John V. Franscioni

John "Jack" V. Franscioni, a lifelong resident of Soledad, passed away Friday, July 14, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. Though from a small town, Jack would leave quite a legacy.

Jack graduated from Gonzales High School and attended UC Berkeley, where he would study Pharmacy. He would often talk about the days after Pearl Harbor where he and his best friend, Dr Handley, would sit on the hills in San Francisco as the city went dark at night to avoid being targeted by Japanese warplanes.

Jack would be drafted and serve as an aircraft mechanic for three years in World War II (we are all still scratching our heads on this one if anyone ever saw him work on his Bronco). He was honorably discharged in 1946 and went back to complete his Pharm D at Berkeley.

On December 23, 1947, Jack married the love of his life, Marcelene Stockholm. They would spend 64 years together. Since her passing, Jack has missed her terribly and credits many of his accomplishments to her servant's heart.

Upon graduation, he returned to Soledad to work for Burke's drugs until he purchased the pharmacy with his partner, Ted Arneson, in 1948, where he owned and operated Soledad Pharmacy for 40 years. During that tenure, he served as councilman and mayor, making huge strides for the community of Soledad. He would also go on to buy out the Soledad Bowl with his partner, Archie Silveria, making sure Soledad had a place to gather for several decades before selling it just last year.

In the 1960's, Jack and Frank Ledesma, as councilman, endeavored to secure a bond to purchase and earmark a tract of land for a future high school, citing that Soledad could not grow if the foundation was not laid for a high school. Later, he and Marcelene would work tirelessly with Dr Gene Martin, then the Superintendent of Schools, to get Soledad High School built, eventually opening it in 1999.

Jack served the community in many ways. He was a Rotarian for 74 years (made an honorary member in 2023 on his 100th birthday), a member of the American Legion, and served as a board member for the Soledad Healthcare District, where he was instrumental in building Soledad Medical Center, Eden Valley Care Center and the new Women's Health Center.

Jack also worked with the Chamber of Commerce to create the world famous "It's Happening in Soledad" sign, which is still captured in T Shirts and hoodies to this day.

In his early years, Jack loved traveling the world with Marcelene, and even with all they saw, they still always knew Soledad was home. They bowled together along with their many friends. Jack loved hunting and singing along with the Los Vaqueros Hunting Club Band around the campfire at the Gould Ranch near Arroyo Seco. He loved his dogs. Too many to name, but among them King Tut the Mutton Grinder, Comet, Levi, and finally Co-Jack, his last partner in crime.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Marcelene, of 64 years. And is survived by his son, Phil Francioni (Pat); daughter, Carlene (Franscioni) Bell; as well as grandchildren, Colby Bell (April), Megan Bozio (Raoul), Erin Franscioni-Garcia (Ruben), and Bradley Franscioni. He also leaves behind four great-grandchildren: Olivia, Audrey, Hudson, and Monte.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers (Julie, Latu, Olivia, and Yolanda) who made life enjoyable and comfortable for Jack in his final years…We are forever grateful for your kindness and compassion.

A celebration of life is scheduled at the CRU tasting room located at 37500 Foothill Rd, overlooking Soledad, on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you petition the City of Soledad and Soledad Chamber of Commerce with letters and calls to get the "It's Happening in Soledad" sign back up. It's what he would have wanted.

Published in Salinas Valley Tribune · July 17, 2023