Francesco Giorlando

Francesco Giorlando, age 78, resident of Shelby Township, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 6, 2022 at his residence with his beloved family. Born October 1, 1943 in Alcamo, Italy to the late Cristoforo and Marianna (nee Faraci) Giorlando. Beloved husband of Anna Maria Giorlando (nee Messina). Loving father of Marianne (Danny) Caraccia, Christopher (Aleecia) Giorlando, and John Dipzinski. Proud nonno of Carlo, Giovanni, Lillianna, and Francesco. Dear fratello of Lina (the late Salvatore) Spadafora, Concetta (the late Rocco) Benenati. Dear cognato of Caterina (nee Messina) (the late Vincenzo) Lo Iacono.
I was told when Franco was a child he was nicknamed "Ciccio", he was always happy and especially when he was working as it gave him a sense of purpose. Franco became a baker at the young age of 9 years old after his father passed away. His sisters fondly remember him bringing home cannoli and pastini filled with cream. He looked after his mother and sisters and would come home from work with bakery goodies around midnight calling out for his mother to let him in. His sister remembers him coming home with a banged-up finger one night. His mother and sisters were hysterical as he calmly told them he was ok and that it didn't hurt. Franco never complained as his finger never properly healed. Ciccio developed a strong relationship with his aunt and uncle Rosaria and Damiano Coraci. Damiano became a father figure, a compassionate, and loving role model. Franco cherished his special relationship with his beloved godson Angelo Coraci and always spoke of him with so much love and passion.
Franco became a head baker at the very young age of 14. He then traveled north to Torino during his teenage years. Passions emerged as he was drawn towards his favorite sports team the Juventus Football Club. Franco loved soccer and hardly missed a Juventus or Azzurri match. Later in life, our family had one of the first big satellite dishes on our roof so his family could watch soccer and Italian television. Gina Lollobrigida was his favorite actress. Adriano Celentano was his favorite musician. As he began to master his baking talents Franco then became interested in becoming a Chef.
Franco traveled next to Brisbane, Australia where his sister Lina would settle. He had the honor and privilege to walk his sister Lina down the aisle at her wedding. He worked with his brother-in-law Sam and cherished his time down under.
Franco then had his sights on the western hemisphere. He moved to Canada in his twenties where he trained to become a chef. Franco had family in Canada and his cousins brought him to a wedding where he would fall in love. He met Anna Maria Messina who was born an hour away from his hometown but lived in the Detroit area. Franco moved to Detroit and married Anna Maria on April 22nd, 1972 at Holy Family Parish as witnessed by his best friend Gaetano Mistretta. Franco developed a deep love for Neil Diamond's music and particularly "Coming to America". Francesco received his Certificate of Naturalization on July 4th,1980, where he also changed his name to Franco. Franco was the head chef at Paradiso and then Penna's. Franco was a highly decorated chef as he won numerous awards and contests. He introduced the Detroit area to dishes like Eggplant Parmigiana and Arancini. Franco developed a special relationship with his cooking protégé John, who he loved as a son. He became a business owner in 1990 when he opened Franco's Café. Franco enjoyed twenty years of success and cherished incredible relationships and moments at his restaurant.
Franco enjoyed his family life and activities with his children and grandchildren. He spent countless hours at dance recitals and baseball practices. His daughter Marianne was his Italian Princess and he would glow when he was around her. He would come home from work and play catch with Chris almost every day. One time he participated in baseball practice and got a black eye from being the catcher with no facemask. He established a loving relationship with son-in-law Danny and spent quality time teaching his daughter-in-law Aleecia how to cook. He adored his grandchildren and was active in playing and supporting. He loved going to his grandsons Carlo and Gio's soccer games. He began to build a special bond with his lone granddaughter Lillianna and got to spend time with his namesake and grandson Francesco.
Franco was a dedicated husband, father and nonno who enjoyed living with positivity, humor, and the arts. Franco was incredibly compassionate, generous, and enjoyed having a comradery with others. Franco would light up the room with a smile and you were just drawn in to talk to him. Franco was quoted by saying "See above my head, it never rains up here, there's always sunshine".
Visitation on Saturday, January 8 at 10:00 am from St. John Vianney Catholic Church 54045 Schoenherr Road (Btwn 24-25 Mile) Shelby Township until time of mass 11:00 am
Family request donations to the Kirk Gibson Foundation 19798 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan 48236 ~ https://www.kirkgibsonfoundation.org/donate