Gustav Vincent Franco

Gustav Vincent Franco, 79, of West Chester, PA, passed away on Thursday, July 21, 2022, surrounded by family.

Born in Riobamba, Ecuador to the late Galo and Anna (née Ricaurte) Franco, Gus was first and foremost a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He lived in West Chester for 31 years after his career with Rohm & Haas Company (now Dow Chemical) moved him and his family throughout the 1970s-90s to Brazil, Miami, and Mexico. Passionate about economics and the changing global landscape, in 2003 he established Galápagos Advisors, an investment advisory firm.

Gus grew up throughout South America, including cherished time spent in the Galápagos as a result of his father’s government appointment. In high school, he moved as an exchange student to Minnesota, forever becoming a Vikings fan. Gus went to McGill University and later joined the U.S. Army, serving with distinction in Vietnam. A lifelong learner, he later obtained another degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

A true Renaissance man, Gus was a voracious reader, a lover of history, art, music, and science, and a classicist at heart. He delighted in playing chess with his grandchildren and exploring the world through food and literature, meeting people of all backgrounds. He spoke several languages and was proud to see his daughters and grandchildren follow suit in linguistic accomplishments.

Gus, with his wife Carol, was devoted to community, volunteerism, and political activism, spending many years supporting the League of Women Voters, Thorncroft Equestrian Center, and Dressage at Devon. They were also world travelers, known to book trips to Venice or cruises to Greece and Croatia over holidays. Gus and Carol celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2019 in Bermuda.

Gus is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carol (née Nagurny); daughters Lesya and Sharla (Floyd) and son-in-law Michael; grandchildren Xavier, Henrietta, and Anna; and siblings Paul, Andrés, Diana, Julio, and Anna.

A private interment will be held at Washington Crossing National Cemetery.