Emanuel “Sketti” Franceschetti age 97, entered into rest on December 16, 2018 peacefully at his home in Escalon, California. He was born in Escalon on December 15, 1921 to the late Antonietta and Raphael.
Sketti was a loving man with an infectious smile who loved to entertain and bring happiness to everyone he encountered. He leaves behind his wife of 64 years Angie, his daughter Jill Victorino, his two sons Bob (Charleen) and Mark (Sherri), six grandchildren, one great granddaughter, and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his loving sister Natalie Morino.
After graduating from Escalon High School, Sketti attended Modesto Junior College where he played baseball and graduated with his Associate Degree. He then chose to enlist in the Merchant Marines during World War II. After serving his country, he returned to the family farm in Escalon. However, this wouldn’t be the only time he left Escalon to see the world. Sketti took many vacations with his wife Angie including one precious trip when he was able to visit his family’s village in Daone, Italy.
Sketti’s colorful and passionate personality was frequently on display whenever he had a musical instrument in his hands. As a young adult he would play locally with his band, Sketti and the Five Shades of Blue. Throughout his life he loved to perform for anyone that was willing to listen. He would frequently stop and sing to any group, large or small, he passed while walking through a restaurant. Although he would always sing loud enough to ensure that everyone had a chance to hear him sing, “put your arms around me honey, hold me tight.”
His passion for music came second to his love for athletics. He was always willing to participate in anything that involved competition whether it was football, baseball, softball, track, and even boxing. Later, he became an avid golfer and was a charter member at Spring Creek Country Club in Ripon.
His love for athletics was a gift he passed onto his children and grandchildren. Sketti could always be found cheering them on during their tenure at Escalon High School. His love for the Cougars was rivaled only by his enjoyment of watching the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park as a season ticket holder and the San Francisco Giants where he could be spotted as a “Ball Dude” sitting near the team’s bullpen shagging foul balls.
A rosary will be held on December 27 at 6 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Church. The funeral will take place at St. Patrick’s Church on December 28 at 11 a.m. with the burial immediately following. A reception for all friends and family will follow the service.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
Dec. 26, 2018
