Mario Francisco Franco

Mario Francisco Franco, 60 passed away after a short courageous battle with esophageal cancer. Mario was born to Domingo Franco Jr., and Linda Soto Franco in Toppenish, Washington. He lived in Walla Walla throughout his life attending St. Patrick’s grade school, DeSales High School and graduated from Walla Walla High School.
As a young boy and teenager, Mario excelled in both baseball and basketball. His love for baseball started as youngster joining his older brother Tony and the neighborhood boys at the ball fields a few blocks from home at Garrison Junior High School. He played Little League for the Union-Bulletin and made the DeSales Varsity baseball team as a Freshman and played all three years he was there. Tony called him a machine back then because he never got tired and was always throwing a ball around. He had a variety of pitches and by age nine Mario developed his own unique high kick pitching style that his dad encouraged because it gave him a lot of power. Mario always won more games than he lost. Always.
Next to baseball, Mario was a whiz on the DeSales basketball court, playing Junior
Varsity his freshman year and then Varsity for the next two years. He was a quick, great dribbler and had an awesome jump shot. He emulated NBA great Earl “The Pearl” Monroe (Baltimore Bullets and New York Knicks) and had posters of him on his gym locker. Though Mario was naturally shy, he was not so much when it came to sports and music.
Mario was an amazing drummer and was nicknamed Mario Speedwagon (a spin off from the popular 70’s and 80’s American rock band REO Speedwagon). His love for keeping a beat was developed while growing up hearing his dad play guitar at home with his mom singing along and listening to his dad lead the St. Patrick’s folk group that played at Sunday mass. Mario started tapping on anything and everything he could reach and by age twelve he had his first drum set. His first band was named The Dead Sea, and he played in other groups such as Back Seat Affair (with Ron Roth and local legend Gary Winston) and Black Tahiti. Mario gained a following with his most successful band called Felix (along with Richard and Dennis Martinez). Felix was a wildly popular band in the valley during the 70’s and even played at Garrison Jr High and Wa-Hi dances.
Mario was a modest, caring and kind person that never had a sore word for anyone. He was a loving son and caring brother and had a starring role helping his sister Lupe raise her three children. Whether meeting the little ones at the bus stop to walk them home safe, helping them with sports or picking up some milk, Uncle Mario was there for them. He will forever be remembered for changing the lyrics to popular songs to make all the kids laugh, for always smiling, and for never complaining. Though the last few months were in a wheelchair, he was happy and thankful for all of us that loved him. He lived and died peacefully.
Mario is survived by his mother, Linda and brothers: Antonio (Tony) Domingo Franco, Martin Carlos Franco, Tomas (Tom) Fernando Franco, Patricio (Pat) Xavier Franco; and sisters: Veronica (Bonnie) Laura Torres (Franco) and Eva Maria Morales (Franco); and twenty-four nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Domingo and his sister Guadalupe (Lupe) Jesusita Franco.
Viewing and Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 19 from 10:00AM until after the Rosary at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home. A recitation of the Rosary will be held on Thursday, May 19 at 6:00PM at the funeral home with Deacon Olegario and Dora Reyes, officiating. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 20 at 2:30 PM at St. Patrick Catholic Church with Father Matthew Nicks, celebrating.
The family requests memorial contributions to be made to Walla Walla Center (CMH/ Sunrise Club) thru the funeral home.