Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Steven Franco Obituary
Dec 20, 1944 - Feb 28, 2012
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, son and brother, died peacefully in his home, surrounded by loving family members. Born in Omaha, he graduated from Creighton Prep, Creighton University, and Creighton Dental School. He was a caring dentist and respected teacher, serving as Associate Professor of General Dentistry for over 37 years. He is survived by his wife, MaryJo; parents, Sam and Georgene Franco; sons, David (Sarah), Ted (Colleen), and Jeff (Jill); daughters, Jennifer and Molly Franco; sister, Carole Rose (Mike); brother, Terry (Lynn); 10 grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Monday 5-7pm at Christ the King Catholic Church, followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm at the Church. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL Tuesday 10am, Christ the King Catholic Church. Interment, Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Creighton University Dental School; Christ the King Educational Trust; or VNA Hospice. HEAFEY-HEAFEY-HOFFMANN
DWORAK-CUTLER
WEST CENTER CHAPEL
78th & West Center 402-391-3900
www.heafeyheafey.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Steven Franco
Dr. Paul Racioppi, Jr.
February 22, 2019
To the dear family of Dr. Steven Franco,
I wrote a note for Dr. Steve back in 2012 and I just received this e-mail as his anniversary approaches, so I am penning a tribute again. Curiously, when I received this today, I had exactly 587 e-mails (I graduated The Harry N. and Maude Boyne School of Dental Science at Creighton University in May 1987 (5/87) and right on my mother's birthday (May 16th), a very special day I would always share with her, taking the day off every year. I know your family's sense of loss all to well, as my beloved mother, Grace, just passed from cancer on February 2, 2019. Dr. Steve had met my family at graduation time and even at the clinic when they had visited me in October for my birthday. He was a fine gentleman who had looks and class, was always groomed and dressed handsomely, and was a superior doctor and instructor at the school. I know many people say that time heals all wounds. I do not believe that. But I do believe that our faith in God will guide us, and we have to believe that we will all be together again in Heaven. I know how much your family misses Dr. Steve, as my family misses my mom, Grace, after a long ten months back and forth to Memorial Sloan-Kettering. But as the saying goes, 'where science ends, God takes over.' I know my mother and Dr. Steve are in God's care and that they are watching over us now. My deepest condolences to the Franco family. God Bless all of you. With friendship and love, Dr. Paul A. Racioppi, Jr., Brooklyn, New York, February 22, 2019.
Terry Franco
February 22, 2019
My brother - my friend
Dr. Paul Racioppi, Jr.
July 14, 2012
Dear Family of Dr. Steven Franco,
I was very saddened to read about Dr. Steve's (I always called him that) passing in the summer issue of "Creighton". Dr. Franco took care of my team (Team 1) in our Senior Year of dental school from May - December 1986. He was the best that the Boyne Dental School could offer. A superior professional, wonderful supervising instructor, and gentle and caring human being. He made Senior year a year to remember all good things - even by taking our team out to "The Great Wall" on the mall for Chinese food to celebrate his birthday that December. My parents and family had so enjoyed meeting he and his lovely wife, Mary Jo, as well, as they attended my graduation party at Anthony's Restaurant on the evening of May 16, 1987.
My deepest sympathy to your family at this difficult period. But know this - that he truly represented the spirit of Creighton, and always had the smile to brighten anyone's day. Just look up, for he's watching down on all of his loved ones now. God Bless the Franco family always.
Dr. Paul A. Racioppi, Jr.
Brooklyn, New York
Creighton Dental Class of 1987.
April 9, 2012
Our sincerest sympathies for your family...Dr. Franco was a great guy. Evelyn Garcia-Svensson & Christer Svensson
Michelle & Dave Teal
March 7, 2012
Dr. Franco was our dentist for many years. He was such a nice guy, always interested in our travels and activities. We'll miss visiting with him. Our sympathy to all the Franco family.
Ron Nollette
March 5, 2012
MARY JO & FAMILY,
May you always feel confort by the support and love of family and friends. This I know when you took care of Rick! Thank-you. You and your family are truly in my thoughts and prayers.
