Franco was a loving, giving and generous person who touched the lives of many. He always gave of himself without hesitation and always gave a smile to anyone he came in contact with. He loved nature, loved tending his plants, loved playing his conga drums and he especially loved roses & heart-shaped objects. He was a romantic at heart, he was quick to express his feelings through his poems & music.

He attended local schools and graduated from Santa Barbara High School. He worked for Kinkos for a numbers of years.

We'd like to share a poem he wrote to his beloved wife Debra:

"As you walk through life and you happen to see a beautiful rose or a heart rock on a beach, know my heart and soul are there for you to reach.

And as we struggle through each day just stop and breathe and know everything will be okay... and always know D&F...

F&D that's the way it will always be... My love for you goes on forever..."

His death left us with an empty void that can never be filled. Franco's smile and kindness will be missed by all that knew him.

He is survived by his beloved wife Debra Montano, his mother Gualdalupe Cabrera, sister Gloria Montano, brother Art Montano, sister Maria Fairchild and husband Todd, sister Blanca Montano, brother Gerry and wife Suzie Lara, his daughter Erica Nicole Montano, his stepsons Nick Martell & Mike Miller, friend Daniel Apodaca, and his nieces and nephews.

Viewing will be at Welch-Ryce-Haider on Monday and Tuesday from 8:00am to 5:00pm, and Rosary will be on Tuesday at 7:00pm. Franco's services will be held Wednesday, January 18, 2006, 11:00am, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church located at 1300 East Valley Rd. in Montecito; 969-6868. Reception from 1:00 to 2:30 at A Cappella Rest., 2220 Bath St.; 682-7277.