Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Francene Cucinello Obituary
She was a native of New Jersey and a radio personality for 84WHAS radio. She was a reading tutor for Every 1 Reads (literacy program) sponsored by Greater Louisville Inc. and the Jefferson Country Public School System, a volunteer worker with National Alliance for the Mentally-Ill- Louisville Chapter, a motivational guest speaker at numerous junior and senior high schools and adult social clubs in our radio station's listening area, a frequent emcee or host for various local charity functions, and a supporter of Annie's Attic.
She was a devoted Catholic, and attended Southeast Christian Church.
She was preceded in death by her father, John M. Cucinello.
Survivors include her mother, Margaret Cucinello; her sister, Janice Marie Alabbas (Bud); nieces and nephew, Sandra S., Sam Z. and Amber S. Alabbas; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
A celebration of her life will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Southeast Christian Church, 920 Blankenbaker Pkwy. Arrangements are being handled by Owen Funeral Home-Jeffersontown, 9318 Taylorsville Road.
Expressions of sympathy to any branch of BB&T Bank, to a fund set up in her name, to support Aneurysm Research. Condolences to owenfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Francene Cucinello
Eric Herron
December 31, 2013
Fran, we went to High School together and I just heard of your passing. I am glad I had the opportunity to be your friend and will always remember the one phone phone conversation we had when I had a bit of a crush on you. I will always remember the "human fossil" story you told me and will always laugh ! I know you are at peace and your family has my condolences. I will miss you ...
Bill Finley
May 15, 2013
God decided that he needed you more than we did. I really miss you.
Jennifer Steel
December 7, 2012
After Hurricane Katrina, Francene travelled to New Orleans and visited with us. She was extraordinarily compassionate and I will always remember her kindness and concern for us all. She touched base with me year after year following the storm. Her thoughtfulness touched our hearts.
November 1, 2012
Still miss ya girl. No one can take yur place.
Bobbe Crouch
October 14, 2012
You popped into my heart today. I still miss you and wish you were here.
August 20, 2012
I miss you.
CJ Vaughn
April 5, 2012
You are missed.....everyday!!
joann cucinello
July 7, 2010
fran i only knew u a short time
but it was a honor knowingu in that
short period of time rest in peace
watch us kiddo we need all the help we can get ;)
Keith
March 27, 2010
Francene, well your WV team is going to the Final Four. I bet you are crazy right now. I miss you and your show so much. I think of you often.God Bless
Janet
March 26, 2010
The loss of someone I only knew through the airwaves and the exchange of emails is still bringing me sadness, especially with the Bat's season starting soon. She was able to somehow convey her warmth and passion for life to all who listened to her. Rest in peace, girlfriend!
Mary Ellen
February 9, 2010
I just returned from Florida after being gone for 6 weeks. A co worker informed me of Francene's death. I am shocked, and very saddened.
She was fabulous and I really enjoyed her show.
My deepest sypathy to her loved ones. She will be sadly missed.
Liz
February 4, 2010
Wow, I am shocked and so saddened for Fran's family and those closest to her. Fran and I only went to Jr. High together in SC, but what a spunky/cool gal! God bless and love to you, Fran and your surviving family.
Melissa Weber
February 3, 2010
My mornings will never be the same. I am so sorry to hear that she is longer with us, but like to think she is in a better place. I will always keep her in my thoughts and prayers. My most sincere condolences go out to all of her family and friends. She will be missed greatly!
Chris
January 27, 2010
Wow...Francene Cucinello is already missed.
Cherie Clark
January 23, 2010
I just wanted to say Francene will be missed so much by everyone she touched we have to be strong and move on like she would have wanted us too. My thoughts and prayers go out to her Mother and Sister,Family and Friends and also to Coworkers at Whas 11 I know our road ahead is very hard, live life to the fullest for Francene she would expect that of us all God Bless!!
