November 27, 1967 – March 5, 2026
SERVICE DETAILS
Star of David Chapel Date: March 8, 2026 Time: 2:00 PM
CEMETERY DETAILS
New Montefiore Cemetery: 1180 Wellwood Ave., West Babylon, NY 11704
CHARITY NAME
The Turtle Rescue of Long Island Donation Link: Click Here
RESOURCES
OBITUARY
Dara Beth Franko, 58, of West Islip, died on March 5, 2026.
Dara was born in Queens, NY, in 1967 and was predeceased by the late Linda and Martin Franko. She is survived by her sister, Deborah Hendren (Jason) of Raleigh, NC, her beloved nieces, Leah and Jordan, and her brother, David Franko. Friends that became part of Dara’s family include Ed Sullivan, Laura Giarraputo, Tony Fortunato, Julie Lella, Ginny King, and many others.
Dara was passionate about many things, but her greatest love was spending time with nieces Leah and Jordan. She took great pride in being the world’s greatest aunt and made great effort to see them as frequently as possible. Her love for them was endless.
Her unique spirit and passion for all things chocolate, Ozzy Osbourne, spending time at the beach, gardening, and living life as a free spirit made her simply unforgettable. She was a loyal and trusted friend to many.
May her memory be a blessing.
Dara I always enjoyed seeing and visiting with you when you came to NC to see Deb. I will miss your wit and jokes and the conversations we all had, but I am relieved to know you are at peace, without pain and able to soar above the clouds! You had a beautiful spirit and light and I am grateful our paths crossed. Rest well and know you are missed and loved by many here. I will always be there for your little sister and remembering such special times! Take care my NY friend!
Deborah, we are thinking of you, Jason, and the girls during this difficult time. She clearly had a beautiful spirit and such a deep love for her nieces. Sending our heartfelt sympathy. May her memory be a blessing.
Rest in peace my beautiful friend, you were always a very special person to me and I will cherish all our memories together forever…. You will be truly missed💜💜💜🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🦋🦋🦋😘😘😘
We are going to miss you so very much but we will all carry you in our hearts everyday. Thank you so much for being an amazing sister, friend annd family and most of all being an amazing to our sons Jason Christian and Ryan who love you so very much. My dad loves you so much and will carry you with him everyday. We love you Dara!
Love Jay, Julie, Jason, Christian, Ryan and your best friend Tony Fortunato
I don’t know where to even start. Dara and I were like sister’s she shared her family with us. Which we have grown to love and adore. We have lots of great memories ❤️. My late nights are going to be quiet how she kept me company and laughing every night because I can’t sleep.Chickia you have no idea the impact you had on so many lives! No more pain. Fly high high with the angels. I will miss you dearly 💔. Till we meet again.
I am so sorry to hear of Dara’s passing. She told me she was doing well despite her illness and this came as a shock. Dara always had a huge heart and especially loved her turtle Twoie and loved our turtles here at Turtle Rescue of Long Island. I will miss our chats, and would like to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to Dara’s family. She was one of a kind and will be missed. This is a picture of a cake Dara brought to one of our get togethers. Always so thoughtful. May she RIP.
Sending condolences to Deborah and David and families. I was close to Dara for many years growing up
Together In West Islip. May she rest in eternal peace and your family find comfort surrounded by family and friends
So sorry to hear of Dara’s passing. Though I met her only a few times, I enjoyed her company.
My condolences to your family.
Thinking of you,
Deb Giuffre