Franco Zazzera (19 Jan 1959 - 11 Apr 2017)

No doubt this biography will change over the next few days as I think of memories and find photos that I want to share with you all.

Franco was the most loving, caring and generous person. We are a very close family unit and love doing things as a family. We consider a lot of our friends to be a part of our family too as they mean so much to us. Our special holiday last year for our silver wedding we even had the 'kids' with us as we wanted to be able to share the experience and be able to talk about it for years to come. I'm so glad we did do this as it will be an extra special memory now.

Franco had many special qualities and was a very loyal person. He had a great sense of humour and a dry wit. He would often come out with one-liners that would make you chuckle. He also loved his single malt whisky, real ale, red wine, cricket and other sport as well as a an interest in history, astronomy, technology and gadgets to name just a few things. He had fantastic all round knowledge and was always a key member of any quiz teams we were a part of. He had a great sense of duty and was always happy to help out where he could including supporting our local Scout Group by being their Secretary for a number of years.

From the time of his diagnosis, the operation that followed and then the devastating news that his condition was now terminal, he held his head high and was composed and dignified to the end, still thinking about others all the time.

We love him so much and will miss him more than words can say, I cannot imagine my life without him at the moment. He was always there for David, Jemma and myself, giving us his complete love and support. I can only hope that he is now in a better place, pain free and with others that he is loved by and with whom he is able to enjoy a joke with.

Franco chose the charities himself that he would wish people to support, he also included Macmillan but unfortunately we are only able to put two charities on this site. I will endeavour to set up some sort of link/page for Macmillan too in the next couple of days if you prefer to support them. Please complete the gift aid section if you can, as he was a financial man and anything to make the money go further would always be his priority. I would also ask that people donate to the charities rather than send or bring along flowers to his funeral. For those who wish to donate but are unable to do so online, there will also be a collection basket at the funeral.

Anyone who wishes to come along to his funeral is very welcome - I know Franco had a large network of family, friends and colleagues. Please do not feel you have to wear black, his funeral will be a celebration of his life not just to mourn his passing. He was a fun person to be around and would want you to remember him this way. You do not have to say you are attending although it would be helpful in relation to trying to sort numbers for catering purposes. After the cremation we are going to a beautiful house called Greyfriars which is located just outside Guildford and accessed via the A31 going towards Farnham. Please note this is the house situated just before Greyfriars vineyard and should not be confused with the vineyard, although Franco would have been very happy with you all wandering among grapevines. The correct postcode is also GU3 1AD (not 1AG as listed).