D. Braye
January 22, 2010
January 22,2010- I have tuned into the Francene Show since the day of her inception into the WHAS family. In that same month , I was going through a terrible time in my life. I needed someone with a strong heart to listen to... That person was Francene Cucinello. I was so shocked that day when she passed on! But I will remain strong for her the way she was with her "Loyal Listeners". The air waves will never be the same without her... Rest in Peace "My Special Friend!" ----D. Braye Louisville,KY.
Beth E.
January 22, 2010
A very bright light for the community, that I was looking forward to following, has been extinguished too soon. Seems the sun has left the sky, life is not as joyous. She sparked thought , ideas ,followed her dream and had dreams for others she wanted to help them fulfill. She packed every minute of her life with living. She is and will be in the future sorely missed. My sympathy to those she left behind. We all are better for having known her. The world is better for having had her here. Heaven is lucky to have her spunk, spirit, vitality and love. We were lucky that she was with us.
January 21, 2010
I listened to her every morning and she was great. Like she said you mat agree or disagree but she was always open to hear your side. She will be greatly missed. Lynda Reynolds
Louisville, Kentucky
Kenneth Catlett
January 20, 2010
I did not have the opportunity to call in to her show but i often listened in from my home here in Lexington. I am so very sorry to hear of her passing and offer my deep condolences to her family an friends.I very much enjoyed her style and professionalism and she will be greatly missed.
Linda Harbolt
January 20, 2010
Miss Francene helped all of us in our community, she opened our eyes. When the storm Ike rolled through the region, so many without power, she said have a cookout and get to know your neighbor-that is what we did. When just this past summer we had a terrfic rain,she changed her entire format of her show to helping people to avoid the flooding. Thank you Miss Francene
Newt Danley
January 20, 2010
I was a news photog and worked with Francene at WSMV/Nashville. She was a beautiful, talented and hardworking young lady. I have great memories of her and will keep her friends/family in my prayers.
January 19, 2010
Having experinence this same type of death of my dear girlfriend in Sept 2008...I some what understand the shock...Francene wil be missed badly on the radio and in the community...i frquently talk to her and emailed her...many times after her show was over...and she never fail to send me a response...I miss U dear Francene
George Wright Radcliff, KY
Paul McCann
January 19, 2010
God Bless you and your Francene, you will be missed. Rest in peace angel.
Cynthia Dearborn
January 19, 2010
Knowing that others remember and care.
Dennis Allen
January 19, 2010
I listened to Francene while I was on my lunch period. She definately was an icon here in the kyanna area and will be greatly missed. We should all take just a little bit of her generosity and pass it along, just think what this world could be like. Good Bye Francene.
Jimmy Blair
January 19, 2010
Francene is one of those people that prove again the old saying, "you don't know what you've got until (she's) gone."
Only in her passing do the masses here in Louisville and beyond find out what a truly great and beautiful person she was. She gave an equal voice - and critique - to both sides of every topic and didn't play favorites.
I wasn't able to listen daily but I grew to love her Friday segments, a time she dedicated to helping listeners find employment in this down economy. She was caring, selfless and had a huge heart. I will never forget one morning she was putting together her job fair and needed donations(doughnuts, coffee, etc)...nearly immediately the phone calls from donors began. The first one caught her off guard but by the second and third calls, she was overcome with emotion. It was a powerful moment that many thought said great things about our community and the companies making the donations - while it did say that - we know now that it said volumes more about Francene's heart. She will be missed in this community and while her timeslot will be filled, a massive void will still remain.
Rich Gimmel
January 19, 2010
The thing I loved most about Francene was that she was unpretentious and genuine. Unlike most in the media, she chose to live in a blue-collar neighborhood where people tend to be very comfortable with who they are.
While she was comfortable in any setting, she was a true champion of Everyman.
Marsha Decker
January 19, 2010
I really enjoyed listening to Francene on the radio. What a force she was for truth and fairness! We have lost a great citizen. Louisville was fortunate to have her as a part of our community. My condolences to her family and loved ones. She will be greatly missed.
Debbie Thompson
January 19, 2010
I never had the chance to meet Francene, but through her radio show felt like we were friends. She always made the drive time a pleasant one with her radio show. She made each topic interesting no matter what it was on and her manner to approach any topic was a joy to hear. Her wonderful voice and laughter will be missed more than can be said and her time slot will be a major void for so many listeners.
