Robert Mark Francisco

CRETE, Ill. — Robert Mark Francisco of Crete, Ill., a son of Robert and Euna Francisco of Mattoon, passed away on Monday (Aug. 20, 2018). Mark was born April 21, 1964, in Champaign. He grew up in Ogden and graduated from St. Joseph-Ogden High School.

After high school, Mark spent several years pursuing his interests in music. A self-taught guitarist, Mark worked with several well-known rock bands in the Champaign-Urbana and Chicago areas, sometimes even playing and singing his own compositions. Among his musician friends, he was known for his kindness and thoughtfulness. Musically, he was well- known for his singingstyle and exuberance.

Mark attended Lewis University, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in aviation administration and business administration. In business, Mark was an entrepreneur. For many years, Mark owned his own real estate business, rehabilitating properties in the Chicago area and in the Republic of Panama. In more recent years, Mark owned a business as an arborist, providing his services in the Chicago area. However, Mark’s main interest in life was being a good father to his two sons, Zander and Lance. He enjoyed taking them on many outings to the beach, surfing, skiing and baseball games. Mark is survived by his sons, Alexander (13) and Lance (10). He is also survived by his parents; his sister, Rebecca Hatter of Mattoon; his brother, Michael (Kris) of Royal; his brother, Charles (Trinity) of Killeen, Texas; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Marie Francisco, and his nephew, William Hatter. Mark’s family was with him at the time of his passing.

A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Royal.

News-Gazette 8/26/2018