Obituary of Robert Allan Franchi

Bobby Franchi, 63 Boonton, NJ Robert Allan "Bobby" Franchi passed away peacefully on July 14, 2015, after a brief illness. Bobby was the most special child of the late Gladys and Arnold Franchi and he has now rejoined his loving parents and beloved dog, Buttons, in heaven. Bobby was born on March 28, 1952. He was a life-long resident of Boonton where he loved, and was loved by, his neighbors on Madison Street. Bobby was an enthusiastic participant in the Special Olympics alongside his best friend, Joey Waradzyn. During the 1970's he served as the Equipment Manager for the Boonton-Mt. Lakes Grayhawks football teams, a position he cherished and looked forward to each fall. Bobby thoroughly enjoyed his work at Employment Horizons in Cedar Knolls where he was employed for many years. To say that Bobby was an avid Yankee and New York Giants fan would be an understatement. He had an ardent passion for his teams and was always dressed in full Yankee or Giants regalia. He never missed a game. He could tell you the name, number and starting position of every Yankee player over the past 40 years. He enjoyed TV, movies, diet Pepsi, meatball subs and visits from friends and family. The simplest things made him happy. He is survived by his adoring siblings, brothers Bill and his wife Kathy, Peter and his wife Tracey, Anthony DePalma and his wife Joanne; his sister, Lisa Greer and her husband Mark, as well as nieces and nephews: Melissa, Christopher, Marlee, Fallon, Taylor, Cole and Ty. We thank Bobby for giving us unconditional love, support and trust throughout our lives. He was truly a gift from God. His passing will leave a hole in the heart of our family, but we know he is back securely in the arms of our mother and father, and that brings us immense peace. The family would like to thank Bobby's remarkable caregivers at his home in Kinnelon: Carla, Mona, Janet, Cindy, Adeniyi, Elizabeth and Boniface for taking such devoted and compassionate care of him during the past two years. He loved you all and we are so grateful to each of you for keeping him safe and happy. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2015 starting at 8:30 AM at Dangler Lewis and Carey Funeral Home, 312 West Main St., Boonton, NJ; with a funeral mass at 9:30 AM at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 910 Birch St., in Boonton. Interment will be private. Family and friends may visit on Friday, July 17, 2015 from 4 to 8 PM at the funeral home. Letters of condolence may be posted to www.danglerlewisandcareyfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Bobby's honor to Special Olympics New Jersey, 1 Eunice Kennedy Shriver Way, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 or online at sonj.org.