I just want to express to her family how much she will be missed even by those of us who only knew her through her radio show.
Donald Dismore
January 19, 2010
I have listened to Francene daily since 2003.
What a whirlwind she was in every aspect of life!
Our community has lost one of its brightest stars!
My heartfelt condolences to her mom and family.
Joe Poston
January 19, 2010
Revelation 21:3-4 (King James Version)
3And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
January 18, 2010
I never called her, but did email her and was always impressed that she responded...She referred me to other on air personalities since my topic was aviation related...he never responded... which in itself ingratiated me to Francene, she, at least, responded... I didn't have to like her or agree with her... but she damn well let you know you were heard and that she cared... didn't matter if she agreed... God Speed Francene and God Bless your family....You were a warrior!!!
Tim Murphy
January 18, 2010
Francene, God bless you, heaven is a brighter place with you there. My symapthy to your family and closest friends. Your talents are truly missed.
Charles Baesler
January 18, 2010
Would like to express condolences to Francenes' family,friends,and associates.Listened to her at every opportunity.So appreciated her attention to matters concerning our state and nation.I am very saddened by her death and regret that I never got to see or meet her.
Carol Gardy
January 18, 2010
To my "sister" Francene whom I never met but always emailed (and always received one back).
We were both Catholics, Italian and from Jersey. We were both single at the same age. She won my heart over being so compassionate about what was right and wrong. Not afraid to stand up to anyone. It will be an empty space at 9am on the radio. She is with the angels now. We will miss you Francene.
Carol Gardy
George Thomas
January 18, 2010
My Wife and I would listen to Francene
often.I did not agree with her on many
things. but found her to always be fair
(my wife loved her) her and Joe was always my best to listen to on the radio. will miss herein her. Condolence
to the family. Rosemarie & George Thomas
Francene LOVED to style for the Derby!!!
Gabe Hobbs
January 18, 2010
Wow. At a loss for words other than to say one of the brightest and best human beings is no longer among us but in a better place. YOU WILL BE MISSED FRANCENE!!!
David Harrison
January 18, 2010
I am relatively new to Louisville. Yet I too became a Friend of Francene.
I finally got to meet her in person at the Job Jam. I stopped to thank her for making the event happen. Most would have just smiled and passed by. Not Francene.
She stopped to talk to me about my situation, and to share some of her own experiences. She made it seem like she had all the time in the world to speak to each and every person she encountered. The hug she gave before I left spoke louder than her words.
That she will be missed is an understatement.
My heartfelt thanks to the family for sharing her with us.
And may G_d bless you all and comfort your sorrow.
Brenna Tomlinson
January 18, 2010
Francene, I didn't say goodbye..you welcomed me in your home one Christmas as we were friends for just a short time. You touched everyone that met you. It was our (my) pleasure to know you. Thank you for "giving back" your whole career.
Colleen Shawler
January 18, 2010
To The Cucinello Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Francene was a very thoughtful, kindhearted, generous woman and she will be greatly missed. She has touched everyone in our community in one way or another. She cared about the people in our city, fought for what she believed in, and helped people that was inneed of anything..if she couldnt help directly, she guided people in the right direction to get the help they needed. She was very open and honest, she accepted everyone as they were, not how she wanted them to be. God Speed Francene..you will reign in our hearts and minds forever.
January 18, 2010
I enjoyed her show and felt sad when I read that she pass away. Dios la bendiga y la Virgen la acompane siempre y a su familia.
January 18, 2010
Francene's ability to tackle a variety of topics with candor, knowledge and concern made her my favorite radio personality. My sincere sympathy to her family. We all were blessed by her presence.
Our GOD will see you through.
Pat W
Shirley Beville
January 18, 2010
I enjoyed the Francene show. She did not hold back anything. The community has truly lost a special lady. She was a true blessing. My boss and I listen to he show everytime we had to go to a staff meeting. We would go into the meetings with a better outlook on things.
