Arthur Francella

Arthur Francella, age 90 of Saint Augustine, FL passed away on February 21, 2024. He was born on April 7, 1933, in New Rochelle, NY to the late Michele and Teresa Francella and moved to Bristol CT at the age of 9. Graduated Bristol High School 1950, voted class comedian in the Superlatives of his Senior Yearbook. Graduated Niagara University, with a bachelor’s degree of Biology in 1954, the first in his family to attend college. Enlisted in the Army during the Korean War, participated in basic training at Fort Dix, NJ and Fort Sam Houston, TX to train as an army dental assistant followed by active duty in Honolulu, HI working as a dental assistant. Married Lee Pinkerton in Bristol, CT 1955 and then returned to Hawaii to complete his army enlistment. Moved to Waltham, MA 1957 while attending Boston College to work on his master’s in biology. While living in Massachusetts to support himself and his family he worked as a door-to-door Fuller Brush Salesman. This was the beginning of a long and successful sales career. Moved to Washington D.C. accepted to Dental School, Georgetown University 1960. While attending Dental School he took on another sales job working at a Liquor store, he then realized he had a true calling and a great talent for sales. Art transitioned to Abbott Laboratories as a pharmaceutical sales representative from 1960 to 1972 working in the Government Division, calling on the Veterans Administration, the FDA, the Pentagon, the White House, and The National Institute of Health. He then continued his career with Abbott transferring to the hospital division in Gainesville, FL calling on many hospitals from North Florida to South Georgia from 1972 to 1988. He became the consummate salesman, winning many awards. Attended St Patrick’s and Holy Faith Catholic Churches while living in Gainesville, FL. Arthur & Lee moved to Crescent Beach on Anastasia Island in Saint Augustine, FL in 1982, where they attended Anastasia Catholic Church. He always yearned to return to Hawaii. After retiring in 1989 he took his love of sales and travel and sold real estate in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and eventually got his wish and returned to Maui, Hawaii & The Big Island of Hawaii as well as working in Grand Cayman. Once again Art became one of the top salesmen, in addition to becoming a well-loved manager and inspirational leader. He then returned with his wife to Crescent Beach in 2001 working at Vistana at World Golf Village which is now known as Blue Green Resort. After he finished his stint at the resort, he enjoyed sales and people so much, he became a food and wine demonstrator at a local venue well into his 80’s. Art was a great Dad and family man. He, being the great Italian that he was, told many a story while talking with his hands. He captivated everyone with his great wit and sense of humor. He created lots of laughter and love everywhere he went. His house was always filled with family friends and lots of kids from the neighborhood. He was a kind, caring, free-spirited and romantic person. He and his wife were avid sports fans. He was especially enthusiastic for the Washington Redskins, the University of Florida Gators and Jacksonville Jaguars. Arthur Francella, preceded by his sister; Edith Scalia of Bristol, CT, is survived by daughter; Susan Francella of Saint Augustine, FL; son, Thomas Francella of Gainesville, FL and daughter, Nancy Francella of Gainesville, FL; Nieces, Joanne and Theresa Scalia of Bristol, CT Mass will be held at Anastasia Catholic Church, 5205 A1A South, St. Augustine, FL 32080 on March 1, 2024, Friday at 9:00 AM.

Arthur Francella

April 7, 1933 - February 21, 2024