Francis A. Cantore, 58, of East Haven, died on April 16. He was born on Nov. 16, 1954 in New Haven, son of the late Frank and Agnes (Izzo) Cantore. Franny was, by trade, an auto body mechanic, having been taught from an early age by his father.  His finished work was his pride and joy. His second love was fishing and "working" at East Haven Master Bait & Tackle for many years. It seemed that wherever Franny went, he always ran into someone who knew him. However, his best showed through when he was in the company of his nieces and nephews and great-nephews. He loved to tease them and loved them each unconditionally. Franny’s family and friends will miss him dearly.

Franny is survived by four sisters, Claire Dunaj (widow of David Dunaj) of East Haven, Monica Cantore of East Haven, Rosina Mauro and her husband Tom of Madison, and Marianne Cantore of East Haven. He is also survived by his nephews, David Dunaj and his wife Dawn, Matthew Dunaj and his wife Kristine, Joseph Dunaj, Christopher Dunaj and his fiancée Amanda Wierzbicki; his nieces, Joelle Mauro and her fiancé William Ruggiero, Robin Filley and her husband David, and Melissa Ferranti and her husband John; and four great-nephews, Tyler, Alexander, Elijah, and Connor Dunaj.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial mass on Saturday, April 20, at 11 a.m., at St. Vincent de Paul Church, East Haven. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the American Diabetes Association, 2080 Silas Deane Hwy., 2nd Floor, Rocky Hill, CT 06067. The Clancy Funeral Home, East Haven, is in charge of arrangements. To share a memory of Franny, or to leave a note of condolence for his family, please visit www.ClancyFuneralHome.com.