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Thomas K. Franco

Thomas Franco Obituary

FRANCO, THOMAS (TOM) K., 40, of Odessa, FL passed away February 27, 2009 after a short but courageous battle with cancer. He died at his parents' home with his loving family surrounding him. Tom was born on September 3, 1968 in Portland, ME, and graduated from South Portland High School in 1986. To many of his Maine friends, Tom was known as T. Tom moved to Miami, FL in 1988. While in Miami, Tom made quite a name for himself as a dart champion. He worked in several restaurants, including the Sports Grill where Tom made their killer wings. Even when Tom had lost most of his appetite he wanted to eat one more order of their wings. After moving to Gainesville, Tom decided to concentrate on getting an education. He graduated from Santa Fe College in Gainesville, FL in 2007 with a degree in nuclear medicine. Tom joked that he wanted his friends in Miami to know he finally got his stuff together. He was employed by Halifax Medical Center as a nuclear medicine technician in Daytona, FL until November, 2008. Though his career was short, he was a highly valued employee who was awarded employee of the month the month before his diagnosis of cancer. His co-workers were true friends who called frequently after Tom was too ill to work and had moved to Odessa, FL to be with family. Their friendship was very important to Tom and won't be forgotten by his family. Tom and Todd Frederick of Portland, ME remained friends even after Tom moved to Florida. Todd and his wife Jennifer flew down to visit with Tom and it meant a great deal to have his friends visit one last time. Todd was by his side when Tom passed away and was a tremendous comfort to his family. Though far away from his Boston teams, Tom remained a faithful fan. During his illness, Tom and his dad spent many evenings watching their teams on TV. Tom, proudly wearing a Bruins T-shirt, was able to attend a hockey game to see his team play the Tampa Bay Lightning five days before his death. Though the Bruins lost, Tom got to see a great game with lots of goals and two fights. Besides a win, what more can a hockey fan ask for? During the coming season, family members will travel to Boston's Fenway Park to see Tom's beloved Red Sox. Once Tom was diagnosed with cancer he wanted to visit New York City as he had never been there, but was never well enough to go. In the fall his family will take the trip to New York City for him and raise their glasses in celebration of his life. Tom is survived by his parents, Charles and Mabel Franco of Odessa, FL; his siblings: Maggie Dumais and her husband, Mike of Topsham, ME; Joe Franco and his wife Vanessa of Lutz, FL; Barbara Drake and her husband, Chris of Odessa, FL ; Pat Franco of Tampa, FL; nephew William Drake, niece Elizabeth Drake of Odessa, FL, and Arlene Polanco of Lutz, FL. Tom was a wonderful son, brother, uncle and friend and will be dearly missed. Tom has chosen to be cremated. A viewing will be held at the National Cremation Society of Hudson, FL on Wednesday, March 4th from 9 to 11:00a.m. and a service will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society. To visit this Guest Book Online, go to www.MiamiHerald.com/obituaries.

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

Published by the Miami Herald on Mar. 3, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Franco

64 Entries

Jennifer Genovese

February 27, 2010

Today is a sad reminder of how young and vibriant a life you were. It pains me to think of you no longer on this Earth with all of us. I truly hope you knew how much you meant to me and how much I valued our friendship. We had some amazing fun together and I will never forget you. Rock On T

Jeff Guenther

November 16, 2009

Sorry to hear of your great loss. There are not enough Tom Francos in this world.

Carl Rickett

March 12, 2009

I've known Tom and his family for a long time his dad Charlie coached Tom and I during our youth baseball years. I'll never forget all of the good times we had during our years at South Portland High and our senior trip we took with Dave,Bill, Rob & Cliff. Tom was a good freind and will be sadly missed by all.

michael conley

March 11, 2009

God Bless you Tom and your family. The world lost a good person.

Jennifer Genovese

March 10, 2009

Where do I begin. The shock to hear that Tom has passed away was overwhelming, he was so full of life. I haven't seen Tom in a long time but I would get updates now and again from Joe and he was really happy.
I would like to send my condolences to Tom's family and friends. We will all be better people for having him light up our lives with his smile.
I feel blessed to have been a friend of Tom's and to have shared many great times with him. I will miss you! Rock On Man
I have created a group on Facebook "In memory of our friend Tom Franco" if anyone wants to add photos or comments.

