Gilbert John Franco, 88 of Worcester, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 8, 2013 at home surrounded by his loving family.
     Gilbert is survived by his loving wife of fifty-eight years, Shirley Ann (Gavin) Franco; his son, John Franco and his wife Tanya of Holden; four daughters, Margo Wood and her husband Jeff of Leicester, Brenda Ghorashi and her husband Ali of Haverhill, Darlene Lawrence and her husband Chet of Worcester and Rhonda Mohammadi and her husband Mohammad of Oswego, NY; a sister, Rose Bechard of Worcester; nine grandchildren, three great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and a loving golden retriever, Tanner. He is predeceased by a grandson, three brothers and two sisters.
     Gilbert was born in Worcester, a son of the late Ferdinando and Josephine (Pirro) Franco and has lived here all his life. He served as a combat veteran in the United States Army during WWII in the South Pacific. Gilbert worked as a foreman for the former Sweet Life later called New England Grocers for thirty-two years before he retired in 1988. He was a member of the Teamster Local 170. Gilbert was an overall handyman who enjoyed gardening and birds. His greatest enjoyment in life was his family. They were the most important thing to him. His family will remember him as a very loving and caring man.
     Join us for a Celebration of Life service for Gilbert on Tuesday, August 13, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. There are no calling hours. Flowers are welcome or in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Worcester Firefighters Funeral Fund, LOCAL 1009, 625 Chandler St., Worcester, Ma. 01602.