Born on July 28, 1922, Francis ‘Fran’ Gargano was one of eight children raised in Brooklyn. She later moved to East Meadow, Long Island, then retired with her husband in Margate, Florida, and finally relocated to Statesboro, Georgia, to join her family, Bill and Lisa Gargano, a year and a half ago. Fran stopped driving at 98 but remains energetic and the life of the party, a true social butterfly who makes friends across all generations.
Fran attributes her longevity to the ‘Good Lord and Living Right,’ God's help, doctors, and angels. She loves all colors, just like her vibrant personality.
In 1947, Fran married the love of her life, Michael John Gargano, and they enjoyed 74 years together. They have two sons, Michael and Bill, and four grandchildren. She fondly remembers her husband as a ‘good guy, generous, considerate, and loving toward our family.’
After high school, Fran’s career included being a wife, mother, hat maker (for 14 years), and bank adjuster. She loved horseback riding on Long Island when it was still fields, jitterbug dancing, reading, and enjoying great vocalists and musicians in NYC.
Every Sunday after church, she and her friends would take the subway or car to hear legends like Tommy Dorsey, Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, Paul Anka, Benny Goodman, and Ray Charles. She even sent a card to Jimmy Durante and received a reply.
One of her fondest memories is of her mother, a tremendous cook and baker, who always made her favorite vanilla cake for her birthday.
In 2023, Mary Kay (MK) celebrated 60 years in business. Fran’s daughter-in-law, Lisa, thought it would be fun to enter Fran in the decade contest. With help from Aubrey Hall, they recreated a 40’s makeup look inspired by Rosie the Riveter, titled ‘At 100 years old I am still Iconic.’
MK selected the top entries, posted them on their media page, and let the public vote. Fran won the most votes in her category, leading MK to create a makeup look called the ‘Iconic’ in her honor.
Fran shared, “I love my life, and my birthday wish is for EVERYONE to be safe, happy, and have a good life.”
Happy 102nd Birthday, Fran! May you enjoy vanilla cake, re-listen to the greats, and continue to live a good life with God's help.
