Michael Silvio Franscioni

On May 11, 2026 this world lost a kind and gentle soul. Michael Silvio Franscioni passed into a world without pain and suffering on that date. He was born on August 5, 1944 to Duvilia Sinigiani Franscioni and Silvio Franscioni, Jr. He lived his entire life except his college years in the Gonzales area.

He spent his early years on the Family ranch on River Road helping with all the tasks required to make the operation work. He attended La Gloria Elementary School, Fairview Middle School and Gonzales High School, graduating in 1962. From there he went on to Cal Poly-SLO and graduated in 1966 with a triple major. He has maintained friendships with many of his college classmates through the years.

Throughout his life Mike believed in service and involvement in his community. He was active in innumerable civic groups, almost always in a leadership role. He always led with kindness, dedication and respect. He was particularly active in the Monterey County Swiss Rifle Club, the Monterey County Swiss American Club, Gonzales Swiss Club and Salinas Elks Lodge 614 as well as supporting the children of the community and the school staff by providing a lunch for the graduating seniors at their graduation practice and providing an after-the-school-year party for the entire Gonzales Unified School District Staff for many years.

Mike made beans for nearly every fundraiser held in South County and was always happy to do so. How many people are you going to serve and when and what time do you need them were the only questions he had.

His entire life was spent working in agriculture in various roles. Farming with his father and his brothers, farming on his own, establishing an agricultural welding school, establishing an agri frame fabrication shop with Jim Muscio and others; serving on the Board of National Can as a tomato grower and so many roles they cannot be enumerated.

He never met anyone who wasn't his friend and no one has ever said a negative word about him as he always rose above the fray and respected the individual. Mike is predeceased by his parents, his brother Dan Franscioni, as well as Pat Polastro and Gary Muscio, two very special friends he carried in his heart forever. He is survived by his wife Wendy, his brother Ray, his nieces Carli Chasen (Mike), Teresa Franscioni and his nephews Tom Franscioni (Brianna) and Rob Franscioni as well as his sister-in law Kathy Franscioni. He is also survived by his aunt Erma Franscioni and several cousins.

A special thanks go out to Marvin Rianda and Lawrence Shannon who helped in the last several months to make his life and Wendy's life easier, to Natividad Hospital staff who were so kind even when the news wasn't good and to the staff at Eden Valley Skilled Nursing Facility who were able to make Mike's last days restful and comfortable. He would also like to thank the Gonzales Fire Department who were always at the ready when they were called.

There will be a Celebration of Life at the Monterey County Swiss Rifle Club (34241 Gloria Road, Gonzales) on June 14 at 1:00.

If your heart asks you to make a donation please do so. Organizations close to Mike's heart are the Multiple Sclerosis Society (PO Box 54879, LA, CA 90054) or any agricultural-oriented youth organization in your neighborhood such as 4H or FAA.

Published in King City Rustler · May 27, 2026