Carl John Franco, 79, of Clinton, CT, and Swansea, SC, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at his home in South Carolina. Carl was born in New Haven, CT, on September 1, 1941, to the late Dominic Franco and Donna Edna (Cifarelli) Franco. Carl was the beloved husband of Diane (DeCoste) Franco. He was the dear brother of AnnMarie (Franco) O'Dell (William) of Hamden.

Carl was a proud veteran of the Air Force, where he learned the skills to be a master auto mechanic. Customers from his many years as service manager at Dependable Motors in West Haven will surely remember Carl's remarkable expertise, warm smile, and bad jokes. Carl's friendly, outgoing nature earned him many close friends during his years in Connecticut.

After retirement, Carl enjoyed spending his time tinkering in his shed and teasing  Diane. He and Diane were fortunate to realize their dream of retiring to the warmer climate of South Carolina before his passing. During their time there, they had the blessing of wonderful friends and neighbors who were invaluable to them. Carl and Diane would have celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary in May.

Anyone who knew Carl knows how proud he was of his children. He leaves to cherish his memory his five children, Kimberly Buckley (Timothy), of Clinton, Mark Franco of S. Charleston, WV, Kerri Cooke (Robert) of Hilton Head, SC, Kristie Scanlon (Dennis) of Clinton, and Casey Bell of Clinton. With Diane, he made them a family.

Carl's love for his children was superseded only by his joy when he became a grandfather; he leaves behind twelve amazing grandchildren who were the light of his life. They will honor his memory with their love of the Yankees, cars, napping, art, East Rock Park, New Haven pizza, and bad dinosaur movies; sadly, he could never quite convince them about Elvis. They will miss their Papa very much.

He was also a loving uncle to his two nieces, Amy O'Dell and Marcella (O'Dell) Ballolli of Southington, and we are sure he was welcomed into heaven with love and admiration by his nephew, Charles (Chucky) O'Dell.

A private graveside service was held on April 22. Condolences may be expressed at Hamdenmemorialfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in Carl's name to Lighthouse Hospice Group, 110 Oak Park Drive. Unit C., Irmo, SC 29063, or to Children With Diabetes at cwd.is/RememberingCarl