Elio Franco

Elio Franco- but to all of us he was Leo or Brother Leo or Uncle Leo or Dad or Grandpa Nonno.

He was born in NYC in 1928. Leo was the first child of his parents to be born in America.  He was blessed to born in a Christian home. His father was an ordained minister of the Italian Churches of North America.

Brother Leo grew up in the church and accepted the Lord as his Savior at a very early age. He started working for Con Edison in 1950.  Leo advanced in his career from a welder to a welding inspector. Upon further degrees and certifications in a number of different disciplines he received the title of Quality Assurance inspector for Con Edison Nuclear Plant.

During his almost 40 years with the company brother Leo was able to share his faith of Jesus Christ with many of the men he worked with and some men accept the Lord.

Leo and Rose married in 1956 and they attended Bellerose Assembly of God Church in NY for many years.

He was a Sunday school teacher for 12 year old boys including his son Alan. He taught for 9 years. He later found out that three of his students had become ministers. During that time he was co-commander of the Royal Ranger Program.

Leo’s decision to take an early retirement in 1988 was so he could start group homes for men with special needs.  Due to his efforts he was approached by the state to stop his work because they saw there was a need. Two homes on four acres of property were sold to the state by two members on Leo’s board. Leo had been attending  Real Life Church since 2002. He was so happy to be living across the street during these last years.