David & Denise DeGruchy

March 9, 2009

Charles, Mabel and family

Tom was a very friendly and cheerful person. We are sad that he is gone but so happy that we had the chance to meet him. Our deepest condolences.

Denise Soule Cassidy

March 7, 2009

Dear Maggie, Barb, Mabel, Charles and family,
I am heartbroken for your terrible loss. It was a pleasure meeting "T" at the 4th of July cookout on Peaks Island. Thinking of you often.

Patty crockett

March 6, 2009

I was shocked to hear about T. My thoughts go out to the family. I will always remember his crazy antics on the baseball field.

Cassie Peavey(crockett)

March 6, 2009

To the Franco family,

I am so sorry to hear about "T". He was 2 years younger than me but did go to school with my brother. Our families were in Little league together. Again I am so sorry for the loss.

March 6, 2009

Tom and friends in Miami

March 6, 2009

Dan Clancy

March 5, 2009

Joe recently reminded me of a time when Tommy and I were playing pranks on some people at his house--of course Tommy was just a kid then and I should have known better at my age! Tommy always had that glint in his eye...a great little brother to Joe and just a fun guy to be around, actually like all the Francos. Mr. and Mrs. Franco, Joe, Pat, Maggie and Barbara, I am so sorry about Tommy. But I know you guys will spend a lot of time honoring his memory with some great T stories, which I hope will help you through this. Love, Danny

Jack and Sally Kramer

March 5, 2009

Some of the best years were when Tom lived just across the golf course from our home in Miami. Tom was a very big part of our lives for many years, a very special friend who will never be forgotten. We have wonderful memories of our times together which we will forever cherish. Our deepest sympathy to the Franco family. From.....Tom's Miami family.

Marty,David, & Anne Asdourian

March 5, 2009

Charlie, Mabel, & Family
So sad to hear of your loss, know that our thoughts are with all of you

Mindy Leon

March 4, 2009

I was truly saddened by the news of Tommy's much too early death. I worked with him at Sports Grill and had the priveledge to be his friend. I played many a game of darts with Tommy (probably none of which I won.) And to say that he was the most terrific person you could ever hope to meet is an understatement. I know I speak for others in Miami when I say we all knew you could finish school and find the career you loved. I am glad he got that opportunity. To his parents, I am so sorry for your loss, please know he made a great impression on every person he knew and we all loved him dearly.

Lita Aspiras (Dodd)

March 4, 2009

I went to grade school all the way through high school with Tom. I remember Tom with a smile on his face at all times. You have my deepest sympathy on his passing. May the Lord embrace you through this difficult time. R.I.P. Tom and thank you for the wonderful memories in South Portland, Maine

Tom, brothers Joe and Pat, and Dad

March 4, 2009

Tom, summer 2007

March 4, 2009

Tom and his nephew Will

March 4, 2009

Charles Robertson

March 4, 2009

What a great guy! He will surely be missed by many. As a classmate in the Nuc Med Program I can truely say it just would not have been the same without Tom's fun loving character. His bright mind is a great loss. My deepest sympathy,
God Bless!

Daron Savoy

March 4, 2009

Franco Family my thoughts and prayers are with you. I will always remember the good times we had playing baseball together. Tom was one of those people everyone liked.

Paul Doughty

March 4, 2009

To the Franco family, I'm so sorry for your loss. When I think back on my childhood memories Tom is in many of them. Weather it be playing baseball with him for PrattAbott or hanging out over his house watching Joe and my Uncle Jon give him numerous " crumps " We also had a blast playing Hide and seek or should I say hide and TORTURE.. Those were some good times. I'm sitting here asking myself why god wanted him at such an early age? All I can figure is he needed a good man.. He got one. I'll miss you Tom

Shawn Welch

March 4, 2009

I would like to express my sympathy to the Franco family and all of Tom's friends, here in South Portland and from away. Tom was a class mate and this news is deeply shocking.

