LEONARD N. FRANCO

Leonard “Leonardo” N. Franco, art teacher, musician, and art therapist passed into the eternal arms of God on Saturday, October 16th, 2021 at his home in Northford. Born in New Haven in 1945 to Louis and Camilla Carbone Franco, he was predeceased by them and his loving brother Donald L. Franco. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Janis Leach Franco, his daughters Debbie, and Maura Franco, two cherished grandsons, his sisters-in-law, Lorraine Franco and Phyllis Rogovsky, his brother-inlaw Dennis Leach, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A graduate of Notre Dame High School class of 1963, and of Southern Connecticut State University, he also attended Paier College of Art. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve. Known to some of his convalescent home art students as “Mr. Wonderful,” Len taught art at several nursing homes including Whispering Pines in East Haven. He also taught for many years in both public and private schools in the New Haven area. As a skilled drummer he had been a longtime member of the New Haven Musicians Union. He was a communicant of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish in North Haven. Len maintained a lifelong interest in religion, natural health, herbs, and meditation, including the teachings of the Self Realization Fellowship. Some of his happiest hours were spent with friends and family in art galleries, museums, and gardens. His favorite trips were to Italy, Medjugorje, Yugoslavia, and the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

The visiting hours will be Wednesday morning, Oct. 20th from 10:00 to 11:30 at The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. A

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish at St. Barnabas Church, 44 Washington Avenue, North Haven at 12 noon. (Masks required for all indoor services) Interment will follow in Northford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those who so desire may contribute to a charity of their choice. The family wishes to thank relatives and friends, and the VNA Community Healthcare & Hospice of Guilford for their care and concern. www. northhavenfuneral.com