Franco DeSantis

Franco DeSantis, age 87, passed away May 16, 2025, at MetroWest Medical Center in Framingham, where all four of his children were born. He had endured serious health challenges for many months yet stayed remarkably strong, holding on to the hope of returning to his many wonderful friends at Fairview Estates in Hopkinton, where he lived for the past eight years.

Franco had deep love for his children and their spouses, Franco Anthony and Collette DeSantis of Lakewood Ranch, Florida; Anna Maria and Robert Boice of Holliston; Antonietta and Brian Cotcamp of Hopewell Junction, New York; and David and Silvia DeSantis of Wareham, as well as his 10 grandchildren, Alisa, Dominic, Maya, Avery, Clay, Wilson, Matthew, Reagan, Sandra and Ariana. He also had three stepchildren, Bettina Stahl, Cynthia Noe and the late Mark Cornell and their spouses and children. Franco longed to remain part of all of their lives, as he said, “for a few more years.” Though his health declined, his heart remained full and his spirit soared with gratitude and love for the life he had.

Originally from Cansano, Italy, Franco immigrated to the U.S. at age 20 in 1958 and was soon drafted into the U.S. Army and was a Vietnam veteran. He settled in Massachusetts, where, in 1962, he married Sandra Evelyn Taylor, mother of his children. They were married for 23 years until her passing in 1985 after a battle with brain cancer. Left to continue raising his children, then aged 16–21, Franco faced life with his usual resilience. Three years later, he met Annamaria, a native of Venice, Italy. Together they shared over 30 years filled with music, family, cooking, laughter and love. Franco shared a special bond with his siblings and their spouses, including sister Alba and husband John Pantaleo, brother Nick DeSantis and wife Ann, brother Italo DeSantis and wife Anna, late brother Joe DeSantis and wife Rosaria, and late sister Francesca and late husband Peter Valastro.

At Fairview Estates, Franco was a beloved presence — calling bingo, singing, dancing, dressing up, acting and joining in many community activities. His children know he would want all of his dear friends mentioned, but there are too many to name.

Calling hours will be Monday, May 26, from 1–4 p.m. with a funeral service at 2 p.m. at Consigli-Ruggerio Funeral Home in Milford. A graveside burial will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery on Tuesday, May 27, at 9 a.m.

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