Franco Michael Federici

Franco Federici, 62, a longtime resident of the North County, passed away Sunday, December 21, 2014 at Twin Cities Hospital.

Born in Italy, he immigrated with his family at age 6 where he grew up in Harrison, N.Y. Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War where he served two tours as a B52 Crew Chief. He served eight years in the Air Force, and then settled in this county upon his discharge in 1979. He later joined the California Army National Guard where he served nearly eighteen years in various positions and units around the state while working full time at MATES Camp Roberts until his retirement in 2003.

Franco was also a professional photographer and videographer, having been widely published both locally and nationally in military and civilian media. His influence within the military community touched countless lives, as he was known for his honesty, integrity, generosity, compassion, leadership, a strong sense of duty and loyalty, and an irreverent sense of humor. He had a keen intellect and loved a good debate. He was an advocate for fairness and justice and lived up to the meaning of his Federici name, "Defender of the weak." A man of many talents, he led by example and was a gifted teacher and motivator who could inspire others to achieve their potential. He met every challenge head on and worked for everything he ever attained, carving his own road through life.

In retirement he enjoyed working with his hands to create art in many forms from woodworking to welding to artistic photography; riding his motorcycle and playing with his grandkids. He is deeply missed and is forever in our hearts.

Franco is survived by his wife, Sandy of rural San Miguel; son, Benjamin (Tia) of Paso Robles; daughter, Alisa Bashaw (Lane) of Wisconsin; sisters: Maria Covella of Italy, Giustina Botte of Harrison, N.Y., and Valentina Auer of Nashville, Tenn; 2 grandsons, 3 granddaughters; 10 nieces and nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his mother, Filomena; father, Michele; and brother, Felice.

A Memorial Service will be held in the chapel at Camp San Luis Obispo on Saturday, January 10 at 11:00am with full military honors.

Monetary donations can be made to any organization serving veterans in need. Flowers may be sent to Chapel of the Roses at 3450 El Camino Real, Atascadero, Calif., 93422 by 4:30pm Friday, January 9 to be included at the Memorial Service.