Stephen P. Franco, 79, of Fall River, husband of Marie Elaine (Teixeira) Franco, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 in the comforts of his home following a long illness. Born in Fall River, he was a son of the late John Franco and the late Veronica (Ponac) Franco.

Prior to his retirement he was an assembly technician in the local automobile industry for many years. An avid sports fan, he loved the Red Sox, New England Patriots, and the Celtics. Stephen was a long-time member of the Fall River Pigeon Club. He enjoyed racing pigeons, and most importantly, spending quality time with all his family.

Besides his loving wife of fifty-nine years, he leaves his son, Matthew Paul Franco and his wife, Michelle, of Somerset; his five grandchildren, Jasmine Dupras and her husband, Alan, Mitchell Santos, Matthew Franco, Michael Franco, and Maximus Franco; one sister, Paula Desmarais and her husband, Armand, of Fall River; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was also the father of the late Stephen Paul Franco and the brother of the late Michael Franco, Robert Franco, John Franco, Thomas Franco, Marion Paulo, Veronica Ferreira, Beverly Borden, and Cynthia Beaulieu.

Following a private cremation, a visitation period was held on Saturday, September 3rd, in our Fall River Chapel followed by a private committal at Oak Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation in Stephen's memory to: Accent Care Hospice, 275 Martine St., Suite 109, Fall River, MA 02723. The Franco family would like to thank Stephen's hospice team, Gail, Karen, Kyle, and Karl for their excellent care and compassion during his illness and final days.

Family members are always grateful for relatives and friends wishing to make in-person expressions of kindness and support. If you were unable to do so, because of this pandemic or any other reason, all are urged to express their sympathy online or by mail. To ensure that said condolences and/or sympathy cards reach the family, please always make sure that submissions online are made directly through the funeral home's website ( www.silvafaria.com ) and not through a third party. Thank you!