According to Franco's wife Kim's FaceBook page, Franco has passed away. No details at this point.

For those that don't know, Franco was the man behind the annual Inkin' the Valley and Sideshow Gathering.

Our thoughts are with Kim. Franco was a wonderful man, had a pure love of sideshow, and he will be deeply missed.

Sad news is confirmed. I got a phone call earlier this evening but I wanted to wait to post the news until it was public.

Franco had a great love of the sideshow and huge amounts of time and money to help it grow and continue. His work in creating the Sideshow Gathering, and keeping it going for these past ten years, will not be forgotten by anyone who had the honor to performed there or was able to attend. It is the only place where you could see so many acts and such diverse acts. The one time a year we can all get together and actually see each others shows and cut up some jackpots afterward. Sometimes he was gruff and almost all of the time he wasn't a man of many words, however his actions truly spoke for his passions: great tattoos, variety arts, and his wonderful wife Kim.

Thanks to Franco I met so many performers, historians, and enthusiasts. I'm sure that it true for everyone who attended too.

Let's honor his work and be ready and willing to lend an hand, give thoughtful advice, and do whatever it takes to make the future of sideshows and variety arts better as we move forward pass our tears for the loss of such a good friend.

Please keep Kim in your thoughts and prayers.

Keep the candle burning

This is extremely sad news. Franco was such a driving force behind the scenes in the sideshow community. His influence and drive for the industry will be sorely missed.

I had the Honor of meeting Franco this past november at "The Gathering", We should all be so Blessed as to cover our own Banners as he covered his, tenfold, He was as genuine and REAl as they come..Although I only met him recently, He made me feel as if I had known him forever, My prayers and thoughts are with him and with those he left behind.

Franco had recently had open heart surgery following the Sideshow Gathering in November. Yesterday he fell unconscious at home and died on the way to the hospital after having passed a clot resulting from the surgery.

The Viewing will be held this Saturday May 7, from 2pm-4pm. Followed immediately by the Service at 4pm to be held at:

Snowdon Funeral Home
10 Machell Avenue, Dallas, PA 18612-1611
(570) 675-3333

http://www.sideshowworld.com/56-Tribute/Franco/Kossa.html