JOHN M. FRANCESE

JOHN M. FRANCESE, a former senior executive with Gulf Oil and the Uniroyal Corporation died Monday September 28, in Houston, Texas from complications resulting from a stroke. He was 88 years old.John was born in Jeannette, Pennsylvania and later moved to Houston, Texas. He grew up in a strong Italian family where at an early age dropped out of school to help his mother raise their family while his father was ill. He was a believer in the American dream and represented it well throughout his life. He believed with persistence, dedication, and enthusiasm you can overcome all odds. From working in the glass factory, welding in the foundry, being aboard the US Navy LST 494 and landing at Omaha Beach during WW II, there were no hurdles in life that deterred him from taking on a challenge, striving for success and providing for his family. He attended night school at the University of Pittsburgh and rose to the level of Vice President at both Gulf Oil and Uniroyal Tire. Although successful in business, his first love was for his wife Mary, "Maria Nicole" and his family. He and Mary raised their four sons teaching "Family First", strong Catholic beliefs and compassion for others. His leadership qualities inspired all who knew him. He had many sayings that will remain with us forever,: " La Dolce Vita," "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm," and "Never bet against the Steelers or Notre Dame."John's achievements include receiving medals of commendation during WW II for landings at Normandy and in the Pacific theatre including the 60th landing anniversary medal of commendation awarded by France, and Knights of Columbus 4th Degree.John is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Cristina and two brothers Sam and Louie. He survived by his wife Mary of 63 years; his brother Joseph and sister Mary; his sons Jerry, Tom and wife Ann, Mike and wife Diane, and "Buddy" John Maurice Jr., and wife Patti. He has also been blessed with seven grandchildren, Christina, Renee, Claire, Ann Marie, Michael Jr., Blake, Nicole and one great grandson, Davis W. Thompson.Visitation begins at 5 pm, Thursday, October 1, 2009 and Rosary at 7 pm. in the Chapel of Miller Funeral Services, 7723 Beechnut. Funeral Mass will be 11:00 am, Friday, October 2, 2009 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail, Houston, Texas 77079.Donations can me made on behalf of the family to St. Francis de Sales School, 8100 Roos Road, Houston, Texas 77036.