Francis (“Fran”) was born on February 27th, 1951 in Newark, NJ to Vincent and Dorothy (Chichak) Paladino. He attended St. Rose High School in Belmar, NJ. He was predeceased by his parents, Vincent and Dorothy. He is survived by his sisters, Mary Paladino of Brick, NJ and Helen Herrick (Robert) of Brick, NJ; and by his children, Christine Paladino of Freehold, NJ, Daniel Francis Paladino (Kriss) of Vinton, LA, and Kimberly Hill (David) of Towson, MD.
Left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren, Imagyn “IM,” Analise “Bree,” and Zander “Z,” and his great grandson Asher James “JJ,” all of Vinton, LA; as well as his niece Katherine “Kate Meister” Herrick of Brick, NJ.
Fran is also survived by his God Mother Helen Silvestri, Aunt Geraldine “J” Paladino, his ex-wife Anita Leather, his step-mother Bette Paladino, numerous cousins, his “other son” Kelly Ketenbrink (Vicki), and his nurse Loria from Christus Hospice.
Fran was an active member of the Goodwill Hose Volunteer Fire Company in Belmar, NJ for over 20 years. “L DINO,” as he was known by his fellow firefighters, cared deeply for the Belmar Community. He was presented with an official commendation and the Lifesaving award medal for his bravery following the safe rescue of an occupant from a house fire on January 10th, 1986. He was honored to serve as the company Chief from 1993 to 1995.
Fran loved his role as a general manager at Scoles Systems Janitorial Supply in Wall, NJ. While working for the company for many years, he valued and respected each and every member of his Scoles work “family.”
Fran was devout in his Catholic Faith. His spirituality and passion for prayer were unending. His attendance at masses always included his signature “Pink Church Shirt.”
Fran was a caring, loving, and providing father to his three children, to whom he referred as his gifts from the Lord. His “gifts” will miss him dearly. He selflessly stood by and unconditionally supported them through thick and thin.
Fran relocated to Louisiana in 2013, and when not dodging the effects of hurricanes, he was able to spend quality time with his grandchildren as they grew. “Gramps” and “HO HO” as he was lovingly called, would often be seen playing a game of catch and talking sports with his grandson and little buddy Zander.
Francis would always keep tabs on his favorite sports and teams. A lifelong NY Giants, NY Rangers, and San Francisco Giants fan, it was not uncommon to watch and learn a game with Fran.
Fran loved to fish, specifically in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Danny and Kriss’s pond in Louisiana. He took pride in his vegetable gardens, hummingbird feeders, and spending time with all his grand dogs! His extensive movie collection and knowledge of film history was uncanny. Above all, he especially loved his time on the porch in NJ at “901” with his friends and family. No matter if he was enjoying cocktails, singing Frank Sinatra or quoting a Clint Eastwood movie, there was always plenty of laughter with whoever stopped by.
Fran was a kind, gentle, caring and great man to everyone who he encountered. His life will be remembered fondly and his legacy of faith and compassion will forever live on in the hearts of many.
Services will be held privately with his family in Louisiana. A celebration of life memorial for friends and family will be held in New Jersey at a later date. Words of comfort and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.
