Alfonso Ponce Franco

Alfonso Ponce Franco was born to the late Gregorio Franco and Maria Conception Ponce on October 21, 1949 in Tepatitlan, Jalisco. As a young boy, he worked on his family farm to contribute to his family. At age 14, Alfonso left Tepatitlan, Jalisco to Mexico City to look for work. He then left Mexico for better opportunities in the United States. 

At age 16, Alfonso settled in San Jose, CA where he lived the majority of his life. He was welcomed by Isidoro and Irma Ramirez who took him in while living in San Jose. The couple assisted him in finding work and housing, which helped him out immensely. Through friends, Alfonso met the love of his life, Mary Lopez. After a few years as friends, they eventually married on June 28, 1968 at Holy Family Church in San Jose, CA. They quickly grew their family with Alfonso being born in June of 1969, and Delores ‘Lolita’ born in May of 1971. Alfonso and Mary bought their first family home in San Jose in 1972. 

Sadly, Alfonso’s father Gregorio died in June of 1980. In September of 1980, Alfonso and Mary brought his younger siblings Raul, Chepe, Leticia, Esther and Yolanda to the United States. They continued to lovingly care for his younger sisters as their guardians. With joy, Alfonso and Mary grew their family by one, with their youngest daughter Gracie Franco in December of 1981. Alfonso worked for over 40 years in landscaping, eventually becoming a Superintendent for Valley Crest Landscaping. Alfonso along with his wife, Mary were active members at St. Leo the Great Church for over 40 years. 

Alfonso was a strong provider and caring man at heart. He lived a selfless and giving life, always wanting to be there for his loved ones, and build beautiful memories at every opportunity given. He will be dearly missed by all those that loved him.    

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Franco; survived by his three children; Alfonso Franco II (spouse, Lucy Franco), Delores ‘Lolita’ Franco, and Gracie Franco; his six grandchildren; Krystal Franco, Alfonso Franco III, Valerie Gutierrez (spouse, Wesley Gutierrez), Anthony Saenz, Andre Franco, and Dominic Franco. He was survived by his siblings; Horacio Franco, Lola Carranza, Leticia Villasenor, Esther Franco, and Yolanda Franco. He was preceded in death by his siblings Esperanza Franco, Salvador Franco, Jose Luis Franco, Raul Franco, and Chepe Franco.

A rosary will be held at 6PM on Thursday, September 22 at Darling & Fischer Memorial Chapel in Campbell, CA. A mass will be held 11AM on Friday September 23 at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in San Jose, CA. A burial will be held at 12:30PM on Friday September 23 at Oak Hill Cemetery in San Jose, CA. Reception to follow at Three Flames Restaurant & Banquet in San Jose, CA.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.