Franco, Vincent P. 1926-2016

FRANCO, CODA, STRAND, CLASEN, JANSSEN, LUCIO

Posted By: Ruth Maring - Volunteer
Date: 1/4/2017 at 17:46:11

Vincent P. Franco age 93 of Thomson, IL passed away Monday, November 14, 2016 at Genesis East Hospital, Davenport. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at the Pape Funeral Home in Clinton. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until the services time Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will at a later date at the Rock Island National Cemetery. Vincent was born in Chicago on March 13, 1923, the son of Bruno and Carmella (Coda) Franco. He graduated from Lindbloom High School in Chicago. He attended Drake University, North Park College and Rockford College. He married Georgia H. Strand on December 21, 1946 in Chicago. Georgia passed away on September 1, 2011. Vincent was employed in Human Services. He and Georgia lived in Rockford for 12 years, Tallahassee, FL for 22 years, before moving to Thomson 9 years ago. Vincent was a World War II veteran. He entered active duty in the U.S. Army on October 12, 1942 at Fort Sheridan, Illinois and was reassigned to the U.S. Army Air Corps. He completed his training as Radio Operator Aerial Gunner (B17) and was then reassigned as Aviation Cadet (Bombardier). Vincent was honorably discharged on November 7, 1945 at Scott Field in Illinois. He was as member of the American Legion in Rockford and in Thomson. Vincent enjoyed playing baseball in his younger years and was an avid fencer as well as an instructor in the sport. Vincent is survived by a daughter, Nancy (John) Franco-Clasen of Thomson; a son, Vincent (Laura) Franco of Lake Worth, FL; four grandchildren, Nicholas Janssen, Taylor Franco, Steven Franco and Gregory Franco; a sister, Beatrice Lucio of Chicago and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Bruno and Sam and five sisters, Caroline, Jenny, Anna, Catherine and Marie. A memorial has been established. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.