May "God" be with her family in this time of need.
Chris Green
January 18, 2010
Rest in Peace Francene. You truly made a difference in so many lives. A true example and inspiration to our community. May God bless you and your family.
James Harris
January 18, 2010
Francene help me get cable and electricity during the wind storm and the ice storm. My family and I are very grateful for the work she put in to make this happen. We loved her and she will be missed. I want to express my deepest sympathy to her family. God Bless.
Rep. Rick Nelson
January 18, 2010
I am very shocked and saddened about the loss of Francene. Our prayers are with the family.
sherri
January 18, 2010
Francene was part of my daily working life for 6 years as I drove to sales calls. Yes, there were times when the discussions were so interesting/heated that I didn't want to get out of my car! I followed Monty's adoption with deep interest and thank Francene for taking him in. Each of Francene's family and friends (including Monty)are in my daily thoughts. My deepest sympathy to all. The community has lost a dear friend.
Amanda Timmons
January 18, 2010
I was shocked when I heard the news. She was such a great person. I loved the show. Listened all the time. I cannot believe that this is true.
John Edrington
January 18, 2010
I enjoyed Francene's show just about every day. She was a credit to the community and benefical to all who listened. She said things that enlightened my thinking at times. She definitely was correct in saying life is short, So make the best of the time you have.
Linda H
January 18, 2010
God took an angel that day what a caring and loving lady. My thoughts and prayers are with her entire family and friends.
Mary Curtis
January 18, 2010
I loved listening to Francene as I carpooled around Northern Kentucky. My deepest condolences go out to Francene's Mom and Sister, and her Whas family. God's blessings.
Teresa
January 18, 2010
To the family of Francene, I want to express my deepest sympathy to you. My father, who passed away in June 2009, and I would listen to her show when I was at his house. You are in thoughts and prayers.
Teresa
January 18, 2010
I will miss you Francene. You had a wonderful personality and I felt I knew you just by listening to your show. I know God has a wonderful Angel in heaven now. God bless your family and Monty.
Dale Emmons
January 18, 2010
Francene was an original. While I may not have always agreed with her, I admired her feisty spirit and relentless determination. She was intelligent and savvy. We all are going to miss her; especially Kentucky's politicians. The heavenly equivalent of talk radio now has a new star. God's speed Francene.
Lana Roberts
January 18, 2010
To Francene's mom, family and friends, I am so sorry Francene is gone but KNOW you will see her again, she is waiting for you! may the Lord's peace and love carry all of you today and forever.
Janie Wright
January 18, 2010
I wish to send my deepest sympathy to Francene's family. I had never met her but I listened to her show daily at work. I felt like I knew her. We will all miss her. I loved her attitude and zeal for life and her concern for the other person. She will be terribly missed by everyone, especially the community of Louisville, but we all rejoice in knowing she is in heaven now.
K. James
January 18, 2010
I will miss her every morning!
Joyce Radcliff
January 18, 2010
I was so shocked when breaking news notified the death of Francene's. My condolences go out to her family. The world was a better place with Francene in it, however, the Lord knows all of our needs. She was an inspritation to everyone. She will be greatly missed, and her shoes will be hard to replace.
Donna Hart
January 18, 2010
Francene was a wonderful gift to this community. Thank you, God, for sharing her with us.
Caroline D
January 18, 2010
My deepest sympathy to you Francene's family and friends. She was like the sumshine from the sun -- radiant, warm and friendly. Louisvile was indeed very forturnate to be able to call Francene our own. To Francene's family, thank you for sharing her with us. We have lost a daughter/friend too. She will always be missed....
Anna Woods
January 18, 2010
I will miss you Francene. You had a wonderful personality and I felt I knew you just by listening to your show. I know God has a wonderful Angel in heaven now. God bless your family and Monty.
H. Patrick Page
January 18, 2010
Our prism is without light.
Daniel Drummond
January 18, 2010
I want to express my regrets to France's family in the loss of such a wonderful lady. Although I never had the pleasure of meeting her, she was part of the fabric of my life. I loved her willingness to tackle ANY issue. I count it a blessing to have had the opportunity to have her share her passion for life through what she did. God Bless her how she enriched my life.
