John Marco Franich

John Marco Franich Jr., 78, of New Market, Virginia, passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2025, at Winchester Medical Center.

He was born on September 15, 1947, and was a son of the late John Franich Sr. and Lydia (Annechino) Franich. John was united in marriage to Novella (Simpson) Franich. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved his family deeply.

John’s life exemplified perseverance and lifelong learning. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force and later in the Virginia Defense Force. When most people were entering retirement, he earned two master’s degrees and became a credentialed minister, also founding Shenandoah Valley Teen Challenge, a faith-based recovery ministry. His mission was simple: “I want to help a few people get their lives back together.” Over more than 20 years, he did exactly that.

John was a member of Family Worship Center in Harrisonburg and served his community through America’s Birthday Celebration Committee in Staunton and the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children: John J. Franich; Lisa Lee and husband, Evan; Karen Bello and husband, Dale; Shawn Franich and wife, Blair; Annie Hammar and husband, Erik; and Justin Franich and wife, Ashley; his brother, Mark Franich and wife, Isabel; and grandchildren Miranda, Matthew, Chloe, Lydia, Sadie, Emily, Grayson, and Cyrus.

A service celebrating John’s life will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Family Worship Center, with Pastor Tony Hiles officiating. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shenandoah Valley Teen Challenge, P.O. Box 718, Mt. Jackson, VA 22842, or svtc.info/johnfranich

Online condolences may be sent to the family at johnsonfs.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service in Bridgewater, Virginia.