Joe R. Franco

Joseph R. Franco, age 74 of Mokena, passed away after a short battle with pancreatic cancer, on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.

He is survived by his beloved wife Laura (nee Buckner) Franco; children, Joseph C. (Tiffany) Franco, Tiffany (Darren) Laas, Gina (Bobby) Sineni, Dean (Cari) Caruso, Carl Caruso, and Kiana Sikich. Bonus daughter Sissel (Lou) Kleinberg; grandchildren, Mindy (Ron) Anderson, Melissa (Nolan) Stevens, Bailey Sineni, Carson Sineni, Brandon Youngren, Samantha (Ian) Lynch, Abigayle Youngren, and Karly Caruso; great-grandchildren, Joseph Pate, Julian Stevens, Jaxx Stevens , Damian Stevens, Daxx Stevens, Emilia Lynch, and Kanan Youngren; siblings, John (Sue) Franco, Anna (Norm) Long, Mary Grace (Tom) Chapa, Albert Franco, Mary Rose Lovick; his beloved pup Gunner; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents Albert and Barbara Franco; his grandson Devon Franco, and his brothers, Raymond Franco and Bobby Franco.

Joe was an Army Vietnam Veteran who bravely served his country as a Helicopter Crew Chief, serving with the 57th Assault Helicopter Company, and a member of the Special Operation Association. During his service he earned a large number of medals including: Three Purple Hearts, eighteen Air Medals, a Valorous Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation Badge, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal, First Class Unit Citation Badge, Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver Service Star and one Bronze Service; Aviation Badge, Expert Badge with Rifle Bar, Marksman Badge with Auto Rifle Bar, and an Army Aviation- Aircrewman Badge.

Joe wanted to be a plumber from a young age just like his father, and everyone called him Joe the plumber. He worked as a plumber for over 40 years, most of them working at Normal Plumbing as a plumber and developer.

In Joe’s spare time he was an avid hunter and always stayed active. He coached baseball for BYAC and traveling teams for years and football with the Mokena Burros and Frankfort Falcons. Joe loved working out and loved to dance. He was also an active member of the American Legion Post 1977 in New Lenox, and the Disabled American Veterans. Overall else though, family was most important to Joe. Joe had a HUGE heart and made friends wherever he went. He brought positivity, jokes, and a listening ear and a hug if you needed it. He will be missed greatly by all that knew him.

Services for Joe will be held on Friday, November 29th, 2024 with a memorial visitation from 10am until time of chapel prayers at 1pm. Joe will be inurned at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations to Tunnels to Towers, or Disabled American Veterans (DAV) in Joe’s name would be appreciated.