Methuen, MA- Anthony “Tony” W. Franciosa Jr., 79, died Saturday April 11, 2009 at the Caritas Holy Family Hospital in Methuen surrounded by those he loved.
Anthony was born in Lawrence, son of Antonio and Carmela (Messolella) Franciosa. He was a graduate of Central Catholic High School and later joined the Army where he was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. For many years he worked in the family business; Franciosa Construction. Tony was also the Building Inspector in Methuen for 20 years before his retirement.
Tony’s biggest joy in life was his family. Spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren was what meant the most to him, his family was his life.
Anthony is survived by his wife of 54 years Gwendolyn J. (Smith) of Methuen, his 3 daughters, Jayne M. McRobbie and her husband Charles of Methuen, Laurie A. Ardizzone and her husband Robert of Holland, MA and Kathleen M. Perrault and her husband Neil of Haverhill, a son, Anthony W. Franciosa III and his wife Deanne of Hampton Falls, NH and a brother, Pasquale Franciosa of Methuen. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren as well several nieces and nephews.
Tony was pre-deceased by his 2 sisters, Victoria Savastano and Angelina Stillwater and one brother Joseph Franciosa.
ARRANGEMENTS: Family and friends may pay their respects on Tuesday, April 14th from 2-4 and 6-9 PM at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, Inc., 233 Lawrence St. Methuen. A Mass of Christan Burial will take place on Wednesday morning, April 15th at 9 am at St. Monica’s Church in Methuen with burial to follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Lawrence. As an expression of sympathy those who wish may make donations in Anthonys name to the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition 1419 Hancock Street, Suite 202, Quincy, MA 02169.