Ron Nollette
John & Carrie Jenkins
March 5, 2012
To love and be loved is to feel the sun on both sides. -- David Viscott
Our deepest and most sincere sympathies are with the entire Franco family and all who knew and loved him.
Sarah Rider
March 5, 2012
Dear Franco family,
You all are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult loss. A patient of Dr.'s for over 20 years; I have many fond memories of Dr. Franco from our philosophical conversations on whether or not to floss to banana split flavored fluoride to “talking shop” at Creighton. One of my favorite dental alums!
Sarah Wootton Rider, CU Alumni Relations
Tom & Rose Mary Reyes
March 5, 2012
Steve was a beautiful and wonderful man. I worked with Steve at St. Catherines Nursing Center when he was in college and I was in high school. Steve was the only orderly that St. Catherines had. I was always paired up with Steve and he was the kind of fellow you dreamed of. Steve truly was a gentlemen and a hard worker. Steve always made you laugh. I am very blessed that I had the opportunity to have know Steve since 1967. I am very sad to learn of Steve's passing. He is in a much better place now. No more pain or suffering. When I would go to his office he was a very proud Dad and Grandpa and adoring husband. Steve had his grandchildrens pictures there. We use to talk about out grandchildren and compare them by ages and how many boys and girls. Steve truly was fun to talk to. Steve left a beautiful legacy of what a husband, father and grandfather should be as well as a Doctor of Dentistry. Steve will be missed. I thank you, his family for a wonderful and kind man that Steve was. God Bless you Mary Jo and family, he truly loved you all dearly and he will still be with all of you through your beauiful memories. Steve will be watching from heaven down at all of you smiling. Peace, Joy and Love in JESUS' name,
Patrick Bloomingdale
March 5, 2012
Although Steve died way too early, he was about as successful a husband and father as a man can be. I mourn your loss, but I celebrate along with the Franco family Steve's life and the wonderful legacy he left behind.
Marianne Furlow
March 4, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to the Franco Family. Four generations of our family adored him Such a good and compassionate man. He will be missed by all who knew him. The Furlow Family
Pat Matthews
March 4, 2012
Franco Family......My prayers & sympathy are with you....I didn't know of his illness and am sad to learn of Steve's death.....He was a friend and classmate for our time at Prep & C.U., always pleasant and friendly, enjoyable to visit with at our Prep reunions....We will all remember, miss and pray for Steve at our 50th next year....
Betsy Charney and Family
March 3, 2012
To all the Franco Family... our thoughts and prayers continue for you through this sad time. Steve was such a wonderful person. He will missed, so... but take comfort in knowing that he is in a GLORIOUS PLACE. God bless you all. Love,
Peg (Bloomingdale) Pearson
March 3, 2012
Mary Jo and family....
I was so sorry to hear about Steve's death. While his homecoming is surely a celebration in heaven, please know that I will be praying for the wonderful family he has left behind.
John Gau
March 3, 2012
I knew Steve as a classmate at Creighton Prep. I can't say I ever met a better person.
Judy Yacio
March 3, 2012
What a tribute this man has been to our God, his family, mankind and Creighton University. God needed His most beautiful rose for His Heavenly bouquet when He took Dr. Franco home. Creighton alum, Judy
Suzanne Rogert
March 3, 2012
On behalf of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Omaha Affiliate, please accept my sincere condolences.
Tim and Nancy Fullmer
March 2, 2012
To Mary Jo, Jeff, Dave and all of the sweet Franco Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you as they have been. You are a wonderful family lead by a wonderful, sweet, kind and caring father and husband. Steve will be missed by so many. Our love is with you!
March 2, 2012
Mary Jo,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Berni Galus Zajac MHS '66
Colorado Springs, CO
Kevin & Mary Jo Morrissey
March 2, 2012
Mary Jo & I were saddened to hear of Steve's passing.He was one of the nicest persons we knew and called a friend. We will miss him, but know that God immediately welcomed him when he died. Our prayers to Mary Jo and his whole family.
SHELIA KIRKSEY
March 2, 2012
DEAR FRANCO FAMILY
I WAS SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT DR. FRANCO'S
PASSING. HE WAS MY DENTIST FOR MANY YEARS, I REALLY ENJOY BEING UNDER HIS CARE.PLEASE KNOW YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS.
