Francis Luke “Franco” Courtney, 51, beloved son, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle peacefully passed away at home on September 24, 2013 surrounded by his loving siblings. He is predeceased by his parents Richard T. Courtney, Jr., Denyse Tasse Courtney, and a sister Elyse Kerry.
     He is survived by his siblings: Denise Lovendale and her husband James, Richard T. Courtney III and his wife Ann, Michael Courtney, Suzette Dowd and her husband Jack, Marie Courtney Mondor, Mark Courtney and his wife Karen, Colleen Spofford and her husband Anthony, Timothy Courtney and his wife Monika, Christopher Courtney and his wife Jackie, Peter Courtney and his wife Heather, Sean Courtney, and Kerry Courtney and her husband Kurt Hindle. He is also survived by 25 nieces and nephews and 12 grand-nieces and nephews.
Franco was born and raised in Worcester. He was a 48 year member of the Mercy Centre for Developmental Disabilities community.
     Franco loved spending time with his extended family and participating in celebrations. He loved to sing, dance, swim and laugh often. He sang in the church choir, swam in the Special Olympics, and marched in many St. Patrick’s Day parades with the Mercy Centre. He loved holidays, especially Christmas. Franco’s special talent was cuddling the babies of the family and teaching us all the beauty of innocence.
     A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Friday September 27 at St. Columba’s Catholic Church, 10 Richards Ave, Paxton, MA. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours will be held TONIGHT, Thursday September 26 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Rice Funeral Home 300 Park Ave, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Centre for Developmental Disabilities, 25 West Chester St, Worcester, MA 01605.