Brian Hinton
January 18, 2010
Francene
You were a friend to Law Enforcement. We never got that boat ride in; we will miss you.
Steve Dwinnells
January 18, 2010
Francene was such a kind lady. She interviewed me on her show several years ago and kept in touch for months later to see how I was doing. Her death is a loss to this community and to countless thousands of friends whose lives she's touched.
Becky/Ed Spalding
January 18, 2010
My husband I are in Fla for the winter but we listened to Francine every morning on the net. She was our friend, our advocate, and someone who we could trust. Can't imagine how she will ever be replaced. Louisville loved her.
Sandra & David Bold
January 18, 2010
Our deepest sympathy to Francene's family in this very difficult time our thoughts and prayers are with the family.God Bless.
Sandra and David Bold (Mt. Washington)
Michael Stewart
January 18, 2010
A voice of reason-always.
January 18, 2010
Our deepest sympathy to Francene's family in this very difficult time our thoughts and prayers are with the family.God Bless.
Sandra and David Bold (Mt. Washington)
Matt
January 18, 2010
Francene’s shows were absolutely top-notch. I’ve never heard anyone in talk radio who was so adept at both pulling in national headlines, and bringing up local issues and making them interesting and making you feel so personally involved. Her passion was infectious, and she was so genuine. I think we all really feel like we knew her personally, and perhaps we did. She will be greatly missed. She was a brightly-burning star, that was extinguished before her time.
Jeff Johnson
January 18, 2010
Francene is good, kind and loving. Those traits never fade away.
Beth
January 18, 2010
She was one of the few who did what she said and said what she did - lived life to the fullest, stood up for what she believed in, championed the little guy, asked the tough questions and still managed to earn the respect of all. Thanks, Francene, for shining your light here in Louisville.
January 18, 2010
Francene's Family
How we will miss her. Her zest for life was evident on her show. Her compassion for others was obivious and she worked tirelessly for others. I marveled at her courage, and strength in confronting what she believed was an injustice, no matter who her guest on air was.
My compassion, love, and prayers to her immediate family and friends, some of whom never met her go to all of you.
Deloris N.
Deloris Neal
January 18, 2010
Francene's Family
How we will miss her. Her zest for life was evident on her show. Her compassion for others was obivious as she worked tirelessly for their good. I marveled at her courage, and strength in confronting what she believed was an injustice, no matter who was sitting opposite her at the microphone. Isn't it ironic that even as her body is gone, her spirit and donations are helping others live. Her spirit will remain with us through her gifts to the living.
My compassion, love, and prayers to her immediate family and friends. Some of us never met her, but we too will miss her.
Deloris N.
January 18, 2010
Although I didn't always agree with Francene's opinions, she had the gift to at least get us thinking about things and what we could do to make things better! God bless her family....
Julie Williams
January 18, 2010
I was shocked to learn that Francene had passed away. She was such a big part of my life, every morning at work I listened. I emailed her often and she always emailed back, no matter how small my comment was. She shared her life with us, her mother, her niece, everything. She was a wonderful lady. I will miss her dearly. Life is so fragile. God Bless her and her family.
Steve Magruder
January 18, 2010
My deepest sympathy to Francene's family in this very difficult time.
Francene will be greatly missed by the Louisville community. She was one of the very few in this community who have been adept at spurring spirited discussion about local issues. Francene's work was and continues to be an inspiration to many of us, no matter where we may fall politically.
I especially am fond of how Francene conducted the recent public town hall about health care reform. She was very even-handed and kept the crowd from boiling over. That took great skill!
Francene, you made a big difference, and you will be missed by multitudes!
Mary S.
January 18, 2010
Francene was such a good friend, and I loved her show. For six years I have been listening to her. Please take good care of Monty, as I know he misses her too. I hope someone loves him as much as she loved him, Francene would have wanted that. Please know that her mother and sister and Monty are in my prayers. God Bless!
