Immaculata (Tina) Franco¸ of Greenwich, passed away Thursday, March 10, 2022. She was 98.
Born in New York City, January 11, 1924, to Tommaso and Emmanuela Franco. Immaculata proudly served her country during WWII as a surgical technician, attaining the rank of Sergeant. During her service, she was recognized and awarded the Army Commendation Ribbon for meritorious achievement in the Operative Section and Surgical Service. After her service, she enrolled in the Mount Vernon Hospital School of Nursing, followed by completing her B.S. and M. A. at Columbia University.
She worked as a Staff Nurse at Mt. Vernon Hospital during her studies. Having completed her M.A. in 1957, she worked in Supervision at the Westchester County Medical Center in Valhalla. In 1964, she became the Associate Director of Nursing at Greenwich Hospital, then Assistant Director of the Hospital and Director of Nursing at Greenwich Hospital.
In 1982 she became the Assistant Director of Nursing at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Stamford until her retirement. Immaculata lived her life to the fullest participating in a wide range of activities.
An activity dear to her heart was training and showing her beloved German Shepherds. Additionally, she was active with the Byram Vets, a member of the Greenwich Yacht Club, loved to fish, go bowling, ice skating, sleigh riding, play golf, made annual baseball trips to Cooperstown with friends, and was an avid chess player.
She also loved the symphony and would often go to Lincoln Center and the Greenwich Symphony with her friends to see a performance. In her retirement, she devoted time to the Greenwich Chapter of the American Red Cross, (now known as the Greater New York Chapter), as well as a former Moderator for the Municipal State and Presidential Elections of the Byram District. She also worked at the polling locations of Greenwich and at the Registrar’s Office.
Tina enjoyed traveling with friends and family and truly enjoyed spending time with her family. She was considered as the “fun Aunt”, always full of spirit and ready to get down on the floor to play with her great nieces and nephews as well as challenge them to a game of chess.
Immaculata is survived by her dear nephew Thomas Cerabona (Fran), nieces, Elaine Smith (Jim), Lorraine Skalocky (John) and Teresa Leach; and many great nephews and nieces.
She is predeceased by her sister Vincenza and brother Salvatore.
Tina always showed compassion and kindness to others. Her smile and sense of humor were contagious as she lit up the room wherever she went. She will forever be in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.
To honor her life, family and friends will gather Monday, March 14 from 3:00-7:00pm at Coxe & Graziano Funeral Home at 134 Hamilton Ave. Greenwich (203) 869-5968.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Tuesday March 15 at 10:00 am at St. Roch’s Church of Greenwich, followed by interment at Holy Sepluchre Cemetery, New Rochelle.
The family would like to share our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the staff of The Atria of Stamford for the care and support they gave to Immaculata during her stay as well as the Sheraton Caregivers, and Constellation Hospice Services.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the American Cancer Society in her memory. For more information or to place an online condolence, www.coxeandgraziano.com.