Sam Franco was a musician, band leader, teacher, and he restored musical instruments more than 70 years. He served in the Army during WWII and was the band leader of his division. Sam’s passion was for the accordion, he took lessons in the Fine Arts Building. Sam became a very highly regarded music instructor in the Chicago area. He also taught and repaired accordions at his home and at the Old Town School of Folk Music. He was featured in the Chicago Reader and on NPR. In 2013 he was inducted into the Senior Illinoisian Hall of Fame.

Alumni: Chappell Elementary, Amundsen High School

Veteran: Army Air Corp. WWII

Honorary Sam Franco Way

5100 block of N. Claremont Avenue

Approved: April 2019
Ward: 40
Alderman: Patrick O’Connor
Neighborhood: Ravenswood

Born in Chicago 1924
d. 2018. age 93

Near his residence for more than 60 years

Sources