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Tito Francona
1933 - 2018
Tito Francona
1933 - 2018
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1933
DIED
2018
Tito Francona Obituary
One a Cleveland Indians player, the other the team's adored manager. Father and son.
Tito and the kid who became Tito.
John "Tito" Francona, who proudly watched his son Terry follow his footsteps to the major leagues, died unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday night in New Brighton, Pennsylvania. He was 84.
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Francona's passing cast a pall over Cleveland's training camp in Goodyear, Arizona, as pitchers and catchers reported Wednesday. Terry Francona, who has been affectionately called "Tito" for years in a respectful bow to his dad, will leave the team for several days to be with family.
There will be private services to celebrate the elder Francona's life.
"We're all incredibly saddened by Tito's passing," Indians president Chris Antonetti said. "Not only was he a really good player in our franchise history but he was a friend to so many of us. There have been so many great things for the organization and for me personally. Having Terry here for the last five years, one of the most meaningful things for me was to get to know his dad and build a friendship with him.
"He was such a warm, thoughtful, exuberant person that brightened every room he walked into. To have the opportunity to visit with him when he'd come into town, to hear his stories, to see how he and Terry connected was really meaningful. He will be missed by so many of us."
After he was fired in Boston following the 2011 season, Terry Francona spent a year in broadcasting before he was hired by the Indians. In Cleveland, he was closer to his dad, who would occasionally drive in for games.
"It was such a deep bond and having a chance to talk to Tito (Terry) today, he was able to reflect back and talk about so many great memories he shared with his dad showed how deep that bond was," Antonetti said. "He said, 'I had the best mom and dad in the world and to have the chance over the past handful of seasons share a lot of those moments with my dad, for him to come to Cleveland and watch every game on TV, with a chance to talk about them with him afterwards, were memories that he will continue to cherish."
Terry Francona was born the first year his dad played in Cleveland. All Francona did that season was bat .359 and finish fifth in AL MVP voting. He led the AL in doubles the following year, and in 1961 he was an AL All-Star and led the league in singles.
Francona made his debut in 1956 with the Baltimore Orioles. He retired as a player following the 1970 season with Milwaukee.
The Indians ask that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tito Francona's memory to Cleveland Indians Charities (http://mlb.mlb.com/cle/community/donation_form.jsp). Funds will be directed to youth baseball-oriented programs in both Cleveland and New Brighton.
We invite you to share condolences for John "Tito" Francona in our Guest Book.
___
Written by TOM WITHERS, AP Sports Writer
AP freelance writer Gary Schatz in Goodyear, Arizona, contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
61 Entries
Bruce Yeager
May 4, 2018
We will miss TITO he was a great MAN
The Yeager family New Brighton
Bob Yeager Lavern Ca.
April 24, 2018
My thought are with the Francona family with the loss of the patriarch. As an Oriole fan, I want to say thanks for the joy Tito gave me as my Dad and I sat in the bleachers of Memorial Stadium. He was a great great player and friend of Ted Williams.
Roberta Summers
March 23, 2018
I was very fortunate to work with Tito through the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He was a very kind, considerate and compassionate person that I have been honored to know as a fellow volunteer and friend. You have my deepest sympathy and know you have lost a very special person, loving dad and husband. Sincerely
How you can show support
Michael Pordan
March 21, 2018
Condolences! I feel so upset and yet happy. R.I.P Tito and peace to your family.
February 28, 2018
My deepest condolences to the family. I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May the God of all comfort be with you to give you comfort and strength.
Cindy Mobbs
February 26, 2018
Fly High "Tito Francona!"
Jonathan Capozzi
February 26, 2018
Rest In Peace
February 26, 2018
My heartfelt sympathy to the family on the passing of your love one please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss.
Yc
February 25, 2018
With heartfelt sympathy. Please accept my deepest condolences. May you continue to cherish his precious memories. May you find comfort in the God of all comfort to offer you comfort and the strength to endure during these difficult times ahead.
Koby Dean Fisher Sr
February 25, 2018
May , God Bless America & The King ..... Brother Tito I , Would Always Terry Managed Boston Red Sox & Win The World Series ...... It , Was The Most Awesomest Day That I Ever Watched With My Grandpa & Step Uncle ..... Joshua 6:15 6:04 Judges 16:22 Mark 3:21 3:22 3:23 Matthew 5:18 John 9:19 9:20 & James 3:10 !!!!!!!!!!
