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1954 - 2017

BORN

1954

DIED

2017

Francesco Nozzolino Obituary

Francesco "Franchino" Nozzolino

August 16, 1954 - April 24, 2017

Francesco "Franchino" Nozzolino of San Francisco left this earth on February 19, 2017. The Lord called him home and he found peace on April 24, 2017.
Franchino – lovingly referred to as Frankie by those who knew him best – was born August 16, 1954 in Sarno, Salerno, Italy. In 1976, without a dime in his pocket and only the clothes on his back, he embarked on a remarkable journey with the one and only love of his life, Giuseppina. Together, Franchino and Giuseppina immigrated to the United States, ready to work hard in the hopes of building a better life for them and their family. Indeed, they did. Franchino was the loving, caring and giving father to four beautiful girls – Carmela (Hector), Monica (Tony), Maria and Franca (Antonio). Franchino was blessed with seven very lucky grandchildren – Roberto Francesco, Maria, Sara, Michael, Matteo, Brandon and Marco. Nonno is missed. His beloved sister-in-law, Raffaela, shared 30 years of laughs and tears living in the same house as him. Franchino worked tirelessly – as a painter, dishwasher and prep cook – working 16 and 18 hour days, always dreaming to one day own his own business and be his own boss. Franchino would repeatedly recount to his children and grandchildren how he got his first job at San Francisco's iconic Little Joe's on Broadway without knowing how to fry an egg. Through hard work and determination, Franchino persevered and turned his dream into reality when in May 1989, with Giuseppina at his side, he opened Ristorante Franchino in San Francisco's Little Italy. Known for his fedora hat and vibrant singing of "O Sole Mio" – Franchino welcomed customers not only into the restaurant, but into his home and heart. When Franchino wasn't at the door escorting customers inside, he was duck hunting. Today, Franchino's family honors him by living his American dream and continuing to operate Ristorante Franchino as one of San Francisco's few remaining family run businesses. Canta ancora, Papa.
A private memorial mass will be held at Saints Peter and Paul Church in San Francisco.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from May 19 to May 21, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Francesco Nozzolino

4 Entries

Anne Cross

February 9, 2021

I was so saddened to hear that Francesco had passed away! We will miss Francino's Restaurant and the hospitality and great food he, Guiseppina and their daughters always offered. Franchino's had become a favorite place of ours to dine. We're sorry for the loss to the family and will miss going to Franchino's, a place like home with amazing food. We always felt welcome and special there!

R. Kishore

October 3, 2017

Franco was such a presence in North Beach and its Italian scene. Ristorante Franchino is a special place and will always be associated with him. As a frequent diner there, and even just a passer-by on Columbus Avenue, I will miss conversing with Franco. He had a rare welcoming nature and demeanor, and was one of those who represented, to me, the joy of life. So sorry to hear about his passing. My condolences to his wife and daughters, whom I have met many times too. I am sure they will carry the restaurant and his memory forward wonderfully.

Tim and Rose Campbell

May 30, 2017

So sorry to hear Francesco passed away. We've been coming to your restaurant for many years and enjoyed his singing and loving spirit. We will miss him terribly. Our prayers are with your family.

I will always remember you thank you . Rest In Peace

Hector R Soto

May 19, 2017

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

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