Donald Richard Franchi, 77

Donald Richard Franchi, 77, passed away on March 29, 2017, surrounded by love at his home in Marion.

Don was born on June 16, 1939, in San Francisco, the first of five children born to Reno and Dorothy Franchi. He spent much of his childhood in the San Francisco Bay Area, later graduating from Nevada Union High School in Grass Valley, California. He went on to graduate from the University of San Francisco where he majored in biology.

Don proudly served in the United States Army and through his service was able to attend law school at the University of the Pacific-McGeorge School of Law.

In the mid-1960s, Don was heading home on leave and had the opportunity to spend time at his Army buddy’s home in Montana. It was on this trip that he first visited and fell in love with Lake Mary Ronan. From that moment on, it was his dream to someday live in the Flathead Valley. In 2003, he and his beloved wife Teresa, made that dream a reality.

Don was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Kalispell and was a past master of the Woodland, California, Masonic Lodge No. 81.

He is survived by his loving wife, Teresa; his children, Andrea (Cassie) Franchi, Timothy Paporiello, Edward Franchi, Jenna Taylor, Rebecca (Stanley) White, Lars (Gena) Johnsen, Nicole Johnsen, and Andreas (Laura) Johnsen; his grandchildren, Jonah (Natalya), Maya, Solomon, Ava, Chloe, Tyler, Cory, Owen, Madden, Ainsley and Zachary; and his great-grandson, Jackson. He is also survived by his siblings, Barbara (Wilbur) Howe, Marilyn Chapman, Peter Franchi and Mary (Kevin) Wilson; as well numerous nieces and nephews. 

Don was preceded in death by his parents. 

Services will be held at 1 p.m. today, Tuesday, April 4, at Christ Episcopal Church, 215 Third Ave. E., Kalispell.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. 

Darlington Cremation and Burial Service is caring for Don’s family. You are invited to go to www.darlingtonfunerals.com to view Don’s Tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories.