Salvatore John Franco, 73, a resident of Arnold, died on October 5, 2011 at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, after an 8 year battle with cancer.

He was born on June 28, 1938 in Baltimore, raised in Brooklyn, and graduated from Southern High School in 1956.

After graduation, he enlisted in the US Army, where he served until his honorable discharge in 1963. After leaving the Army, he spent the majority of his working career as a sales representative for Buck Distributing.

He was a lifelong Baltimore sports fan, and avidly followed the Baltimore Colts, and later the Baltimore Ravens. He was also a champion bowler. He enjoyed spending his free time with his family and grandchildren.

Sal was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Order Sons of Italy, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Eleanor Embury Franco; one daughter, Elise Franco Marbury of Arnold; and two grandchildren.

Family and friends may visit on Sunday, October 9, 2011 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Hwy in Severna Park. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, October 10, 2011 at 10:00 am at St. Andrew by the Bay Roman Catholic Church, 701 College Parkway, Annapolis, MD. Interment will follow in Glen Haven Memorial Park in Glen Burnie.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, One Charles Center, 100 North Charles Street, Suite 234, Baltimore, MD 21201.

Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com