J P
February 23, 2018
May family friends and fans cherish the time and memories of Tito Francona as time goes by
Stay close as time goes by
Be the one that's running toward each other and not running away
May our Heavenly Father grant you peace from above
My prayers are with you during this time
Kay Rodriguez
February 23, 2018
Tito, I remember you pitching a "NO HITTER" in the 1985 World Series against the LA Dodgers. Man...you were great. Rest in Peace.
Frank Wanken
February 23, 2018
Dear Family of Tito,
So sorry for your lost. The name Tito Francona is a name that any long time Oriole fan remembers.
With Sympathy,
February 23, 2018
I'm sorry for your loss , May God's promise that one day soon disease, pain and death will be no more bring comfort and peace to each of you.
My condolences
Rachel
.
Leopold
February 22, 2018
My thoughts and prayers to Terry and his family at this time of great loss. Your dad's strength of character and influence is evident in how you continue to carry yourself through your own life. Boston thanks you for two championships, due to your diligence, patience and guidance.
David Crowe
February 21, 2018
I was a huge fan of Tito's, Rocky, Roger Maris and all the Indians when I was a kid. It hurts when you lose your idols, even when you're getting old yourself. I will never forget Tito and all the rest of the guys I idolized as a kid. I pray for Tito and all his family.We have lost a great man. R.I.P.
R. C.
February 21, 2018
To The Family Of Tito Francona
My condolences to the family on the loss of your dear beloved one. May the God of all comfort,comfort you and grant you peace now and in the days ahead.
DEBORAH Sweatt
February 20, 2018
God speed Tito..Baseball heaven has a new player..the prayers and thoughts of all baseball fans are with the Francona and Indian family
Ray Smith
February 20, 2018
Tito: still have the autograph you gave me at the old Shoreham Hotel,Washington D.C. spring 1963, you were a very good ball player,but, a much better man, rest in peace!
kim
February 20, 2018
So sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. May you be comforted by fond memories and the love of family and friends. Jeremiah 29:11.
February 20, 2018
May the God of all comfort be with you.
Sincerely
Michelle Burton
February 20, 2018
My condolences to family and friends May you always cherish the memories you spent with him. and may God strengthen you doing this difficult time.
Linda Gegorski
February 20, 2018
Sincere sympathy to all the family with prayers/thoughts--may he rest in peace and help your team with a world series win this year, looking down from above!!
george ladner
February 20, 2018
With respect, I have all of Tito's baseball cards. He had much to be proud of.
February 20, 2018
So sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. I am hoping you have peace and comfort during this of grief and pain.what a great dad and mentor he was for Terry.their relationship warmed my heart and made me smile. Nice obituary.
February 20, 2018
Dear Terry Francona and Family
My deepest sympathy and thoughts and prayers too in the loss of your dear dad and my favorite cleveland indians baseball player.
I remember going to many baseball games with my dad in the huge municipal stadium and cheering on your dad to many victories and remember too you, terry, as a young 3 year old running the infield and outfield as well.
Then i finally realized years later that the 3 year old was now a baseball manager and thus i followed your career and what a great choice the cleveland indians made in acquiring you, terry, and how proud your dad was of you.
May all the great memories spent together help dry your tears and heal your broken heart.
hugs
rosanne
GO TRIBE
February 20, 2018
My condolences on the loss of Tito Francona. May the God of comfort be with the family during this difficult time.
Ralph Jones
February 20, 2018
To Terry & Family...
I would like to recite a few words of encouragement that was given to me when my parents both passed away in 1996, and I hope that it will help you as it did me.
At times we see the sun go down
And think it's the end of day
And yet we know that sun's going to rise
Somewhere else so far, far away
And when we lose someone we love
We learn to trust somehow
That there's "new life in a brighter place"
And Tito's is just beginning now
This place of Joy, of Peace, and Love
Beyond all time and sorrow
Is where 'loving hearts' that part today
Will surely meet up again - tomorrow !!!
My folks always told me:
When someone you love becomes a memory - that memory becomes a treasure.
Tito, we will always treasure your memory.. RIP
Dale Cook
February 19, 2018
Saddened to hear about the passing of Tito Francona. Being a life long Indian fan i recall those days when Tito played with great names such as Vic Power and Rocky Colivato. Used to love driving up to cavernous Cleveland Stadium from nearby Erie, PA with my high school friends to root for the Tribe. R.I.P. Tito
Joe and Lu Ann Kerr
February 19, 2018
Please accept our condolences. God Bless you, and your family.
February 19, 2018
Sincere Condolences on your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you.
February 19, 2018
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
February 19, 2018
So sad to hear about the passing of Tito may his memories be never forgotten by those who love him. My sincere condolences for your loss may your family and friends get comfort from their fond memories of him.
