Joseph G. Franco of 15 Carver Circle, Simsbury, beloved husband of Debbie Franco, died suddenly Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at John Dempsey Hospital. He was born February 22, 1948, in Brooklyn, NY. He graduated from Hofstra University in 1970 with a BA in Business and Accounting and served in the US Army as a First Lieutenant. He went on to work in pubic accounting as a CPA and earned his MBA from the University of Connecticut in 1984. Joe was the Chief Financial Officer at Haydon Switch and Instrument, Inc., prior to his retirement in 2008.

Joe loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and he was the kind of man who always put his family first. He was passionate about cars, enjoyed jazz, red wine, and the outdoors. He will be remembered dearly for his wit, candor, and honesty.

Joe is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Mark and Corrie Franco of Austin, TX, and Brian and Joelene Franco of Columbia, TN; a brother and sister-in-law, Gerard and Laura Franco of Binghamton, NY; three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Janet and Bill Haberman of Glen Head, NY, Barbara and Bruce Jones of Victor, NY, and Carol Franco of Mineola, NY; two grandchildren Lucia and Giacomo Franco of Austin TX, and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, Tuesday, April 14th, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, April 15th, 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 942 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury. Private burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donation may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, 279 New Britain Road, Suite 5, Kensington, CT 06037 in honor of Joe’s mother, Wilma Franco. For online condolences, please visit www.vincentfuneralhome.com.