Rocco A. Franchi

It’s of profound sadness to announce the passing of Rocco A Franchi on Thursday, September 11, 2025 with loving family by his side.

Born in Worcester in 1945, Rocco devoted his life to his family and friends. His wife Susan of 46 years was his best friend, and together they built a beautiful family, raising two wonderful, caring sons, Joseph and Nicholas, who meant the world to him. Truly, nothing was more important to Rocco than his family. Rocco's legacy will be filled with memories that will be passed on to his children and grandchildren with an abundance of love.In addition to his wife Susan he is survived by his two sons Joseph of Worcester Ma, Nicholas, his wife Mary and three beautiful grandchildren, Lucia, Joseph and Vincent of Santa Cruz California. He is also survived by his brother Deacon John Franchi and wife Nancy; sister in-laws Rosemarie Candito-Franchi and Nancy - Jo LaMonica; and several nieces and nephews. Rocco was predeceased by his parents Anthony and Cosima (Leo) Franchi, and his brother Joseph Franchi.

Known as Captain Roc he could often be seen cruising down Bass River Cape Cod in his boat “Rocketman” which his sons so proudly named. If you couldn’t find him there you could certainly hear him cruising in his 1970 SS 454 Chevelle which he so proudly restored himself. Rocco was generous with his time cruising for charitable poker runs for St. Jude and Childrens hospitals which had much heartfelt meaning for him. Always there to teach his boys how to fix things, especially cars, Rocco also shared his passions with them, teaching them to be great skiers and masters of boating. He taught them that life is rewarding when you work hard for what you want, but to always remember what is truly important: being a good person and cherishing family and friends. As he often said, “If you have good health, family, and friends, you have everything.”The Franchi family wish to thank the wonderful, caring oncology team at Reliant; they made him smile, which gave him hope and was a comfort to his family. Many heartfelt thank-yous to UMass Memorial Hospital and the Rose Monahan Hospice Home for their unselfish caring for Rocco, which brought much comfort to his family in a time of great need.

Friends and family are invited to a period of calling hours, Thursday, September 18th from 10 am to 12 noon followed by a funeral service in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. His brother, Deacon John Franchi will be principle celebrant. Burial in Hope Cemetery will be at a later time. Memorial remembrances in his name can be made to either St Jude’s Children's hospital, 501 St. Jude Way, Memphis Tenn. www.stjude.org/donate, or the Boston Children’s hospital at 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA.