Raymond Franco

Raymond Franco, age 89 of East Chicago, IN passed away Sunday, August 20, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Raymond was born on October 25, 1933 to Camelo Franco and Antonia Garcia.  He was a decorated Veteran of the Korean War where he was a member of the 187th Airborne Division.  During his time in the Army, he became a competitive boxer and weight lifter.  He specialized in various styles of martial arts such as aikido, judo and karate, was an avid long distance runner and a member of the USWA Local #1010 softball team.  He retired from Inland Steel Company after 42 years of service.

He is survived by his children: Melissa (Derek) Smith, Raymond Z. (Susie) Franco, Celeste Martinez, Lenora (Tim) Callahan, Veronica Franco, Philomena Franco, Damon Z. Franco, and Rhonda (Jesse) Dominguez; stepchildren, Anthony Herrera and Victoria Muryasz; 24 grandkids, 20 great grandkids and 1 great great granddaughter; 1 sister, Sonia Sanchez.  Preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Franco; daughter, Tonimarie Morales; grandsons, Matthew X. Franco, Eric D. Rodriguez amd Damon Z. Franco II; mother, Petra Garcia; 2 sisters, Connie Prieto and Hope East.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 11:00 am at St. Mary Church, 802 West 144th Street, East Chicago, IN with Rev. Julio C. Beddya officiating.  Private cremation to follow.  Visitation at the FIFE FUNERAL HOME, 4201 Indianapolis Blvd., East Chicago, IN will be from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, September 1, 2023 and from 10:30 am to 11:00 am at the Church on Saturday morning.  To share an online condolence, logon to www.fifefuneralhome.com

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