Obituary

Dennis L. Francesconi, 76, passed away on August 31, 2022.  He was born into a large Italian family on September 1, 1945 in Cohoes, NY to Joseph and Zelinda Montanari Francesconi.  He was the last of nine children and grew up in both Cohoes and Waterford, NY.

Dennis married his loving wife, Carolyn E. Cesare, on September 28, 1968.  He was the light of her life and the anchor of her soul.

Family meant everything to Dennis.  He was a father to Daniel R. Francesconi and Dana R. Francesconi Fox; grandfather to his beloved and precious granddaughters Kate (Katherine) and Kara Fox; brother to Arlene (Dominick) Carnevale, Diane Slater, and Leo Francisconi; and the late Helen (Joe) Gallo; the late Armand, Leonard (Judy), Joseph (Betty) and Ronald (Marilyn) Francesconi.  He was a loving uncle to numerous nieces and nephews and a cherished friend to many.

Dennis never met a stranger.  He talked up a storm wherever he went and occasionally would whip up a hurricane by debating politics.  Dennis enjoyed all types of food and loved going to some of his favorite restaurants such as Gus’s Hot Dogs (Watervliet, NY), Ted’s Fish Fry (Lansingburgh, NY) and Bella Napoli (Troy, NY).  His hobbies included traveling, walking, biking, riding his moped, fishing, honking his car horn, and BINGO.  A bit of neat freak, Dennis took pride in taking care of his home and always made sure his car had the cleanest interior and windows.  He would lend a hand whenever he could; was extremely generous of all he had; and would do anything for his family.  His laugh was infectious and booming.

Dennis relocated to Charleston, WV in his 2008 with his wife to care for his grandchildren.  He created many memories there with them.  Dennis spent time at McDonald’s handing out with other seniors that frequented there, challenging them with his NY attributes.  He grew to love West Virginia, but a part of his heart was always in NY with the rest of his family.

Services will be held on Saturday, September 10 from 8:30-10:30 AM at Marra’s Funeral Home in Cohoes, NY.  Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Waterford, NY.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the heart fund, cancer society, St. Jude’s or as you desire in Dennis’s memory would be appreciated.