Today we celebrate the life of Francesca Loretta Delfino Schenkel. She was born
January 1st, 1928 and lived a wonderful life until her passing on August 15th , 2020
at the age of 92.
Daughter to John and Mary Delfino, Francesca was raised in Bernardsville, New
Jersey.
Learning the importance of a good work ethic, Francesca worked at the local Naval
shipyard at age 16, helping in the efforts during World War II. As she grew up,
Francesca developed a love for the arts and dance. With this love, along with her inner
and outer beauty, she became a successful model and dancer, working in New York
City and the developing Las Vegas. Francesca danced for June Taylor, which led to
working on the Jackie Gleason show and working with legendary performers like Ray
Bolger, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, along with many others. She was Miss USO and
performed at the iconic Copacabana. In 1954, Francesca met her husband of 50 years,
pioneer broadcaster Chris Schenkel, at a New York Giant cocktail party. Less than 30
days later, the couple married and started a family. Francesca was the wonderful
Mother of three children, Christina, Ted and John, Grandmother to Christopher,
Michael, and Katie, and Great Grandmother to Ana. Francesca also took her role as
Mother-in-Law to Kris-Ellen (Ted) and Lisa (John) and Grand Daughter-in-Law to
Aubree (Christopher) very serious and provided love to her entire family. Francesca
taught all of her family the values of respect and compassion to all, how to live life to its
fullest, and how to love. She had a passion for food and cooking and passed this gift to
all of her children, along with fantastic recipes that will live on for many generations.
Another important part of Francesca’s life was her faith. She was raised Catholic and
was a practicing Catholic her entire life. Her life will be honored and remembered at
Saint Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church in North Manchester, Indiana on Saturday,
August 22nd.
Visitation will be at 11:00am, followed by a 12:00pm Funeral Mass, celebrating her life.
Her burial will be at St. John’s United Church of Christ Cemetery in Bippus, Indiana.
Masks will be required. In lieu of flowers, friends and family can make a donation to the
Dementia Society of America.
We were all blessed to be a part of Francesca’s life and hopefully whenever you think of
her, it will put a smile on your face. We could all be so fortunate.
