Mr. Franco Piergentili, age 88, died Wednesday evening, February 19, 2014 at home, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief illness. Born in Sarnano, Italy, Franco was the devoted son of the late Rosa (Antognozzi) & Federico Piergentili.
Franco and his beloved wife of 63 years, Delfina (Lucozzi) came to Woburn forty four years ago, from his home town of Sarnano, Italy. In Italy, he was extremely proud of his choice to fight with the Resistance Army in 1944, in the mountains of Sibillina, in central Italy. Franco was also a lumberjack for over 30 years. Here in Woburn he worked for the John J. Riley Tannery. He retired in 1988, after 18 years.
Every summer, Franco would travel back to Italy to visit family and friends. He also enjoyed York Beach, Maine and Newport, RI. He loved wine making, but was passionate about making things grow as a gardener. Starting early in the season he enjoyed watching and tending to his garden all summer long. He also walked for miles each day. Often times he would help friends in the neighborhood with their gardens, pruning or planting, it didn't matter, he loved it all. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren, enjoying their company whenever possible.
In addition to his wife, Franco is survived by his devoted children. Piero Piergentili and his wife Anna of VT, Daniele Piergentili and his wife Cathy of CO, Fabio Piergentili and his wife Nancy of Andover, Simonetta Piergentili and her husband Jim Breffeilh of Wilmington, and the late Mara Piergentili. Loving grandfather of Cristina, Kara, Anthony, Gabriella, Angela and Jess. Brother of the late Maria Rossi, Mario, Maurino, and Anselmo Piergentili.
Funeral from the McLaughlin-Dello Russo Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St. WOBURN, Saturday at 9:30 AM. Followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Anthony Church, 851 Main St. Woburn at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend and may visit with the family Saturday morning 8:30 to 9:30 AM. Interment will be private.
It has been requested that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made in Franco’s name to the Anthonian Association of the Friends of St. Anthony of Padua, 101 St. Anthony Drive., Mt. St. Francis, Indiana 47146-9001 OR Opera Delle Vocaziani, PP Cappuccini Piceni, Via Cardinal Massaia 1, 61122 Pesaro PU.