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George Franko Obituary

George Paul Franko Jr. Born August 4, 1944; passed away peacefully in his home in Tacoma, WA on Tuesday September 27, 2011. George grew up in Tacoma, graduated from Wilson High School and became a self-employed contractor and landscaper, which was his work and passion. His greatest love in life was his wife Carol, his three daughters, two granddaughters, and wealth of friends. George was always the life of the party, he loved to dance, drive classic old cars, and be in the sun relaxing in the water. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Geraldine Franko. He is survived by his wife Carol, children Dana, Brianne (Ian), and Katie (Richard), grandchildren Danika and Kathryn, sister Carolyn (Jack), and many nieces and nephews. Remembrances may be made to Multicare Good Samaritan Home Health and Hospice or the American Cancer Society. Memorial service held at Life Center in Tacoma on Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 11am.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Sep. 28, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for George Franko

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Nick Santelli

October 4, 2011

Carol, I was sad to see that George had passed, I knew he was sick but figured he would somehow get through it. I always enjoyed bumping into George and you out on the town or seeing George on a jobsite or at Home Depot; he will be missed.

Chiara

October 1, 2011

Dearest Franko Women. I was so sad to hear that George passed. I didn't even know he had become ill again. Such a great guy. Will always remember him with deep fondness.
Blessings to you all. Take good care. Chiara

October 1, 2011

Carol and family, I didn't know George well, but he will always be remembered at Manitou Park Elementary. Every time I wear my "Manny the bulldog" shirt, I will think of him because of the great drawing of Manny that he created. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Teresa Hegarty

Sharon Lockard

September 30, 2011

Carol and Family: I am saddened to hear of the great loss of George. I knew him for many years and he was a terrific guy, always happy and kind to everyone. He will remain with you in your hearts and memories. Sharon Tisch Lockard

Tim Richmond

September 29, 2011

The Franko family has lost a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. The rest of us have lost that terrific brother who's smile and greeting will be greatly missed. George and I could always pick-up where we last left off, and maybe years intervened. George loved three things: his family, the sun, and to create. ANYTHING! And he was simply the best! I miss my brother. Hugs and warmest thoughts to Carol and all of the Franko family.

Kathy Parisotto

September 29, 2011

Carol & family,
We are very sorry for your loss. We feel blessed to have known George and will always remember the wonderful trip we all took to Puerto Vallarta. What a spirit! What a smile! He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts, prayers are with you during this difficult time. Love, Kathy & Buzz Parisotto

Greg Johnson

September 29, 2011

George Franko was a sculpture extraordinaire. His works are at the center of our home. Our rock courtyard is always getting compliments and I'm honored to say - "George Franko did the work". We are deeply sorry to hear of George's passing. Our sympathy to the Franko Family. I never had a anyone shake my hand the way George did and will never forget. Lord - You have a good one. Greg Johnson and family.

Christine Grady

September 29, 2011

To Carol and the family
I haven't known George as many years as others, but knew him long enough to find him to be a great and loving man.
As we live down under we were unable to see as much of him as we would have liked. The first time we met George was before Rich and Katie's wedding. Rick and I travelled to Tacoma from Collaroy to met the Frankos, our in-laws to be. We spent 10 days in your lovely home over the Xmas and New Year period, we thoroughly enjoyed it. We were very happy for Richard to be George's son-in-law, he was a great father-law. Richard loved him and stayed with him during his last weeks
We had some great nights with George, Carol and family. We had lots of fun, a few laughs and plenty of drinking. A great new year's eve party, and the drive home with George behind the wheel was a ride to remember.
My fondest memory of George is at Richard and Katie's wedding. He was so happy, full of life - as someone referred to him "the Silver Fox" - he stood out - a big man and good looks with his silver. hair. These happy moments with George will always be with me.
Goodbye George, may you rest in peace. You left behind a beautiful family of daughters and granddaughters. You have left me with some wonderful memories and I will always see your happy face.

