Obituary of Marie Evelyn & Christopher Franco

Webster, NY: Surrounded by his loving family and holding his wife's hand, Christopher peacefully passed away on January 26, 2015 at 86 yrs of age. After 65 years of marriage and 71 years together, on January 28, 2015 Marie, at 86 yrs of age also passed. Theirs was a true love story: meeting at 16 and marrying at 21, on June 25, 1949. Love of family was foremost in their lives, giving unconditional and endless love to their children and grandchildren. Integrity, selflessness, hard work and joyful humor allowed them to build a wonderful life for themselves and their family. Marie (Evie) retired from the E. Irondequoit School District after 25 years as a school secretary. During that time she was also an active member in the Women's Auxiliary for the Pt Pleasant Fire Dept., St. Andrew's Food Cupboard and a volunteer at the West Irondequoit Public Library. She was a talented organist and a wonderful cook. In retirement she was a volunteer at The Genesee Hospital and the Genesee Lighthouse, while also enjoying friends, family gatherings, and travels with her husband. Christopher retired from RG&E after 42 years of service. During that period Chris proudly served 5 years in the US Navy. While at RG&E he graduated from RIT, and was an active volunteer serving on the Board of the YMCA, Camp Haccamo, Genesee Lighthouse, St. Andrew's Food Cupboard, Genesee Hospital, RGH, and the Irondequoit Rotary (recognized as a Paul Harris fellow), but was most proud to be a member of the Pt. Pleasant Fire Dept. He served in various roles as a volunteer fireman for over 50 years including EMT Instructor, and helped in the design of various firefighting and ambulance equipment. He was an award winning amateur photographer and frequently presented talks about lighthouse history featuring his photographs and also enjoyed golf, gardening, travel, and history and was a great story teller. They are survived by their daughters: Sharon (Albert)Hinkle, Marie (Charles)Jansen and LuAnn (William) Popham; grandsons Andrew and Anthony Aruzza; step grandchildren Chad (Lindsey) Jansen, Jaime (Jon) Welch, Karin (Joseph)Anello, Katie (fiancé Christopher McCormick) Popham, William Popham Jr., step great grandchildren Max Jansen, Colleen Welch, Kayla Anello; Chris' brother Philip (Delores)Franco; Marie's brothers Joseph (Lois) Guzzetta and Salvatore (Joan) Guzzetta; many nieces, nephews and family friends. Evie and Chris's family will receive friends Thursday February 5, from 4:00 -7:00 at the Funeral Home. (570 Kings Hwy South, Irondequoit). A funeral mass will be held Friday, February 6 at 11:00 am at St. Kateri at Christ the King Church, 445 Kings Hwy South, Irondequoit. Entombment will follow at Riverside Cemetery. Memorial Contributions can be made to the Point Pleasant Fire Dept., or the St Joseph's Indian School, P.O. Box 100, Chamberlain, SD 57325. The family wishes to express their appreciation to the wonderful, caring staff on 4 West and ICU at Highland Hospital whose professionalism, empathy and kindness will always be remembered. To share a memory or send the family a condolence, please visit www.harrisfuneralhome.com.