Fran D'Auria, 76, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away on September 17, 2026, after a life defined by laughter, generosity, and an extraordinary ability to make everyone around her feel loved.

Born Frances Brancale in Brooklyn, New York, to Edward and Mary Brancale, Fran grew up in Brooklyn. She met the love of her life, Hank D'Auria, when they were young, after Hank returned home from the service. Together, they shared a remarkable marriage of 56 years.

Fran and Hank were truly inseparable. They genuinely enjoyed being together and always found a way to make whatever they were doing fun. Later in life, they traveled together and embraced every opportunity to enjoy life. Their devotion was an enduring example of love, commitment, and partnership.

Above all else, Fran was a mother and homemaker. She stayed home while her children, Al and Theresa, were young, creating the kind of home where family and friends always wanted to be.

She was, in every sense, the quintessential Italian mother and grandmother. Sunday dinners mattered. Food mattered. Her home was a place to gather, eat, laugh, and enjoy being together. Making pizza with her grandchildren, along with her crumb cake cookies, became traditions they will always carry with them.

But you didn't have to be related to Fran to feel at home with her.

Over the years, she welcomed Al and Theresa's friends, Dawn's family, her own friends, and countless others into her home and heart. If someone needed a meal, advice, a place to stay, or simply somewhere safe and welcoming, Fran was there. Some practically lived at the D'Auria home, while others truly did when they needed a home. She fed them, listened to them, guided them, and loved them as her own.

Fran was giving, selfless, strong, smart, talented, and wonderfully direct. She said what she thought and told people what she believed they needed to hear. She could be stern when necessary, but behind that strength was a loving woman with a great sense of humor and an enormous heart.

Once Al and Theresa reached high school, Fran began a career in real estate, where she quickly proved to be a natural. Her outgoing personality, intelligence, and ability to connect with people made it a perfect fit.

After retiring and moving to Livingston Manor, Fran and Hank dedicated countless hours to the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), with a special focus on youth and helping young people experience and appreciate the outdoors. Fran also served as secretary of the local chapter.

Fran loved animals, especially hummingbirds and her dogs that were cherished members of her family.

Of all the roles Fran held, being a grandmother was among those she cherished most. She loved her grandchildren deeply, stayed involved in their lives, and was always there when they needed her. There was very little Grandma wouldn't do for them.

Fran is survived by her husband, partner, and best friend of 56 years, Hank D'Auria; her son, Al D'Auria, and his wife, Dawn; and her daughter, Theresa Bollmann, and her husband, Chris.

She was a devoted grandmother to Al and Dawn's sons, Michael D'Auria, Dylan D'Auria and his wife, Kali, and Daniel D'Auria; and to Theresa and Chris's children, Timmy Bollmann, Grace Frances Bollmann, and Jack Bollmann.

Fran also leaves behind her great-granddaughter, Della Frances D'Auria. Her name now lives on through two generations of her family, her granddaughter, Grace Frances, and her great-granddaughter, Della Frances, a loving tribute to the woman who meant so much to them all.

In her later years, Fran faced the challenges of early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Although it was a difficult journey, she never lost the wonderful sense of humor and funny personality that made her so special. Her family finds peace in knowing that, after a long road, she can finally rest in Heaven.

The measure of Fran's life can be found in the people whose lives are better because she was part of them, the family she loved, the friends she welcomed into her home, the young people she and Hank introduced to the outdoors, and everyone who sat around her table knowing there was always room for one more.

We need more people in this world like Fran D'Auria.

Perhaps the best way to honor her is to follow the example she set: open your home, take care of people, help when you can, tell the truth, laugh often, feed everyone well, love your family fiercely, and leave the people you meet a little better than you found them.

Fran did exactly that.

Her family will miss her more than words can express, but her impact will continue through her children, grandchildren, great-granddaughter, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known her.

After spending a lifetime taking care of everyone else, it is finally time for Fran to rest.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Monday, September 21, 2026, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Colonial-Bryant Funeral Home in Livingston Manor, New York.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Aloysius Church in Livingston Manor, New York, with burial to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Fran's memory to the Alzheimer's Association, supporting families facing this disease and the search for better treatments and, one day, a cure.

Arrangements were under the care of Colonial Bryant Funeral Home, for further information please call 845-439-4333 or visit www.colonialfamilyfuneralhomes.com.