Richard Franco Jr.'s Obituary
Richard Franco, Jr.
September 24, 1957 – May 5, 2021
Richard Franco, Jr., 63 of Dallas, Texas left this earth peacefully at home on May 5, 2021 after a 6 year battle with congestive heart failure. Born in Dallas on September 24, 1957 to Richard Franco and Conchita Orona Franco, he was a long time resident and volunteer in the Lakewood community. Known as “Rick” by friends, he attended J. L. Long Jr. High and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1976 where he played football and made many lifelong friends. After graduation he married the love of his life, Martha Giron, a WWW classmate. His son, Michael Anthony Franco, was born and he devoted himself to being a great Dad after the two year marriage ended. Rick was a kind, steady, patient, hard working man who worked for his father’s company from 1976-2010 when the business closed.
Rick inherited a love of music from his father. He had his favorite bands that he saw in concert; the Doobie Brothers, Chicago, Earth, Wind and Fire, Santana and several more. His interests ranged from collectible coins, baseball cards, stamps, pens, JFK news articles, Dallas history, to cooking and camping. He was an avid fan of all the Dallas Teams, especially the Rangers and Cowboys. His wit and humor and easy going manner were a delight to all and his patience was without end. He was a member of Agape Memorial UMC and was active as a youth, and later served on its administrative board.
Rick started his Boy Scout volunteer work in 1984 when he enrolled Michael, his son, in the Webelo Cub Pack 54. In 1987 he became Scoutmaster of Troop 64, Council 10, sponsored by Northridge Presbyterian Church on Bob-o-Link St. in Lakewood. His dedication to the Scout organization earned him the District Award of Merit in 1992, Scouters Training Award, Scouter’s Key, Woodbadge Beads in 1990, and the White Buffalo District’s Walker Service Award. In 1996 he received the prestigious Silver Beaver Award, the highest award given to a scouter for services performed in the Circle Ten Council.
In 1994 he was awarded a Life Membership in the Texas PTA recognizing some eight years of programs benefiting Dallas students and schools. His active leadership in securing Woodrow/Long Youth and Family Health Center, an extension of Parkland Hospital, played a part in his prestigious PTA recognition. In this role he chaired the Health & Safety Committee for 6 years. Rick also served on the Long PTA board and Woodrow Wilson Band Boosters Club, serving as president from 1994-1995. He was also recognized by Carter BloodCare in
2008 for his whole blood donation of 10 lifetime gallons and 9 whole blood donations.
He mentored many young Eagle Scout candidates to their full potential including his son, Michael, and Michael’s siblings, Stephen and Robert Ybarra and his nephew, Steven Cordova during his tenure as Scoutmaster of Troop 64. Rick enjoyed his special relationship with Stephen and Robert and beamed when their children called him “grandpa.” He also had a special bond with his granddaughter, Alix, who graduated from high school this month.
We will remember Rick’s smile, humble spirit, quiet demeanor, commitment and concern for others, his generosity and love of God, family and Lakewood community. He was a good and loving son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and mentor to many young men and beloved and respected by all of them.
Rick was predeceased by his father, Richard Franco Sr, who passed away in November of 2018. Rick is survived by his mother, Conchita O. Franco; son, Michael A. Franco and granddaughter, Alix Franco; sisters: Michelle Marie Franco Rolando (Larry), Susan Elizabeth Franco Cordova (Guadalupe), and Cynthia Anne Franco as well as nephews Steven Cordova (Jeanette), James Rolando; niece, Marisa Conchita Cordova Moreno (Alberto); former wife and best friend, Martha G. Ybarra and her sons Stephen and Robert and their children.
A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, June 6 in the afternoon at 3:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of St. Philip United Methodist Church, 3717 Broadway, Garland, Texas.
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