Michael Francesconi
Feb. 24, 1957 - Jan. 14, 2019

Mike was born in Scotia on February 24, 1955. He spent his early years in Rio Dell as one of the Riverside Acres group of kids. He always looked back fondly on his happy days there, spent with many friends whom he kept in touch with.

His early school years started in Rio Dell and then moved on to St. Joseph’s Catholic school in Fortuna. He attended Fortuna Union High School and then transferred to St. Bernard’s in Eureka where he graduated with the class of 1973. College years found him at College of the Redwoods, University of San Diego and Chico State. Football was Mike’s main passion at all three schools. He even had a stint on a semi-pro team, after college. It has been his favorite sport until the day that he passed away.

Upon graduation he started his career in medical sales, where he made many lasting friends. During all of those years he spent many weekends at his family’s cabin on Ruth Lake in Trinity County. He became a great water skier and helped many of his friends learn the sport. When not at Ruth Lake he could be found on Shasta Lake, boating and enjoying the many friends he made while living in Redding. His present job was as the District Manager of the Ruth Lake Community Services District.

Mike loved all of our family gatherings over the years. Blessed with two grandmothers that loved to cook, he not only enjoyed all the bounty, he became an accomplished cook and hosted many great dinners. He loved the outdoors, particularly anything to do with water. He was an avid windsurfer, fisherman, water skier and wake boarder.

From the early age of six to the present, Mike’s hobby was trains. He has built an extensive layout and at his death was working on a HO scale wharf to add to the layout. He has enjoyed his membership in the Timber Heritage Association working on the Big Trains and speeders. His family would appreciate donations to that organization at T.H.A, PO Box 6399, Eureka, CA 95502.

Mike is survived by his mother, Pat, his sister and brother in law, Debbie and Tom Kingshill and their two children Emily and Patrick. His aunt and uncle, Karen and Gene Hall, their sons, Joe and his wife Susie and Bob and his wife, Lynn. On the Francesconi side are his loving cousins Susan and Bob Reidel, Jim and Shelley Francesconi and Bob and Mollie Francesconi.

He was preceded in death by his father, Larry, his grandparents, Ernesto and Rosa Francesconi and Frank and Olieva Casey, as well as his uncle and aunt, Leo and Ida Francesconi.

Mike’s memorial Mass will be on Saturday at 11 a.m., February 2, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Church, 801 14th Street (14th & N) in Fortuna. A reception will follow at River Lodge Conference Center, 1800 Riverwalk Drive, Fortuna.

###

The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Mike Francesconi’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.