Francesco Porco

Obituary of Francesco Porco

Of Forest Hills, age 82, passed away peacefully at his home on June 15, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on November 1, 1943, in Belmonte Calabro, Calabria, Italy, Francesco was the beloved son of the late Giuseppe Porco and Elena Provenzano Porco. As a young man, he made the courageous journey and immigrated from Italy to the United States in 1967 to pursue a better life and embodied the values of hard work, dedication, and devotion to family throughout his life.

Francesco was the cherished husband of Cecilia (DiPaolo) Porco, with whom he shared 56 years of love and partnership. He was a proud and devoted father to his son, Frank (Maria) Porco, and daughter, Marilena Enfield. Nothing brought him greater joy than being a grandfather to Bella Enfield, Alannah Enfield, Sofia Porco, and Francesco Porco. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he treasured every moment spent with them, showering them with love, guidance, lectures, and countless special memories.

For most of his working life, Francesco was employed in the construction industry and was a proud member of Laborers Union Local 1058. He later worked as a custodian at the University of Pittsburgh, where his exceptional work ethic and dedication earned him numerous awards and the respect of his colleagues. Regardless of the job, Francesco approached every task with pride, determination, and a commitment to doing things the right way.

A member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Forest Hills, Francesco found strength in his faith and especially his devotion to St. Francesco and St. Padre Pio.  He made pilgrimages to St. Francesco and Padre Pio in Italy several times. Outside of work, he embraced the outdoors and was an avid hunter who especially enjoyed time spent in the woods with his son, brother, brother-in-law, and nephews. In retirement, he found great happiness caring for his chickens, rabbits, and beloved Modena pigeons, for which he won several competition awards. He also loved gardening and took a lot of pride in growing impressive tomatoes and tending to his cherished fig trees.

In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, Francesco is survived by his brothers Gaspare (Rosa) Porco of Munhall and Pietro (Teresa) Porco of Forest Hills, and his sister Mary (Bonaventura) Brusco of Forest Hills, many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Giuseppe and Elena Porco, and his sister, Clara Belan of Seattle, Washington.

Francesco will be remembered as a man who was always busy, and never afraid of hard work. Above all, he will be remembered for his unwavering love and devotion to his family. He was a proud husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend whose generosity, kindness, and strong example touched the lives of all who knew him.

Though his hands built many things throughout his life, his greatest legacy is the family he loved so deeply. His strength, wisdom, work ethic, and boundless love will continue to live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

Francesco often lived by a simple belief that reflected the way he approached life and those he held dear: "La famiglia è sacra" — family is sacred. He demonstrated that truth every day through his love, sacrifice, and dedication to his wife, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family. His memory will live on in their hearts forever, and the values he instilled will continue to be passed down for generations to come.

Family and friends are welcome to gather to honor and celebrate Francesco's life on Wednesday from 6-8 pm; and Thursday from 2-4 & 6-8pm at Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Turtle Creek/Monroeville Chapel, 1111 Monroeville Avenue at James Street, Turtle Creek, PA 15145. (412-824-8800).

Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Joseph the Worker Church (formerly St. Maurice), Forest Hills, on Friday at 10 a.m.

Francesco will be laid to rest in the Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.