“Joe’s family kindly requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made in Joe’s memory to the MARCONI SCHOLARSHIP FUND at The Sons of Italy where Joe served as a dedicated President, among other positions.”

FRANCIS JOSEPH “JOE” FRANZONE 1938-2022 Joe left our world on December 22nd due to complications with pneumonia. His departure was sad and sudden, and, he now joins his parents Catherine and Joseph, and, brothers John and Thomas, in God’s Great Kingdom. He is survived by his wonderful, loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Angela; 2 sons, John (Carol) and Francis, Jr. (Jeanne); daughter Catherine (William); and, 5 grandchildren - Elizabeth, Zachary, Meagan, Daniel and Abigail. Joe was born on August 13th, 1938 and grew up in Valley Stream, Long Island. After graduating Central High School, at 17, he elected to enlist in the US Navy, where he served our nation for 4 years as a Communications Seaman. He saw duty aboard the supercarrier USS Constellation, and, was a proud plank owner of the decommissioned ship. Following his Navy service, as if destined by fate, at a church dance in Queens Village in 1962, Joe would meet the love of his life Angela Carola of Jamaica, Queens. They married on May 23, 1964 and 4 years later purchased a home in West Islip in Suffolk County, NY, in which they would raise a family, welcome relatives and neighbors with open arms, generate hours of countless laughter, and, live happily for the next 54 years. The corner of North Monroe Avenue and Alden Place was theirs.

Beyond the demands of commuting daily to Wall Street for over 35 years, Joe saved his weekends for his family and his hobbies, from stamps to gardening to miniature trains to collecting memorabilia to penny poker games. He was a committed servant and President of the Holy Name Society at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in West Islip, a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, and, after retirement from Wall Street, a dedicated member of the Sons of Italy Marconi Lodge in Islip, serving in a variety of positions over 20 years, including as President. Most recently, he was also serving as immediate past President of the Captree Republican Club in West Islip. Joe will be remembered for his big smile, personality, sense of humor, welcoming and generous demeanor, and, silly non-sequiturs and unique phrases that somehow only made sense coming from him. He was a proud shepherd for the collective growth and success of his children - from Little League fields, to High School and College campuses, to their career endeavors today. And as they came along, he very much relished being in the company of his grandchildren. He cherished his in-laws, nephews and nieces as if they were his own. He would stop channel-surfing on a dime to watch any war movie ever made. Joe reveled in any opportunity to gather among family and friends to celebrate any occasion, because it gave him the chance to light up a room and make them smile. Finally, and perhaps most of all, he loved to dance with his wife. Joe would tell you he lived a full and rich life. “I can’t complain”, he would say. As much as he will be missed, we know he is in a far better place, we know he is at peace, and, we look forward to seeing his smile again when we join him in heaven.