Franco Vassalle

Franco Vassalle, 84, passed away on Friday, July 8th at Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri. He was born in August of 1931 in Viareggio, Italy. Franco grew up in the fishing village of Viareggio until he moved in 1966 to California, where he settled in Redwood City to make his life. Originally working for Paladini’s in San Francisco for almost 10 years, then on to become a cherished member of Vince’s Shellfish Co. in San Bruno for over 20 years until he retired in 1995. Franco married Maria in January of 1969 in Tamazula, Jalisco, Mexico. They were happily married for 47 years. Franco was a member of the Italian Catholic Federation of Redwood City at St. Pius Church. He enjoyed making his wine, gardening, camping, dancing, singing and playing guitar and the spoons. A man of the sea, through and through, always ready to go clamming or to the rocks for mussels. An extremely charismatic man who enjoyed a good party where everyone was always welcome at his table. Franco was preceded in death by his parents Antonio and Paolina Rossi Vassalle, four brothers, and a grandson Jake Franco Vassalle. Franco is lovingly remembered by his wife Maria, now residing in Independence, MO; his son Carlo (Mandy) Vassalle of Independence, MO; his daughter Anna Rosa (Gary) Calkins of La Quinta, CA; his grandchildren Katherine Calkins, Giancarlo Vassalle, Garrison Calkins; and his niece Paola Maggiora and nephew Anthony Vassalle A memorial mass will be held at St. Pius Church, 1100 Woodside Road, Redwood City at 11am on Friday, July 22nd. The family will be greeting friends and relatives immediately after the service. His remains will be taken to sea privately by the family. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to St. Pius Church, 1100 Woodside Road, Redwood City, CA 94061. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)