Matt Franco
March 2, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you with Steve's passing. Words can't express the respect and admiration we had for Steve and still have for your wonderful, beautiful family. God took him too soon, but certainly had amazing plans for him to spread his kindness, goodness and patience in heaven. Peace be with you all, and may you know the love of family surrounds you always! Matt, Christy, Madi, Julia and Ella Franco
Thomas Rose
March 1, 2012
I have many memories of Steve from our college days.. All good and all had an element of fun. The world needs people like Steve and I sincerely miss his presence.
Love ya Steve!
Mary Duffy
March 1, 2012
Mary Jo, Dave,Jen, Dr. Ted, Jeff and Molly, I was so sorry to hear of Steve's death. He was such a wonderful man. I am keeping him and all of you in my prayers. May the wonderful memeories you have of Steve sustain all of you.
Mary Duffy (CTK 1994-97)
March 1, 2012
Dear Mary Jo and Family, I was shocked and saddened by the news of Dr. Franco's passing. Please know my family as well as myself are keeping him and your family in our prayers. May God rest his soul. He was such a good man.
Ann Bloomingdale
Bill Naughton
March 1, 2012
MaryJo and family:
I learned so much from Steve, both as his student and as his colleague at the School of Dentistry. He was a calm presence for both the students and their patients. The amount of good that he did in his lengthy career in dental education is difficult to measure, but it will go on for many years to come. Your family and loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers.
Don Miller
March 1, 2012
To the Franco Family, our deepest sympathy for your loss. Steve was a classmate at St. Bernard's and Creighton Prep. I know he will be missed beyond belief. You are all in our prayers.
Bridget (Weide) Brooks
March 1, 2012
Jennifer & Franco Family:
I was sorry to hear of Dr. Franco's death. When I saw him in the hospital a few weeks ago, although his body was failing him, his humor and spirit were strong. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.
Denise-Don Phippps
March 1, 2012
Dear Dr. Franco's family, We were so sadden to hear of the death. We always enjoyed our dental visits with him, I always got a kick out of him,because he asked questions for us to answer while he had his instruments in our mouth. I bet he chuckled to see how people would answer him. He was always talking about his family and always asked about ours. He was a very kind gental man. He will be missed by us. Prayers go to all of you at this time.
CeCe Houston
March 1, 2012
Dr. Ted and the rest of the Franco family, Please accept my deepest sympathies for the loss of your father. My heart is so sad to hear of his passing. My prayers are with you all.
Kathy Kuhl
March 1, 2012
Dear Franco Family
I was sorry to hear about Dr. Franco's passing. He was my dentist for many years. I actually enjoyed going to the dentist while under his care!
Lisa Tyler
March 1, 2012
To the Franco Family:
Dr. Franco was my dentist since I moved to Omaha. He was wonderful to work with and he will be missed. You all are in my prayers.
Paul & Sandi Nichols
March 1, 2012
Mary Jo & Family - Steve was a colleague and friend for more than 30 years. His easy-going manner, sense of humor and professionalism will be remembered. Please know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike Boulay
March 1, 2012
Steve was such a kind man, he always had a smile on his face. He was a great friend of the family and will be missed. I'm certain he is smiling down on his family from heaven. Mike and Mary Boulay.
Catherine Haas
March 1, 2012
Dearest Mary Jo and Family, Our deepest and most sincere condolences to all of you. Steve was a wonderful man. Mary Jo, you and Steve were a great, fun couple. We treasure the memories of soccer pizzas parties. Good times and fond memories that we will carry with us forever. He was a very special man who will never, ever be forgotten. Rest In Peace, Dear Friend. Mike, Cathy, Patrick and Bridget Haas
Terry Franco
February 29, 2012
It is so special to be able to read all these tributes to Steve. He was a wonder brother and brother-in-law. He was so respected. We miss him so and were very grateful to be with him and all the Francos at his death. We've been praying to him today - his suffering is over! Love, Terry and Lynn
Mike Nevrivy
February 29, 2012
To the Franco Family,
Words cannot express the sadness I feel for the loss of Steve. Knowing him through his son, Jeff, and wife Jill from Hastings, I can only say, he was a huge inspiration to me, as I am sure he was to anyone who had the opportunity to have known him. As brief as my time was knowing him, his dedication to his family, and deep and loving faith in our Lord, has had a huge impact on my personal life. Please know you are all in my daily thoughts and prayers. Rejoice that he is with his Savior now.
