Sante Franchini

Sante Franchini, 92, of Highland Park, IL, passed away peacefully at home with his daughter by his side on February 17, 2023. He was predeceased by his devoted wife, Mary Louise. Sante was a caring father and father-in-law to daughter Lucy Hospodarsky and her husband Jim, and a generous and kind Nonno to grandchildren Sara (26), Michael (23), and Daniel (22). Sante’s gentle and agreeable nature made him well loved by his family and friends. He was always up for a visit or family outing, even during the weeks up to his passing.

Sante emigrated from his hometown of Pievepelago, Italy in the 1950s, leaving behind his parents, two brothers, and his sister. He worked in construction to provide for his family back in Italy so they could afford their bar/pizzeria/gelateria in Pieve. Plans changed when he met his beloved wife, Maria Luisa Franchini nee Amidei in Highwood. They married on January 5th, 1963, at St. James Church, and started their family in 1965 in Highland Park.  

Sante treasured time with his family, especially his three grandchildren. He belonged to the Modenese Society and was a proud member of the Highwood Bocce Club, where he enjoyed bocce matches with friends and card games like Briscola and Scopa. He was an exceptional gardener, growing basil, tomato, lettuce, carrots and zucchinis in his garden for home cooked meals. He devotedly helped his wife make tortellacci, tortellini, lasagne, bread sticks, pasta fritte, and bread, all of which he enjoyed sharing with his family. He and his wife loved to travel, visiting national parks, east- and west-coast cities, Hawaii, Canada, and Europe. They returned often to Pievepelago, where they spent summer months reconnecting with their Italian family, as well as introducing their grandchildren to “la vita bella” in his beautiful Apennine village.

In lieu of flowers, we welcome donations to the Highwood Library and Community Center. Visit https://www.friendshighwoodlibrary.org to make a donation online.

A visitation will be held Thursday March 2, 2023 from 4:00 P.M. till 8:00 P.M. at Seguin & Symonds Funeral Home 858 Sheridan Road, Highwood, IL 60040. A Funeral mass will take place Friday March 3, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at Saint James Church 134 North Ave, Highwood, IL 60040. Entombment will follow at Ascension Catholic Cemetery at 11:30 A.M. 1920 W Buckley Rd, Libertyville, IL 60048.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sante Franchini, please visit our floral store.