Judy Seacat
January 18, 2010
Such a brief time with us in Louisville, but came packing with knowledge, passion, and outspoken. We will miss you greatly. Thank you for all your helping hands behind the scenes.
chester "check" Lynch,Sr
January 18, 2010
Francene-you will be missed by alot of people that never met you but heard you almost every day did always agreed with but felt you was always fair with whom ever called your show you respected them.I you can go thru life and touch a few lives you was a sucess,Lady you did IT!!!!!!!!!!!
Audra Kalvar
January 18, 2010
Much love and prayers to Francene's family. I was a loyal listener and the world just lost a special and talented lady. She will be missed. God bless.
January 18, 2010
I was a friend of Francene's in High School. She was a nice girl, intelligent and funny, and taken from this world much too soon.
Scott Frix
January 18, 2010
I was a friend of Francene's in High School. She was a nice girl, intelligent and funny, and taken from this world much too soon.
John
January 18, 2010
Deepest sympathy to Francene's family, and all who loved her. I rejoice knowing that she now rests in the loving arms of our heavenly Father.
Dave huber
January 17, 2010
God bless from all of us at, NSRA
Roxanne Hack-Smero
January 17, 2010
I would just like to say that public safety, especially firefighters, have lost a supporter and friend. I thank Francene for being the woman she was, standing up for what she believed in. She'll truly be missed in our community. Thank you Francene from the brothers & sisters of the Louisville Professional Firefighters, Local 345.
Don J.
January 17, 2010
Francene was the second love to leave me. The first was by her choice. I will miss you,Francene,on my daily travels. You were a great companion!
Laura Westphal
January 17, 2010
As her ending went Lifes short make the most of your time. I know she did and she gave to her adopted city in abundence . Let us go forth and so the same in her memory. You will be missed beautiful angel.
C'Allen Chauvin
January 17, 2010
Our deepest sympathy and prayers to Francene's Family. C'Allen and Stan Chauvin
Lisa Just
January 17, 2010
I've been a loyal listener for the past six years. Like so many others have said, I felt like I knew her even though I never had the privilege of meeting her. She shared her feelings, and life with us on the radio.She loved sports, Rick Springfield,and her family.She would often quote her mom and/or dad on the radio.She made quite an impression on a lot of people in a very short period of time. We are devastated and heartbroken. Love and prayers to mom & family.
Stephanie T
January 17, 2010
I only recently found the Francene show and looked forward to listening every morning. 9 a.m. will never be the same....Rest in Peace
Carlene Cook
January 17, 2010
With sympathy and prayers.
Carlene Cook
Tonya Hemlick
January 17, 2010
What a beautiful person Francene was. She will be missed.
January 17, 2010
I live in Sugar Land Texas, but still have a house in J-Town. I always listened to Francene when I was in town. I enjoyed her show and will miss her very much.
Kenneth Kellerman
January 17, 2010
Wow! I am really going to miss you.Kenny Kellerman
C Rivera
January 17, 2010
A friend I never met, not always in agreement with but always respected. I will miss you.
JoAnn
January 17, 2010
I will miss Francene so much that words cannot express. I remember when she was first on, I guess WHAS was trying different people out, and I thought then how I liked her. She was so sympathetic to people and really cared about them. And of course, animal lover. I have never been so shocked to hear of someone dying and will truly miss her program.
Peggy T
January 17, 2010
I have been been an avid listener to Francene's shows all these years. I would listen to her while doing my housework or running errands. She would tell it like it was! I will miss that great voice. Even though I never met her (I did call the show on occasion), I feel as though I have lost a member of my own family. My heart is breaking. She influenced our entire community so much. My thoughts and prayers are extended to her family. She will be missed so much. There will never be another Francene.
Showing 1 - 100 of 351 results
Make a Donation
in Francene Cucinello's name
Memorial Events
for Francene Cucinello
Funeral services provided by:
Owen Funeral Home - Jeffersontown9318 Taylorsville Road, Louisville, KY 40299
How to support Francene's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Francene Cucinello's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
