God bestowed his grace and peace upon Joseph A. Franco (Joe) as he entered His Heavenly Father’s Kingdom on October 28, 2019. Joseph was born on February 20, 1958 in Nyack NY to Gloria G and Frank P Franco, and he was a lifelong resident of Nyack.

Joseph attended St. Ann school where he was an alter sever for the parish, and actively participated in boy scouts. He was a graduate of Nyack High School class of 1976. He made lifelong friends at both schools, and was a staple in the Nyack community. At NHS he lettered in ice hockey, and it was there in shop class, that he learned the art of wood working. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Army where he held the rank of PV2. After his honorable discharge he perfected his carpentry and handyman skills and became a master craftsman. He was the proud owner of Joseph Franco Home Improvements and Construction.

In 1974 Joseph was honored by the Nyack Police Department with a service award for bravery for his assistance in foiling a robbery of his friend and neighbor’s home.

Joseph was an avid outdoorsman and loved to ride his motorcycle. He enjoyed camping, boating, hiking, horseback riding, skating, scuba diving, the ocean, body surfing and most of all downhill skiing. He shared his passion for the slopes with his sister and nephews. As a youngster he spent summers working at Camp Marydell where he learned many life skills, driving the tractor and had many fond memories of learning to ride their horse Frosty. Throughout his life he went horseback riding any chance he could. He enjoyed camping on Lake George islands, taking the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard, hanging out on the beach with friends, and swimming in the ocean. His lifetime dream came true when he when heli-skiing in Whistler, Canada.

Joseph was predeceased by his parents Gloria & Frank P. Franco Sr., sisters Susan and Christine, nephew Dennis and niece Susan. Joseph is survived by his siblings Peter (Eileen), Gloria (Charlie Tague), Regina (Thomas Ryan), Daria (Carl Becker), nieces & nephews Heather (Jim Kaste), Diane (Peter Rovida), Michael, David (Kasia), Matthew Vericker (Lindsay), Genevieve (Danielle), Gabrielle and Felicia Ryan, great nieces and nephews James, Jack Kaste and Michael, Brenna Rovida. Joseph is also survived many cousins and his Aunts Birdie Franco and Helen Gunderson.

A Military honors burial will take place Saturday November 16, 2019 at 10:00am at Oak Hill Cemetery, Nyack, NY. At 11:00 am, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Ann Church, 16 Jefferson St, Nyack NY. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Joseph’s name to the Marydell Faith and Life Center, 640 N. Midland Ave., Upper Nyack NY 10960