Dave's Blog
Francene
A friend of mine passed away on Friday, January 15th. I first met Francene Cucinello six years ago when I was a guest on her show to discuss the release of the movie, “The Passion of the Christ.” The time on the show went well, and a friendship was formed.
She had a godly upbringing by a mom who is a true servant. After the funeral service on Monday, Margaret Cucinello stood for hours, greeting every person who wanted to share a “Francene” story or an encouraging word with her. What a classy woman to talk to so many strangers on the most difficult day of her life.
Depending on what Francene would say on or off the air, it usually caused me to either laugh or squirm. She didn’t fit neatly into the stereotypical box of what one typically thinks of as a Christian. That’s part of what made Francene... Francene. She was unorthodox and unique. She tirelessly pulled for those who didn’t have a voice, and she used her voice to speak on their behalf. She loved the Lord and committed her life to Him. The Stones will miss Francene; but we’re confident that we’ll see her again.
John 11:25 says, “I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in me though he were dead, yet shall he live.”
Six of Francene’s friends briefly spoke at her funeral, and I gave the concluding message. WAVE-3 TV and WHAS Radio were kind enough to broadcast the funeral live in it’s entirety. If you would like to hear and see what I said it is attached.
Dottie Ryan wrote:
O Dave ~ Thank You! I am so moved. Thank you for answering the call The Lord has upon your life. It is evident more and more with each time you come before His children. Blessings!
January 22, 2010 @ 2:24 pm
Debbie Lynch(Bubbles) wrote:
Dear Dave,
I really did enjoy your thoughts about Francene during the Funeral. I was thinking you can comment on anything or anyone
and always be a GREAT BLESSING. This Lady was very lucky, to have you, and your family in her Life.
I really missed being a part of that
service, but I was glad to hear some of your part in it.
God Bless you and Beth!
Your Buddy,
Debbie
January 22, 2010 @ 5:36 pm
Annette Tarquinio wrote:
I will be sending an email to the email account set up for Francene’s family but I wanted to let you know that I was an avid listener of Francene’s - called in and wrote her emails on a regular basis and will miss her terribly. I attended the service on Monday out of respect for Francene but also to help with my own grief of her no longer being part of my life. I thought you and Brian did a terrific job and it was a very beautiful service. I know the service was broadcasted on tv and the radio and I realized that you had an opportunity to tell people about God - many of who do not attend church and may not be christians - I found myself praying throughout the entire service that Francene’s death and funeral would somehow mean that others found Christ and asked him into their hearts - how many funerals get broadcasted on tv???? I will truly mss Francene but have great respect for your boldness in your sermon - thank you.
January 23, 2010 @ 8:23 pm
Jim C Boatman wrote:
Dave, I remember Mom taking Dad to see this movie (Passion of the Christ) and his only problem was it was too loud in the theater!?!?! Dad’s hearing wasn’t that great at that time so that kinda shocked me. Please keep my Sister, Beth in your prayers. If you remember, she is a teacher and had a seizure in front of her class(2nd graders). She will see a neurologist on Monday(25th).
This is the year is the 60th anniversary of Dads Graduation from the Great Learning Institution of Purdue.
Gods Love!!
Jim C
January 24, 2010 @ 3:38 am
Cindie Thompson wrote:
With incredible deep sadness, I just found out today, August 3rd, 2010 the world lost Francene Cucinello back on January 15th. I wish I would have known then more than mere words can say.
By all means she truly was an angel on earth.
You see, I had the privilege of meeting Francene when she was just 3 years old as of course that’s when I met her mom and dad Margaret and John and became an extended part of their family. I was Francene’s step-cousin for several years.
My mom, Faith, married Francene’s Uncle “Bud” (Carmine), her mom’s brother back in 1969. I was only 13 years old at the time and remember Francene as a happy, vibrant and smart little girl. She was a beautiful child then and grew up to be even more beautiful. I used to think how is it that she seemed to know so much and be so smart for someone so young. I remember her vocabulary being beyond her years. As time passed, our lives changed and took very different paths and a great distance apart.
I am heartbroken to hear this devastating news and just seems so surreal. It is always the truly great ones that are taken.
When I saw Francene for the first time back in 2004, after all the years that passed, she made me feel important in that she was happy to see me again and wanted to know how my life was going, my point being, she cared greatly about other people and all that went on in their lives. I was impressed to find out what a successful woman she grew up to be. She is someone everyone can aspire to.
Francene was a blessing to everyone who knew her and she will remain forever in our hearts.
I watched and listened to Francene’s Memorial service (on-line) . . . and I thank the good lord above for the amazing technology to be able to do so.
“Aunt” Margie, I hope you see my message. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you always, you have endured so much; take solace in the knowledge you raised a truly glorious human being whom I know you will cherish always.
God Bless Francene Anne Cucinello.
Cindie Lynn Thompson
August 3, 2010 @ 7:32 pm