Aldo J. De Francesco, 78, of Naples, FL, died peacefully with loved ones at his bedside on November 25, 2006. Born in Genoa, Italy on May 14, 1928, he was the son of the late Maria Stella and Hugo De Francesco.
He came to America at the age of 11 months and settled in Stamford, where he graduated from Stamford High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Science degree in biochemistry at the University of Connecticut, followed by post graduate work as a biochemist in the Department of Medical Physics at Yale University. In 1964, he moved to Valley Forge, PA, where he was a Vice President of AMETEK, Inc., and later President and Chief Executive Officer of Narco Scientific, a maker of medical instruments and healthcare equipment. At the time of his death, he was Chairman of the Board of Air Age Media in Ridgefield, CT. Aldo loved to cook gourmet meals, listen to music, visit art galleries, and play golf. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, and loyal friend, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by Alice Farrell De Francesco, his loving wife of 54 years; a sister, Lillian Yance of Stamford; and six children, Peter (Gillian) of Naples; Alison of New York, NY; Paul (Kimberly) of Valley Forge, PA; Amy Beth (Jonny Kool) of New York, NY; Mary Jane (Mike Salmon) of Lorton, VA; and Jay (Cynthia) of Annapolis, MD. He was a loving grandfather to Thomas, Jenna, Emma, Christopher, Joseph, Jackson, and Ava. Aldo is also survived by his many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Dr. Louis V. De Francesco.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, December 16 at 10:00 AM at St. Marys RC Church in Stamford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 5845 Richmond Highway, Suite 800, Alexandria, VA 22303. Funds generated will go to research and cure of leukemia and lymphoma. Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home is assisting with local arrangements. www.cognetta.com