Richard C. Franco, Sr. died on July 20, 2025 at Morristown Medical Center after a short battle with cancer.  He was 78 years old.  Richard was born at All Souls’ Hospital (the predecessor to Morristown Medical Center) on March 13, 1947 to the late Augustine Franco and late Antoinette Franco (nee Gurcela) of Cedar Knolls, NJ.  He was born and grew up in Cedar Knolls before moving to Succasunna in 1979.   He was a graduate of Hanover Park High School and later attended the University of Scranton where he earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in psychology.

Richard’s professional career was one dedicated to service.  He proudly worked for the US Department of Veterans Affairs in Newark as a Counseling Psychologist right out of college.  Over the years, his job titles changed as he rose through the ranks, ultimately becoming the Chief VR&C officer for the Newark office.  He had an extensive knowledge of the federal programs used to help veterans find jobs, housing, education and other benefits.  Given his expertise, he was chosen to work on the development of a nationwide case management system called WINRS that would assist VA counselors all over the country to support millions of veterans.  Richard was a natural orator, and when the time came to put together a team of people to teach the WINRS program, he was the clear choice.  He traveled all over the country to teach other VA employees about the program that he helped to develop.  Throughout his travels, colleagues from near and far became his friends, and the VA his second home. After working there for more than 53 years, Richard retired from the VA at the end of 2022.  During his tenure, he received countless awards and recognition for his outstanding work.

Richard enjoyed spending his free time outdoors at his home.  Some of his happiest moments were playing with his labrador retrievers over the years, mowing his lawn with his John Deere tractor, and tending to his vegetable garden.  His garden was a source of great pride where he spent much of his time during the summer and fall.  Richard liked nothing more than sharing his home-grown tomatoes with his family and neighbors.

Undoubtedly, Richard’s greatest source of joy came from the time he spent with his family.  He enjoyed watching his sons play sports, being the leader of their cub scout pack, and visiting them at their college campuses.  He enjoyed traveling with his wife and sons across the country.  Some of his greatest memories were visiting the natural parks and canyons of the mid-west, the coast and redwoods of California, and the glaciers in Alaska, but nothing was better than the macaroni in Italy.  He adored and valued the time with his grandchildren.  He was always so excited for holidays and welcomed the loud atmosphere that accompanied a house full of family.  His favorite holiday was Thanksgiving where he sat at the head of the table with a smile on his face due to good food, company, and the promise of leftovers.

Richard is survived by his wife Janet Franco (nee Himmel) of 50 years, his two sons Ricky Franco of Branchburg, NJ and Andy (and Rachel) Franco of Macungie, PA, his five grandchildren Mia, Ellie, AJ, Olivia, and Charlotte and his beloved brother, Anthony “Tony” Franco of Cedar Knolls.

The Funeral Liturgy will be held on Friday, August 1st at 10:00 a.m. at St. Therese R.C. Church in Succasunna, NJ.

Arrangements have been made by the Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ. 973-584-7264

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