Italo Franza

Italo Cellistino (Charlie) Franza of East Meadow, NY passed away peacefully at his home on March 1, 2024 at the age of 101.

Prior to his passing, he was one of the few remaining World War II veterans, having served in the U.S. Army Air Corps.

After receiving his honorable discharge, he worked in the former Meadowbrook Hospital, where he met his soon to be wife Anastasia (Nettie), a nurse and divorced mother of four boys. With Nettie, he loved, cared for and raised the boys as if they were his own.

He was a dedicated Union man, a much sought after Lithographer with a strong work ethic working in Manhattan until his retirement in 1985. He was also a skilled photographer, specializing in pictures of nature's beauty.

He suffered many tragic losses in his later life. Step-sons Robert in 1984, George in 1994 and more recently, Theodore. His beloved wife Nettie passed away after a long illness in 1998.

By pure chance he reunited with Mary Sutherland, a girlfriend from his army days after her husband's death. They were companions until her recent passing.

He is survived by his sisters Lucy and Jennie. His younger brother Vincent passed recently.

He is also survived by his remaining step-son, David and his son David, Theodore's children Kenneth and Andrew, George's children Steven, George, William and Patricia, and many great grandchildren.

He was dearly loved by his neighbors and friends at The Meadows who will miss his charm and humor.