Gianfranco Marcantonio

Gianfranco "Franco" Marcantonio, cherished father, grandfather, companion, and friend, who lived a life well lived, passed away on Friday, September 12, 2025, at the age of 75. Born in Sulmona, Italy, on August 19, 1950, he was one of three children of the late Panfilo and Ida (Pantaleo) Marcantonio. Franco's life was marked early on by duty and discipline. As a young man, he served as a Corporal in the Italian Army, fulfilling his responsibilities with quiet pride and a strong sense of purpose. He later made the brave journey to a new land, bringing with him not only the traditions of his homeland but also a heart full of warmth and generosity. He built a life rooted in family, faith, and hard work. A gifted mechanic and entrepreneur, Franco was the proud owner of Prospect Foreign Car Center, Inc. in West Hartford, where he was known for his honesty, skill, and dedication to customers. Always ready to support those in need, he was a true friend and neighbor, and a testament to living with steadfastness, compassion, and devotion. He found joy in life's simple pleasures and purpose in the outdoors. He was an avid target shooter, a passionate gun collector, and he cherished time spent hunting, fishing, golfing, or tending to his garden with meticulous care. Franco also loved to cook, and his kitchen was always a place of comfort and togetherness. He poured his heart into every dish, nourishing both body and spirit. His meals were served with love and laughter, as his greatest joy came from the happiness of others-shared freely through his infectious laugh and warm smile. Above all, Franco was a devoted father and loving grandfather. His love for his family was evident in every act, both big and small. To know him was to admire a man who gave selflessly-standing steady and strong for those he loved, while inspiring all with his generous spirit. A man of integrity, humility, and compassion, he never sought the spotlight, yet he shone brilliantly in the lives of those around him. His legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering faithfulness will continue to guide and inspire all who were blessed to know him. He is survived by his long-time devoted partner, Katherine M. Bowe; his sons, Steven J. Marcantonio and Frank W. Marcantonio and his wife Darcy; and his adored granddaughters, Auralia Eve and Abrielle Jolie Marcantonio. He also leaves his sister, Marina Marcantonio Luzzi, and her husband Libero; his nieces and nephews, Panfilo and Mariaelena Marcantonio, and Allesandro and Elisabetta Luzzi. His extended family includes Maureen (Thomas) Pilewski, Eileen Hope, Taylor (Lauren) Pilewski, Steve (Emily) Hope, Chris (Mara) Hope, Shana (Felicia) Pilewski, Cathy Bowe (Dan August), William (Candace) Bowe, and David Bowe. He was predeceased by his brother, Vincenzo Marcantonio, and by his beloved sister-in-law, Angela (DiSavino) Marcantonio. Family and friends may gather in celebration of Franco's life on Wednesday, from 3:00–5:00 p.m. at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St, Plainville. Prayers and words of remembrance will be shared at 4:30 p.m. Franco will be laid to rest privately. For online expressions of sympathy, please visit http://www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gianfranco Marcantonio, please visit our floral store.