Frances (Franny) Pandolfo Vazquez

Vazquez, Frances (Franny) Pandolfo, 65, passed away on April 17, 2024, after a courageous 10-year battle with Metastatic Breast Cancer.

Franny was born in Newark, New Jersey on October 17, 1958, and although she moved to Tampa when she was just 7 months old, Franny always considered herself a Jersey girl.

A 1972 graduate of St. Lawrence Catholic School, Franny's driving team spirit was exemplified in every sport imaginable. She played on the volleyball and softball teams, and was part of the 1972 St. Lawrence undefeated (10 in 10 games) Softball Champions. She was chosen head cheerleader and with her deep, resonant voice loved rooting for the St. Lawrence Celtics. She also excelled in speech communication and was awarded first place in dramatic interpretation at the 1972 Junior Forensic League final meet.

A 1976 graduate of Tampa Catholic High School, Franny was a Crusader cheerleader during her freshman year and later a basketball statistician. One of the most exceptional team players, Danny Vazquez, would, unbeknownst to her, become her future husband six years later.

Their "chance meeting" happened in 1974 due to the matchmaking ability of a mutual friend. As soon as Danny saw Franny's luminous smile...that unforgettable smile which radiated kindness and warmth and lit up a room the moment she entered... he was smitten. And although they were married for 43 loving years these high school sweethearts were together for 50!

Danny and Franny were athletically inclined and Franny's athletic prowess did not end after graduation. As a matter of fact, one of Franny's most amazing athletic feats occurred in 2012, when at the age of 54 without any training, she completed, the 2012 Tough Mudder, titled, "The Toughest Obstacle Course on The Planet".

After graduation, Franny worked in a variety of businesses including retail, finance, and the automotive industry. Franny's innate, instinctual management style created an environment of mutual trust and respect with customers and coworkers alike. She effectively managed diverse groups, providing them with the necessary working conditions to develop their skills and advance their careers. Most importantly, the support Franny gave them at work helped them build a better life for them and their children.

Franny was an extraordinarily compassionate woman who was non-judgmental and had a kind and gentle soul. She was always eager to help people in need. This was so obvious with every relationship she had, whether personal or work-related.

Truly a force of nature, Franny's determination and strength of character will never be forgotten. Her beautiful smile, wry sense of humor, love of dance, music, the beach (her happy place), and her fabulous sense of style will always be remembered. And let's not forget she had a memory that was so remarkable that she still recalled who sat behind her in her elementary school classes and what she was wearing at any given occasion. She could even identify robbers at her credit union many months after the occurrences.

Of course, one can never forget how Franny loved growing up in her large extended Italian family and how this familial bond continued when she and Danny started their own. Her family's Italian heritage was an important part of her essence, and she made sure to pass on those traditions. Sunday dinners and holidays held a special place in Franny's heart because this was when everyone joyfully gathered around her table. She always made sure that there was enough food and a place for neighbors and friends who would stop by on many occasions.

Franny's husband Danny, son Daniel, daughter Lauren, and grandsons Nolan and Mason were the loves of her life. She also loved and was devoted to the care and well-being of her 99-year-old mother, Marie, who lived with Franny and Danny for the last 14 years.

And as her family grew, what Franny loved the most in life was spending time with grandsons, Nolan and Mason. Whether it was doing arts and crafts projects or scientific experiments, teaching them how to make her famous Italian birthday cake, Italian Christmas cookies (while making sure they could recite the correct Italian pronunciations), giving them pointers on playing ball, cheering them on at any of their games or life events, or just snuggling in bed while watching a movie or reading, this is what gave her the most joy. She loved them to the moon and back!

Franny was a true warrior and a great inspiration to all who fought with her. She will be forever loved and missed by her devoted family. Left to cherish her memory, her husband of 43 years, Danny, son Daniel Vazquez (Becca), daughter Lauren Vazquez, the lights of her life, grandsons Nolan and Mason Vazquez, mother Marie Pandolfo, and sister Mary Ann Pandolfo Benton (John). She will be united with her father Antonio Frank, brother Anthony, infant sister Maryann, her grandparents, cousins, and numerous aunts and uncles.

We will toast Franny's life, Sunday, June 2, from 2pm - 6pm at Ricks on the River, 2305 N. Willow Avenue, Tampa.

Thank you to all those who supported her through the years. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Metavivor in Franny's name.

Metavivor meant so much to Franny. This non-profit sustains hope for those living with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, and funds vital research to help improve the longevity and quality of life for MBC patients while providing support for their families.