Lucille Margaret Franceschiello

Lucille Franceschiello, a dedicated nurse, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2025, at the age of 89—just six weeks after the death of her beloved husband of 66 years, Michael Franceschiello.

Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1936, Lucille was not only a student but also a caregiver at a young age, helping her mother raise three younger siblings amidst challenging circumstances. Her resilience and intelligence shone brightly, as she consistently ranked at the top of her class, earning a place in a preparatory school for gifted students. Lucille pursued her passion for nursing at Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in New York and furthered her education at Northeastern University’s School of Nursing in Boston, leading to a fulfilling career at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

In 1959 she met and married Michael, the love of her life. Together, they welcomed a daughter and subsequently moved to Long Island, where she became the head nurse of the ICU at Smithtown General Hospital, quickly rising through the ranks with her exceptional skill and commitment.

After the family relocated to San Diego in 1971, Lucille worked for 19 years as a nurse for a Dermatologist before taking on the role of manager at the San Diego Blood Bank in Oceanside, a position she held for 11 years until her retirement.

An avid reader, Lucille often finished as many as 10 books a week and always had a stack waiting on her nightstand. She cherished the wonderful friends she made at the Blood Bank and laughed her way through a short, delightful time as a proud “Red Hatter,” surrounded by women who became like sisters. She spent many memorable moments with her daughter and best friend, Lucy, whether it was attending the ballet performance just around the corner, or buying carpets in a bazaar in Istanbul.

Lucille is survived by her daughter Lucy and son-in-law Al; her cherished granddaughter Jenna; her siblings Stephanie, Tom, and Peter and their families; a number of dearly loved nieces and nephews; and a wide circle of longtime friends and former colleagues who will always remember her skill, compassion, and quiet strength.

A joint celebration of life for Lucille and Michael will be held on January 18, 2026, with time and location to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the San Diego Blood Bank or St. Jude Children’s Research