Robert Franco, 86, of Stratford, beloved husband of the late Nancy (Witiak) Franco, passed away peacefully in Bridgeport Hospital early Monday Morning, May 31, 2021.

Born in Danbury, son of the late John Franco. Robert graduated from Harding High School and the University of Missouri, Kansas City. From there he enlisted into the U.S. Army where he was trained as a bacteriologist. After being discharged from the Army, he was employed by Park City Hospital as its head bacteriologist for many years. He was strong in his faith and an active member and cantor of St. John The Baptist Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church. He enjoyed going to the opera and supporting the fine arts. He frequented shows at the Goodspeed Opera House, the Metropolitan Opera House, and was a supporter of the Newtown Theatre. He was also a strong supporter of Connecticut Junior Republic, in Litchfield, established as a special place to help wayward, at-risk, and disadvantaged boys.

Robert is survived by his sister, Jacquelyn (Franco) Plavcan, niece, Leeann (Plavcan) Mead & John, niece, Joann (Plavcan) Troiano, nephew, Mark Plavcan & Beth, and many grand nieces and nephews, Stephen & Bridget Mead, Rebecca Mead & Josef Fruehwald, Christopher & Emily Plavcan-Powell, Daniel & Laura Troiano, Adam & Shelbie Plavcan, Morgan Troiano, Emily Plavcan, and great-grand niece and nephew Douglas and Bridget Mead.

Friends and Family may call Monday June 7, 2021, 10-11 a.m. at St. John The Baptist Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church 1240 Broadbridge Avenue Stratford. A Requiem Funeral Service will begin at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at St. John's Cemetery, Stratford. Everyone in attendance must follow the COVID-19 guidelines, wear a mask and practice social distancing.

The Adzima Funeral Home in Stratford has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Connecticut Junior Republic.