Gustavo Franco

On Wednesday, November 30th, Gustavo Franco, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away after a long battle with cancer. He was 72. A longtime resident of White Plains, NY. He was born in Salento, Colombia to Margarita Gomez and Domingo Franco. He lost his father at the age of 5 and as soon as he could started working to support his family. He sold anything from candy to cigarettes to encyclopedias. He paid military service in Colombia at the age of 18. He came from a large family who came to live in various cities such as Filandia and Bogota. He lived briefly in Venezuela. He met his wife, Aura Rosa in Quimbaya, Quindio, Colombia and they wed in November 24, 1982. He later came to the States in the late 1970s in search for a better opportunity. He was a hard worker, taking on several jobs and working freelance on the side to support his family. He retired after 20 years from Lawrence Hospital.

Gustavo was well known for his positive attitude, pleasant disposition, and witty humor. He always wanted to make everyone laugh. In the months before he was hospitalized he often enjoyed meeting friends for coffee. He looked out for his friends and family, constantly keeping in touch. He enjoyed his trips to Colombia over the years, reuniting with family and reminiscing.

He had a love of fishing, soccer, and chocolate ice cream. While hospitalized he enjoyed interpreting his 4 year old granddaughter's abstract, one of a kind, paintings made exclusively for him.

He adored his two grandchildren, Gigi and Luca who lovingly referred to him as "Abu"short for abuelo. He loved Lola, the family pup who would often times lay on Grandpa's chest or look for a belly rub from him so she could get his leftovers.

He is survived by his wife Aura Rosa Franco, his sons Gustavo A. Franco, Juan Franco, daughter Diana Franco-Gallegos and her husband Emerson Gallegos and their two children Gianna Sophia and Emerson Luca.
His siblings Nestor Franco, Jose Domingo, Margarita Franco, Hernan Franco, Jorge Franco, and their spouses. He is predeceased by siblings Fabio Franco and Myriam Franco. He is also survived by countless nieces, nephews, and cousins.