Victor Franklin Foti

1936 - 2025

Victor Franklin Foti

February 27, 1936 - August 14, 2025

Victor Franklin Foti, 89, of Roanoke, Va., went to be with the Lord, family and friends on Thursday, August 14, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Antonio and Lola Foti; older brother, Tom Foti (Lil); older sister, Katherine Foti; and a daughter, Katherine Elaine Foti.

He is survived by his wife and soul mate of 67 years, Roberta Sue Foti; a loving father and mentor to his children, Vickie Sue Guilliams (Robert), Elizabeth Foti Groves (Scott) and Victor Franklin Foti Jr. (Linda); grandchildren, Sarah Guilliams (great-grandson, Troy), William Guilliams, Madison Foti, and Delaney Evans (Richie).

Vic was born in Kimball, W.Va. at home. His father immigrated to America from Italy in the early 1900s and was a coal miner and later owned a general store. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, W.Va. in 1954. Vic attended Concord College in Athens, W.Va., was president of Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity, graduated in 1958 with a degree in accounting, and most importantly, met Roberta Sue Cook, his future wife.

After graduation, Vic and Sue moved to Richmond, Va. where he worked for his uncle, Sam English, Inc. who built boilers and refractories. After a year, he moved his family to Roanoke, Va. in 1960 accepting a staff accounting position with Andrews, Burkett and Company. In 1963 Vic became a certified public accounting (CPA) and subsequently became a partner in the firm. In 1976, Vic opened RL Persinger in Roanoke with his good friend Bob Flynn, which eventually became Foti, Flynn, Lowen and Company.

During Vic's business career, he was voted Outstanding Young American in 1965, owned and operated the Western Sizzlin' / Cheers franchise in Roanoke and Salem, became President of Western Sizzlin' Corporation, and owned and operated a variety of businesses. Vic was President of the Shenandoah Club, instrumental in establishing Hometown Bank, served on the Board of Contractors under Governor Jim Gilmore, and served on numerous boards, charities and civic organizations.

He was a faithful member of Cave Spring United Methodist Church for many years where he served on numerous committees, helped establish Good Samaritan Hospice in Roanoke, was an animal lover, devoting many hours to St. Francis of Assisi Service Dog Foundation, and was instrumental in establishing the Prison Pup Training Program.

Vic enjoyed playing golf and socializing with friends. He loved his many Golden Retrievers over the years and was especially close to his current buddies, Luke and Simon. Most of all, Vic liked helping people and being with family.

The family would like to thank the doctors, staff and caregivers of Lewis Gale Hospital, Friendship Manor South and Good Samaritan Hospice for all of their love and support during the last few months.

Visitation will be held at Oakey's South Chapel on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Cave Spring United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 12 p.m. with James Asberry officiating. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Vic's memory to St. Francis Service Dog Foundation / Prison Pup Program, Good Samaritan Hospice or to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be shared with his family by visiting www.Oakeys.com.

Oakey's Funeral Service - South Chapel

Roanoke, VA (540) 989-3131