Edward A. Franco

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Edward A Franco, aged 90, of Minneapolis, formerly of Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, and Herkimer, New York, died peacefully at home on March 22, 2023. Beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, teacher, friend.

He is survived by Anne, his wife of 60 years; children, Libby (Bob) Weil, Anne (Aaron) Rodriguez and Peter Franco; grandchildren, Ben, Claire and Laura Weil, and Sara, Christopher and Nicholas Rodriguez; brothers, Rocco (Rosemarie), John (Roseann), Peter Franco; sister, Mary Franco; many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Preceded in death by his parents, Virginia and Thomas Franco; sister, Rita (Pop) Cassella; brothers, Joseph, Raymond (Olga) and Thomas Franco; sister-in-law, Joan Franco.

Dad taught Spanish at Grosse Pointe South High School in Grosse Pointe, Michigan for 28 years and was chair of the foreign language department for 25 years. He was a beloved teacher of many and a mentor to foreign students studying abroad at the high school. He had close relationships with many students, some of which continue to this day. He advanced the program by developing and implementing curriculum for higher level Spanish classes. He served as an evaluator and grader for Spanish Language Advanced Placement exams for the Educational Testing Service. After retiring, he taught English to middle schoolers at St. Juliana’s School in Detroit for several years.

Dad traveled the world with Mom and was never happier than when planning his next trip. Starting in 1955 when he left the US for the first time to visit Turkey as a community ambassador. He has shared his love of travel his whole life, by leading student groups, and later groups of friends, to Europe, sending his own children to study in Spain and then his grandchildren on cultural and language immersion trips while in high school. He wanted us to appreciate the wonderful variety of cultures in our world.

Everywhere Dad went, he talked to people about where they were from, what life was like for them, and how beautiful their home country was - because he had usually been there. Everyone loved and remembered him. Dad grew up in an Italian immigrant family in Herkimer, New York. Although he lived most of his adult life in Michigan, he never forgot his roots. His hometown, extended family and Italian heritage were of central importance in his life.

Dad and Mom were long-time members of St. Clare of Montefalco parish in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. In recent years they moved to Minneapolis to be closer to their children and grandchildren. It has been a blessing for all of us. He was caring, kind and compassionate. He will be missed.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM Monday, April 17 at the Church of St. Thomas the Apostle, 2914 West. 44th Street, Minneapolis.  Visitation one hour prior to the Mass at the church.

Memorials are preferred to the charity of the donor’s preference.