Mary Franco

Mary Franco passed away peacefully on September 21, 2025, at the age of 96. Born in Toronto, Canada, on July 16, 1929, she was the beloved daughter of Vito and Bessie. Mary was one of eight siblings, and she often shared warm and joyful stories of growing up with her brothers and sisters, with whom she shared a deep bond. Mary’s heart belonged to her family, but her greatest love was her husband, Dan. Together, they built a life filled with devotion, mutual care, and 73 years of marriage. In the early years, Mary cared for Dan with unwavering commitment, and in his later years, he returned that devotion with a love that inspired all who knew them. A woman of strong faith, Mary was deeply involved in her church community. She served as a Sunday school teacher, a Women’s Ministry leader, and played organ and piano for worship services. Her home was always open to friends and strangers alike, offering warmth, hospitality, and a place to gather for Sunday dinners or a safe haven for those in need. Her kindness was matched only by her generosity, and she always greeted others with a gentle smile and a loving heart. Mary’s greatest pride was her family. She raised her children with love and care, creating a nurturing home. She worked alongside her husband, Dan, at Imperial Sanitation Corporation. She adored her five grandchildren, lovingly guiding them with a perfect balance of affection and discipline. Though Mary enjoyed traveling, her favorite destination was always back home to Canada, where she could reconnect with her mother and siblings, and of course, enjoy the activity she enjoyed so much—swimming. Mary lived her life with elegance, compassion, and an unwavering devotion to those she loved. Mary is survived by her devoted husband, Daniel, and her loving children, Dominick, Steve (Emily), and Linda (Kevin). She was the cherished grandmother of Daniel (Anastasia), Steven, Morgan, Marisa, and Michael. She will also be lovingly remembered by her sister, Bessie (Joe) Grieco; sisters-in-law, Maryjane (Dan) Mezzapelli, Lydia (Eliseo) Pagano; and brothers-in-law, John (Elaine) Franco, and Paul (Karen) Raucci. She was predeceased by her beloved siblings, Katie (John) Lima, Lena (Elio) Madonia, Joe (Carol) Mezzapelli, John (Ersilia) Mezzapelli, Danny (Maryjane) Mezzapelli, and Rose (Peter) Franco, as well as her cherished in-laws, Sonya Mezzapelli, Josephine (Charlie) Franco, Leo (Rose) Franco, Mary (Paul) Raucci, and Peter (Rose) Franco. Mary's legacy of love, faith, and generosity will forever remain in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be greatly missed, but her spirit will live on in her family and the many lives she touched. A Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10-2PM at Roslyn Heights Funeral Home. In memory of Mary please consider making a donation to Long Island Alzheimer's & Dementia Center: https://www.lidementia.org/get-involved/donate-give-support/ Family & Friends Can Also Order Flowers by clicking on: https://www.qgfloral.com/roslyn-heights-funeral-flowers/ The family would like any friends & relatives not able to be at the funeral home for the service to watch the service on Saturday Sept. 27th starting at 12:30PM via Zoom. Please click on link below and enter Meeting ID and Passcode listed below. https://us05web.zoom.us/j/82131476066?pwd=Ke5Q124uxVmoAt3Xv9ZWdKmr19c5bJ.1 Meeting ID 821 3147 6066 Passcode: 024918