Frances Marie Franchina

FRANCHINA, Frances Marie (née Longo)

December 24, 1938 – May 31, 2025

Frances Marie, lovingly known from her youth as “Twinkle,” passed peacefully into eternal life on Friday, May 31, 2025--the feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She was 86, having lived all her dynamic life in Dayton, Ohio. A radiant soul with a deep devotion to her faith, family, heritage, and teaching, Frances lived a life marked by service, creativity, and unwavering love.

Born on Christmas Eve into a vibrant Italian American - Roman Catholic family in in downtown Dayton, Frances was the daughter of Dominic "Biggie" and Madeline "Maggie" Longo who imbued her with the spirit of hospitality ... being raised in and around food markets and restaurants. The family-oriented Italian restaurant in Belmont was named Longo's Twinkle Inn. She received this nickname when the sparkle in her eyes was noticed as a newborn--even while facing health complications during birth. This nickname became a testament to her enduring spirit and luminous presence.

Frances graduated from Julienne High School pursuing higher education at the University of Dayton, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education, and while raising her sons, a Master of Science in Educational Counseling and Human Services. She became a passionate promoter of St. Julie Billiart thanks to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur at Julienne, and Bl. William Joseph Chaminade thanks to the Marianist Fathers and Brothers at UD. She also held certification in Pastoral Telecommunications and was a devoted member of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCDS).

During her senior year at UD, Frances met her future husband, Joseph Franchina, while he was enjoying spaghetti and fried chicken in her parents' restaurant. Together, they were blessed with five sons: Anthony, Dominic, Joseph, Michael and Giovanni ... instilling in them a love for family and friends, faith and culture--all rooted in the ministry of hospitality and community building.

Frances dedicated her life to education and evangelization. She taught in Dayton Public Schools and served on the Board of the WomanLine Crisis Counseling Center. She was the visionary behind TYBO TACTICS™ and PROJECT TOTL™--innovative programs designed to help individuals discover and develop their God-given talents. Her groundbreaking work earned her recognition from the Governor of Ohio for Community Service, inclusion among Dayton’s Ten Top Women, and the University of Dayton Alumni Award for Special Achievement.

A pioneer in religious media, Frances produced and hosted the weekly radio program “Francesca and Friends” on Radio Maria, broadcasting to over 60 countries. She also created and hosted television programs such as “Through the Tummy to the Heart: Italian Soul Food Sprinkled with Evangelization” and “Cooking, Counseling and Scripture: Francesca’s Food for Thought,” blending her passions for faith, counseling, and Italian cooking.

Frances was deeply involved in numerous faith-based organizations. She co-founded The Joyful Lambs of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary Charismatic Prayer Group and the Padre Pio Prayer Group at St. Joseph Parish in downtown Dayton. She was a member of the New Life Healing Ministry, Choosing Hope Outreach to Grandparents of Dayton, and the Unbound Leadership Teams. As the Regional Coordinator of ACTheals for the Ohio Valley Region and Co-Founder and President of CREDO Apostolate (Catholics in Renewal and Evangelization, Dayton, Ohio), she played a pivotal role in spiritual renewal efforts. Frances also served as the Director of Communications for the Society of Mary (Marianists), Province of Cincinnati, and was a Marianist Affiliate together with her husband Joseph.

Above all, Frances cherished her roles as a devoted wife, mother, and nana. She found immense joy in nurturing her family and witnessing her grandson’s growth and development.

Frances was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Joseph; her parents, Dominic and Madeline Longo; and her son, Dominic. She is survived by her sons Anthony, Joseph, Michael, and Giovanni (Tuscia); and her cherished grandson, Giovanni Franchina Jr., all of Dayton.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, June 5, at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Road, Kettering. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 6, at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, 2300 S. Smithville Road, Dayton. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the University of Dayton Marian Library or a charity of your choice.