Joseph L. Franco, passed away Sunday, October 12, 2025 at Unger Park Nursing Facility in Bucyrus at the age of 86. He was born on September 24, 1939 in Tepatitlán, Mexico to the late Zeferino & Marie Campo Franco.
Joseph was a dedicated man, whether it be to his family, his career or to the long list of fraternal organizations he belonged to. On November 4, 1962 he married the love of his life, Sharon L. Born. Together they shared 58 years of marriage until her passing on September 24, 2021. In the family’s younger years, Joe and Sharon would pack up the car and drive the family on many cross country and international trips. Their destinations included California, Maine and Joe’s native country of Mexico. Once the children were grown Joe and Sharon continued those trips with each other, making wonderful memories.
For over 30 years he was a loyal employee of Ohio Steel & Tube in Shelby until his retirement. If you ask his family or friends they would all tell you he was very social. Over the years Joe spent many nights meeting friends at the V.F.W. in Crestline, Moose Lodge #177, AMVETS Post 1979 and the former Eagles Lodge #630 all of Galion.
Joe will be fondly remembered by his loving children, Sheila Franco of Mansfield, Julie (Ronald) Lemon of Mansfield, Bill (Becky) Franco of Cardington and Jeff (Crystal) Franco of Sandia Park, New Mexico; his grandchildren, Nicholas Franco, Justin (Alisha Tarr) Lemon, Alexis (Ethan) Rader, Tucker (Faith) Franco, Leah Franco, Kelly (Glenn) Baber and Kristopher (Brittney) Harris; his siblings, Mary Ketterman, Sally (Chester) Pfeifer and Bob Franco. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Debbie (Mike) Furbush; his five great-grandchildren, and one great-grandchild on the way.
In addition to his parents and wife, Sharon, he was preceded in death by his son, Joseph R. Franco; his sisters, Emma Kitchen, Leonor Palmer, and Carmen Hively.
The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM until 11:00 AM on Friday, October 17, 2025 at the Snyder Funeral Home, Richardson Davis Chapel in Galion. A service honoring his life and faith will begin at 11:00 AM with Father Paul Fahrbach officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Galion.
Snyder Funeral Homes, Richardson Davis Chapel of Galion is honored to serve the family of Joseph L. Franco. To share a fond memory or leave a condolence, visit his obituary page at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Richardson Davis Chapel
Website: www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com