Kevin Mortimer

March 4, 2009

Tommy will be greatly missed.I have fond memories of working with him,playing darts until 5 a.m. and our trip to Woodstock.To The Franco Family you have my deepest sympathy.

Mary Conley-Cyr

March 4, 2009

I went to High School with Tommy and I was very sad to hear he passed away. He could always make me laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with the Franco family at this time.

Patty O'Sullivan

March 4, 2009

I only knew Tom in passing when visiting my Dad, Buster Sullivan. Dad talked about Tom and his kindness to him. I am so sorry for your loss. May you be comforted by your many memories of him.

Lisa Hart

March 4, 2009

Maggie,

We were sorry to read of your brother's passing. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Lisa and Larry Hart

June Tremblay

March 4, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with Tommy's family and friends. When I think back to high school and the fond memories that I had, Tommy making people laugh and always smiling comes to mind. He was a good person and I am sure he lived his life that way. With love, the Tremblay's

Noelle Eau Claire

March 4, 2009

I am sorry to everyone who has lost Tom, especially his family and close friends. It breaks my heart to think of how hard he worked to stay with us just a little bit longer. He is greatly missed. Thank you for being you, Tom.

Shirley (Fuller) DiBiase

March 4, 2009

Mabel..I was so sorry to hear for your sons passing..I can not imagaine losing a child,no matter the age
Jane(Vanier) and I still keep in touch and speak of the days of yon.
Take comfort in all your family and friends.Tom sounds like a very lovable young man.
God Bless all of you.
Love Shirley.

Ronnie Hill

March 3, 2009

I was good friends with tommy here in MIAMI,we use to go to the patriots games when they played miami.I remember when the panthers were playing the bruins in the 1996 playoffs and we were there. Tommy was a great person and will be missed very much my Deepest Sympathy for the Franco Family.

Bobbie Konter

March 3, 2009

It was my pleasure to know Tom as a student at Santa Fe College when he was pursuing his degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology. I will always remember Tom's pleasant smile. He was dedicated to this studies, yet he always took the time to make us laugh! He will be remembered fondly as a true professional and a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you, his family and loved ones.
Deepest Sympathy,
Bobbie Konter
Director, Radiologic Programs
Santa Fe College

Emily Ross

March 3, 2009

Tom was really a wonderful person. I met him when he was in nuclear medicine school and never forgot him. I truly enjoyed working with him. He will be greatly missed!

2nd SHIFT BUSINESS SERVICES/ TRANSPORT. (RADIOLOGY DEPT.) HALIFAX MEDICAL CENTER

March 3, 2009

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY GOES TO ALL OF YOU ON THE LOSS OF TOM. HE WAS A JOY TO BE AROUND AND WORK WITH. WE FEEL THAT ALL OF RADIOLOGY WILL MISS HIM TREMENDOUSLY! RAY,JACKIE,BARBARA,LENO,CHAD & MATT.

Peter and Olga Apeland

March 3, 2009

To the entire Franco family,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. When we think of Tommy, we can't help but smile. He was a very special person and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Stacey Dampier

March 3, 2009

I was in Nuclear school with Tom and was saddened to hear of his diagnosis. I just found out today about his passing, and although words will never make it better I wanted to send my condolences. Tom was quite the character and always brought joy to our class. I will greatly miss his outgoing personality, the laughs he brought, and the brilliant mind he had. He always looked at things from a different perspective and I will always remember him for that.

Peace to you and your loved ones in this tough time. I will keep him and those close to him in my thoughts and prayers.

Steve Conley

March 3, 2009

R.I.P. Tom

I remember you from playing baseball in South Portland. You and your family are in my thoughts.

Amy Tupper Blake

March 3, 2009

I went to school with Tommy all the way up through high school. He always loved to tease me and make me laugh. I will forever remember his smile! From all of the Tuppers to the Francos please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

Jacci (DiMillo) Morin

March 3, 2009

I am completely stunned by this news. I have know Tom for over 30 years! We went to school together starting in Elementary at Dyer, then to Memorial and of course graduating from South Portland. I will always remember Tom as the one who could make you laugh! He was a great guy and was always lots of fun! My deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends.