Christine Grady xxx

Nadean Harvey

September 28, 2011

To the Franko's I only meet George once at his daughter Katie's wedding in Australia and let me say he danced his little socks off. We all had a fantastic time only made the better by Carol and George and their hospitality. Thank you for giving us the lovely Kaite, she is truly a beautiful friend and I send all my love to not only her but to the whole Franko/Grady clan. xxxx

Chrissy Wennersten

September 28, 2011

Our deepest sympathy to Katie, Rich and the Franko family on the very sad loss of your father. Our thoughts are with you all.
Love and light.
Chrissy & Eric Wennersten

Christine Grady

September 28, 2011

To Carol and the family
I haven't know George as many years as others, but known him long enough to find him to be a great and loving man.
As we live down under we were unable to see as much of him as we would have liked. The first time we met George was before Rich and Katie's wedding, Rick and I travelled to Tacoma from Collaroy to met the Frankos, our in-law to be. We spent 10 days in their lovely home over the Xmas and New Year period, we thoroughly enjoyed it. We were very happy for Richard to be the son-in-law of George, he was a great father-in-law. Richard loved him and stayed with him during his last weeks
We had some great nights with George and his family. We had lots of fun, a few laughs and plenty of drinking. A great new year's eve party, and the drive home with George behind the wheel was something else.
My fondest memory of George is at Richard and Katie's wedding. He was so happy, full of life... as someone referred to him "Silver Fox" - he stood out - big man and good looks with his silver hair. These happy moments of George will always be with me.
Goodbye George, may you rest in peace. You left behind a beautiful family of daughters and grand- daughters. You have left me with some wonderful memories and I will always see your happy face.

Christine Grady xxx

JOHN MESSINA

September 28, 2011

We just arrived In iitaly and got online and saw this. Wha a shock. George was a great guy and friend. And a true artist. When we built our home 3 years ago, George did a masterful and beautiful job of the infrasructure and plants, most of whichstill stands. JOHN & GUELDA MESSINA

Jim Sipes

September 28, 2011

To the Franko family, I only met George a few times but a very nice guy and it was an honor to have known him my deepest condolences to the family.

Richard (Rick) Joyal

September 28, 2011

My Deepest Sympathies to the Franko Family. I was in Tacoma 3 weeks ago and my younger Brother Mike and i were out about town. I mention to my Brother that I would like to stop by and see George Franko. I had not see George in 30 years. A regret i will live with forever. George and I pal-ed around together in High School. I had seen him a number of times thru out the year until 1980 when I moved to California. He was truly a Great Man. We had some enjoyable times. I will never forget Him. Until we meet again George, may GOD Bless You.

georgia manning

September 28, 2011

for the franko family,
sending you lots of love and support from manly australia. our thoughts are with you at this sad time, and we are so sorry for your loss. we hope you draw strength and hope from the love we all have for you.
all our best wishes, thoughts and love are with you.
georgia and kyle x

The Wegener Family

September 28, 2011

Carol and family, we are so sorry to hear about George. We have wonderful memories of George. One that comes to mind was when we had a neighborhood block party and George brought in loads of sand to the cal-de-sac and created a sand volleyball court. We had such fun with all the neighbors pitching in to have a great summer party. George had an infectious smile and always had time to say Hi...George will be missed but not forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Vic Gratzer

September 28, 2011

My prayers & thoughts are with you.

Hol & Andy O'Driscoll

September 28, 2011

We will be thinking of you all at this sad time. Love always x

Crystal Harlow

September 28, 2011

Carol, although I only had the chance to enjoy George's presence on the occasional 4th of July or Holiday bash at Kim's - I am very sorry for your loss and Zach and I are heavy in our hearts today for your family. Our prayers are with you.

Bev (Koval) Boyle

September 28, 2011

To the Family: My parents and Jock and Babe were close friends and I remember fun times with George and Carol when we were young. I remember George always smiling. I saw him at the Fircrest car show a few months ago but he was gone before I could speak to him. My prayers are with you all.

Rita Duncan-Ricci

September 28, 2011

To Carol, the girls, and all the Franko family, I am so sorry for your great loss. George did our yard a couple of years ago, and it is so beautiful...he took great pride in creating beautiful spaces and doing such beautiful work... and always with a smile. Carol, I so remember all those fun parties of our youth as well....My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Larry Capps

September 28, 2011

To the Franko Family what a great man. George and I go way back he will be missed. You all are in my thoughts I think there is a landscape job around the corner for him! I'm sure one day I will see it. love Capps Family

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