John E. Franco M.D.

John E. Franco, MD, 88, of Suffield, died Thursday, (July 10, 2003) at St. Francis Hospital. Born in St. Michaels, Azores, Portugal, John came to America with his family at the age of 4, settling in East Falmouth, MA. He was a long time resident of West Hartford before moving to Suffield six years ago. John graduated from Massachusetts State College (now University of Massachusetts) in 1936 and Tufts Medical School in 1940. Upon completion of his medial internship at St. Francis Hospital, John entered the military in the US Army Medical Corps. He served during World War II as a Major in the 24th Infantry Division in New Guinea and the Philippines. He is a recipient of the Combat Medical Badge and the Bronze Star. Returning to Hartford following his military service, John joined the staff at St. Francis Hospital in 1947 and retired after 38 years of service in 1985. During these many years at his beloved St. Francis, John served in various positions and on numerous committees including Chief of the Internal Medical Staff from 1955-1969. John was former Governor John Dempsey's personal physician and was appointed Major on the Governor's military staff. After John's retirement from St. Francis, he became a consultant to the Social Security Disability Administration. John is a former member of the Hartford County Medical Society, Wampanoag Country Club, and an active member of the UMass Twentieth Century Club. John leaves his daughter, Katherine Kenney and her husband Patrick of Suffield; his sons, John of Kennebunkport, ME, Laurence and wife Janine of Manchester, NH, and Robert and fiancee Ann Bracken of Lyme, NH. He also leaves three grandchildren, Addison and Nate Marsh and Jenni Franco; and two step-grandchildren, Bevin and Molly Kenney. He also leaves his special friend, Pauline Crispen. John leaves his sister, Sarah and husband David Fraser of Canton; his sister, Mary Cambell of East Falmouth, MA; his sister-in-law, Alice Franco of Hallendale, FL; his nephews, John Franco and Jayme Franco; and his niece, Karen Murphy. Friends may call at The Ahern Funeral Home, 180 Farmington Ave., Hartford on Monday from 5-8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, 10 a.m. in the Sacred Heart Church, Mountain Road, Suffield. Burial will be in St. Anthony's Cemetery, East Falmouth, MA. Memorial contributions may be made to the Suffield Volunteer Ambulance Assoc., Inc., 97 Mountain Rd., Suffield.