm with his brothers. In his early 20’s, he worked as a bricklayer, where he met his wife. Throughout the years, he worked at his family’s liquor store, his brothers gas station, and his store, “Time World” from which he retired. He also volunteered for Saint Benedicts Church dinners and loved helping his friends out at the New Canton restaurant. He enjoyed doing work around the yard, being outdoors, planting his garden, and “not” playing Keno. His love of life was evident in the way he lived – even just sitting outside sunbathing turned into a fun time with family, friends, and of course food!
Louie was such a light in this sometimes dark world and he will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know him. He touched the lives of so many people across multiple generations. During his time with us, he made a point to always help anyone with whatever he could. Anyone who knows Louie, knows that his family meant everything to him. He was a strong patriarch of his family, a good friend to all, a man who would always give a helping hand.