Tony Florio

March 3, 2009

Tom will always live in our hearts and prayers. He is one of the most genuine and honest people I have ever got to share my life with.May his family find some kind of peace during this extreme time of sorrow.Love always Tony Florio.

Ken Inskip

March 3, 2009

Though I only knew Tom briefly as a co-worker at Halifax Health, I will miss his energy and enthusiasm as will many that knew him. I wish I could have gotten to know him better.. played some darts and shared some wings. He is missed.

Paul & Vicky Sandini

March 3, 2009

Dear Franco family,

Paul & I are sad to hear that you lost your son, brother, uncle...and a friend too many people. Can't help but take comfort to know he is with his Uncle Tommy having a good visit. Prayers are with you.

Kathleen Lyons

March 3, 2009

My son, Chris, went all through school with Tom and he was such a nice kid. He was at our house on McKinley St. often. I was saddened to read of his passing at such an early age. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family.

Tom & Joe

March 3, 2009

Ellie Baumgartner

March 3, 2009

How could you help but love Tom? I have often thought of him since he left Gainesville, and will always regret not staying in touch. He was a wonderful co-worker, an even better friend, and I will miss him always. My deepest sympathies to all his family and friends.

At least now I know there is another angel looking out for me, and I would remind him to save a seat at the bar for me...

Francis and Julie Hyland

March 3, 2009

Our deepest condolances to you all.
May you find peace, the same peace that Tom has surely found.

Francis and Julie Hyland

March 3, 2009

Our deepest condolences to you all. May the peace that Tom has surely found, be with you all.

Stacey Manning

March 3, 2009

We were very saddened to hear about Tom's passing. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. S.Manning & C.Dodge.

Cynthia Kandel

March 3, 2009

Mabel and Charles, My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I am so very sorry. Tom led a full life for one so young. My thoughts and prayers are with you .

Kathleen E. Welch

March 3, 2009

To the Franco Family,
My son Michael Ingham went to school with little Tommy Franco and Graduated with him in 1986. As a Mother of his School mate, he was a hoot to be around and being a Redhead myself, I was so proud of him and the Redheaded Clan he came from.
What a good kid he was.
God Bless him
Michael Inghams Mom

Wendy Ingham-Petros

March 3, 2009

I did not know Tom well, it was my older brother he was friends with and went to school with, but I still do remember him and his red hair. I am sorry to hear Tom has passed, but as he has remained in my memory I know he never ever be forgotten.

Sandy Heinrich

March 3, 2009

Mabel, Your Red Hat Sisters and friends in Turkey Creek Forest are holding you in our thoughts and prayers. Our hearts break for your loss. May you and your family find comfort in your memories.
Love and Prayers, Sandy

Vikki Spaltro

March 3, 2009

Dearest Franco family....I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. My thoughts are with you in love and friendship.

Troy Andrews

March 3, 2009

I am so sorry to hear that "Tommy" is gone. I remember walking to nursery school with him in 1973 and we remained good friends through High School. Although we haven’t spoken in over 20 years I have always considered him to be a friend. My thoughts are with the Franco Family. Troy Andrews

suzan norton

March 3, 2009

I was very sorry to hear of the Franco's loss. I recall all the Francos from the time I was a kid from the Little League field. What a nice family they all were. They gave a lot to the community and were very involved in their kids lives. Please know that I am thinking of all of you in your time of sorrow. Suzan Roberts Norton (my dad ,John, coached with Charlie)

Tom with Halifax friends

March 3, 2009

Tom with family

March 3, 2009

Tom and Pat

March 3, 2009

College Graduation

March 3, 2009

Tom at Woodstock

March 3, 2009

High School Graduation

March 3, 2009

Tom - 3rd Grade

March 3, 2009

A. James

March 3, 2009

I am sorry for your loss. I hope you can be comforted knowing that Tom is no longer suffering, no longer in pain. May Jehovah give you the strength to cope during these difficult days.

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