Francis "Franny" M. Mezzatesta passed away on December 4, 2021 at the age of 82, after a hard-fought battle with Covid 19, worsened by his long-term diagnosis of lymphoma. He was surrounded by those he loved, and fought his final battle as he lived his life…with courage and dignity.

Franny was born on February 23, 1939 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Michael and Mary Mezzatesta. He was the youngest of three sons, with brothers Lenny and Joe "Moose" by his side. His father was the proud owner of Babe's Café in South Philadelphia, where he began his early work experience. Franny enjoyed helping his father in the bar, where he was in charge of shucking mussels and clams. His was a happy childhood filled with love and laughter, with memories that he would later share with his daughter and grandchildren, passing on the stories of how he began his amazing life.

The military career of Colonel Francis Mezzatesta began when he joined the Air National Guard in 1957, after completing basic training at Lackland AFB in Texas. That same year, he completed the AF Supply School at Sheppard AFB, and returned to the 111th Tactical Air Support Group at the Willow Grove Air Reserve Station in Pennsylvania as a guardsperson. In 1961, he accepted a full time Air Reserve Technician position as a supply stock record specialist. He went on to earn his Associates and Bachelor Degrees in Liberal Arts from Thomas Edison State College, and completed Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College. His dedication to his military career led to his commission through the Academy of Military Science (AMS) in 1978, eventually leading to his final position as the 111th Logistics Group Commander. His military decorations and awards included the Legion of Merit, the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Air Force Reserve Meritorious Service Medal with five devices, National Defense Service Medal with one device, Armed Force Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two devices, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with eight devices, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with one device, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Device. He retired from his illustrious career with the Air National Guard in 1999 at the rank of Colonel , and was then promoted to the honorary grade of Brigadier General and placed on the Retired List of the Pennsylvania National Guard.

Following his retirement, his began his most important role as the 'best Pop Pop in the world' to his grandchildren, Ashley and Mark, whom he loved more than life itself. He was an ever-present influence as they grew up, never missing a school function, awards ceremony, graduation, picnic, Grandparent's or Military Appreciation Day, concert or first day of school. Every Christmas morning his family would find him in the driveway waiting for them to get up so he could enjoy watching them open their gifts from Santa. As they grew older, he became mentor, teacher and role model, sharing his wisdom and experience to help them make important choices in their lives. He was known and loved by all of their friends as well, most of whom also considered him their 'Pop Pop'.

In his passing, he will be missed the most by his daughter, Maria, for he was her hero and her rock. His never-ending love and support were the guiding light in her life. He was her superman, taking care of every problem, helping with the kids, and being both friend and father. He lit up her home when he came in, and he made every occasion happier by being there. Their bond was unbreakable and cherished.

He will be remembered and loved by all as a commanding presence in this world. His laughter, his kindness, his empathy and his strength will be his legacy for years to come. He touched so many lives, and his reach was far. He asked for nothing but gave unconditionally. He was an extraordinary man.

He was predeceased by brother Leonard and parents Michael and Mary; he is survived by daughter Maria Meade and her fiancé John Wilson, along with his grandchildren Ashley and Mark; his brother Joseph and his children Michael, Joseph and wife Mary, Patricia, Michelle and husband Gavin (Segal); nieces and nephews Ethan, Melina, Jessica, Alyssa, Joseph and Nicole, and his long-time companion, Viola Talarico.

Visitation for friends and family will be held on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at Angelone Funeral Home, 501 Easton Road, Willow Grove, PA from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mass and funeral are private due to covid concerns, and will be held on December 9, 2021 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, 1795 Columbia Avenue, Warrington, Pennsylvania. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fox Chase Cancer Center in his memory:

Online at https://www.foxchase.org/giving/how-to-give

Via USPS mail:

Fox Chase Cancer Center

Attn Institutional Advancement

333 Cottman Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19111

**THE FAMILY WOULD ASK EVERYONE WHO IS ATTENDING TO PLEASE WEAR A MASK FOR THE SAFETY OFF ALL WHO ARE IN ATTENDENCE.