MARTIN ALPER
February 19, 2018
I WAS SO VERY SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THEPASSING OF TITOFRTANCONA. I DO REMEMBER HIM AS A YOUNG BOY GROWING UP. HEWAS A HOUSEHOLD NAME. NOW HE AS A WONDERFULSON WHO IS GREAT. MY DEEPST SYMPATHY TO THE WHOLE FRANCONA FAMILYANDTO TO CLEVELAND INDIANS.
Franklin Family
February 19, 2018
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of such good man Tito! Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. The journey ahead will be long and hard, but stay strong in your endeavor to continue on. May it bring you comfort in knowing that thinking of the fond and happy times will keep him alive in your hearts and memory. May the God of all comfort, comfort you during this time of sadness. I also pray for you to have peace. (Isaiah 61:1, 2). Continue treasuring Tito's great accomplishments in your hearts and minds that it may carry you through these difficult moments.
DougD
February 19, 2018
We pray for Tito and his family who grieves for him. Son Terry is fondly remembered for his time in Boston. May the family take strength from many wonderful memories.
February 19, 2018
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
February 18, 2018
My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time now and days ahead.
Christian
February 18, 2018
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Tito. Rest assured life is precious to our Creator. He promises to act in our behalf.
1 Corinthians 15:26
My cousin, Tito, and me.
Anthony Crisi
February 18, 2018
My condolences and sympathy to Tito's wife Jean, their children, relatives, friends, acqaintances, and fans. I will miss my cousin. I am so proud and grateful for he has done for others, youth, the community, and sports. His life was a life well lived and worthy to be emulated.
Harry Simpson
February 18, 2018
Godspeed 'Tito", and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Rest "Tito", until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
February 18, 2018
Rest in peace. And God bless.
Juanita
February 18, 2018
Extending heartfelt condolences to the family for your great loss. May God comfort each of you during your time of mourning.
JMS
February 18, 2018
My condolences are with the family of Tito Francona. Losing a loved one is a very painful experience. My the God of comfort and tender mercies give you strength to endure during this most difficult time.
February 18, 2018
Extending my deepest sympathies to the Francona family, and to Mr. Francona's extensive community of friends and fans. Tito was a great ballplayer, a beloved gentleman, and a wonderful father.
Rest in Peace.
February 18, 2018
May your strong faith in our Lord and savior Jesus Christ ransom sacrifice bring your sad hearts some comfort during this very difficult time for your family and friends.
John 3:16,17:3
Stockbridge Ga
Jim Martin
February 18, 2018
Matthew 11:28- 30..........Romans 10:9- 13.........
February 18, 2018
May peace be yours to bring comfort. May you have courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. May God continue to comfort your family (Psalm 9:9,10).
February 18, 2018
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
February 18, 2018
Tito had made a great impression on in the lives , of those that met him.the the. Kind of man he was will not be forgotteni. Really sorry for your loss.Fw ,
February 18, 2018
My prayer are with you all during this very sad time. Draw close to God.....
February 18, 2018
Beloveds, truly saddened to hear about Tito Francona's passing. His fine legacy will surely be remembered. I hope to meet him in Paradise! Luke23:43
ROSANNE MASKOVYAK
February 18, 2018
Dear Terry Francona and Family
my deepest sympathy and thoughts and prayers go out to all of you in the passing of your dear dad and my favorite ballplayer of all time. Being 65 years old i can remember well all the baseball games i attended with my dad at old municipal stadium and cheered on Tito with each and every game and remember too when you, Terry were the little 3 year old son of Tito who would run around the infield and outfield. When years later I finally realized you grew up into a baseball player as well and have followed your baseball career and love the fact that you are the Cleveland Indians coach, how wise of the Indians to choose so wisely in you and how proud your father was of you too.
May all the wonderful memories of the times spent together with your dad help dry your tears and heal your broken heart
love
Rosanne Maskovyak
GO TRIBE
Joan
February 18, 2018
From a life long Indians fan, my sympathy goes out to the Francona family and friends.
February 17, 2018
My condolences to the Franconia Family. May the God of comfort grant you strength during this difficult time.
February 17, 2018
To the Francona Family, our condolences out here in California. There is nothing more than a family's love, I'm sure Tito has made it through the gates of Heaven with all the other baseball greats, and good people
RIP
February 17, 2018
My sincere condolences to the family and friends. Toto will be greatly missed by all many are with you during this very sad time. (1Thessalonians 3:14)
Cindy Herd
February 17, 2018
R.I.P.
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