With prayers of peace,
Mike Nevrivy
Pam Christiansen
February 29, 2012
Dear Franco family,
Dr. Franco was my dentist for many years - I will miss him.
You are in my prayers.
Michele Dempsey
February 29, 2012
On behalf of the staff of Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Omaha, we offer our prayers and condolences. May the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand.
Sincerely,
Pat & Carol Casey
February 29, 2012
Dear Franco Family - All of the Casey Family offer our love and caring - We will remember Steve as such a kind soul and good friend - our prayers have not stopped since Steve first became ill and they will continue for all of you - Blessings.
Paula Turpen
February 29, 2012
Steven was our family dentist for 28 years. Indeed, he is the dentist our children have grown up with. I so enjoyed his playful wit and actually looked forward to going to the dentist! Steven was a wonderful man and a caring professional. His spirit will be missed. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family.
February 29, 2012
Dr Franco(or Steve-O as I liked to call him once I left the practice), was a special person. I will always remember him as a person who enjoyed a good LAUGH and we shared many of them in the practice. My daughter remembers him as the dentist who looked like Robert Redford, he will be missed. We are sorry for your loss.
Willie & Craig Jacobs & Family
February 29, 2012
Mary Jo,
We are really sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
With love,
Ronna and Richard Ryckman
February 29, 2012
Mary Jo, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.
Diane & Tom Jaworski
Julie Zabrowski
February 29, 2012
To the entire Franco family, I am so sad to hear about Doc's passing. Dr. Steve was my dentist for many years. I will certainly miss sharing Creighton and BlueJay stories with him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers,
Geri Anthony
February 29, 2012
Dear Mary Jo and all of Dr. Franco's family,
Dr. Franco was a very special person, he will be so missed by all of us here at Creighton. He was also our family Dentist. Our prayers are with you all.
God Bless,
Myron and Geri Anthony
February 29, 2012
Mary Jo, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this trying time. With deepest sympathy, Cory Juma and office.
Scott Hacker
February 29, 2012
Dr Franco was a wonderful person who had a huge impact on the lives of all that had contact with him. The Omaha Dental Community lost a very dear friend whose legacy will live on forever. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends at this time of need.
February 29, 2012
MaryJo,David, Jenny, Teddy Molly and Jeff , Andy and I were so saddened to hear of Steve's passing, If there is anything we can do for any of you please let us know. Andy and Mary Nelsen
Dr. Gerald C Brundo
February 29, 2012
What a wonderful and positive impact you had on our School of Dentistry. It was a pleasure and honor working with you on our faculty. You are and will be a constant reminder of that Creighton Spirit!
Gerald C. Brundo, DDS,FACD
Professor of Prosthodontics and
Dean Emeritus of the School of Dentistry
Creighton University
Mel Merwald
February 29, 2012
Be assured of my sympathy and prayers at this time of loss. May the Risen Chris bring you comfort and may he console you in coming days and weeks.
Fr. Mel Merwald
February 29, 2012
"Peace begins with a smile."
Mother Teresa
Dr. Franco was met in heaven with a smile from the Lord.
May you always feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. You are truly in my thoughts and prayers.
Andy Grier
February 29, 2012
I am deeply saddened by Steve's passing and please accept my sympathies. You have my prayers at this time of loss.
Helen (Halm) Sykora
February 29, 2012
Mrs. Franco, Dave, Jen, Ted, Jeff and Molly-
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always cherish the memories of our rides to CTK in the morning and his great sense of humor. Please know you are all in our family's thoughts and prayers.
Showing 1 - 55 of 55 results
Make a Donation
in Steven Franco's name
Memorial Events
for Steven Franco
How to support Steven's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Steven Franco's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
