Paul Franco

Our beloved, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, Dr. Paul Franco, age 95, born in Los Angeles, California and a resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico passed away peacefully of old-age on June 28th, 2021. If he were writing this he would say, "I was here" and be done, but those of us who loved him will add many words to that.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Mariana; two sisters, Dolly and Gloria ;and his beloved daughter-in-law, Linda Franco. Paul is survived by his wife Carmen of 69 years and their children Cecilia Adams (Robert), David Franco (Jocelyn), Marianna Franco (Rick). Grandchildren Christopher Adams (Pam), Dr. Jessyca Franco-Chavez (Duane), Matthew Adams (Dr. Billie), Cameron Franco, Joshua Franco, Amanda Green, Lyndsey Green, and Ian Green. Ian was his buddy on a daily basis his last few years and took extraordinary care of him. He had two, Great-Grandchildren Elliott and Hudson Adams. He attended high school at St. John's in Arizona, was enlisted into the Army-Air Corp at the age of 17, and was a veteran of World War II. Upon returning home, attended The University of New Mexico in Albuquerque and received his Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education. He coached in APS for a few years prior to attending UMKC where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1963. He practiced dentistry for over 30 years in Albuquerque and later moved to Las Cruces with his practice, following his family down South and helping to raise some of his grandchildren on his beautiful pecan orchard was a joy. Relocating to Albuquerque five years ago, he never gave up his farmer's hat and his love of nature.

He was a kind, gentle-giant, and a loving man with an incredible wit, whose story-telling and jokes entertained many. He was an avid hunter and enormous sport enthusiast, he knew the stats and was convinced the Suns were going to probably take it this year. He loved performing quarter tricks with his grandchildren, amused with lotto ticket scratcher's, and using his iPad in his later years. He was a cross-word aficionado, loved to research and read and could hold conversation with anyone about anything. His intellect still amazed us at the age of 95, sharp as a whip and inquisitive. He was the best husband, daddy, and the best grandfather with a devoted heart to his family and God. We could go on about how great our hero was, how deeply he is loved and will be missed but we hope he would nod with an approving gesture and say in his baritone comforting voice, "I'll be seeing you". The family would like to thank those that participated in his gentle-loving care the last few years of his life: his care giver for 4 ½ years Evelyn Lee "Abby", and his care-giver, confidant, and friend Rick Morris.