Francis "Fran" G. Aimone

Francis “Fran” Aimone, 82, left us to enter into heaven on February 18, 2023 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease.  He was born January 8, 1941 to Virgil and Eugenia (Ellena) Aimone in Spring Valley, IL.  He graduated from Hopkins High School in 1959 and attended IVCC and Illinois State University.  He married Helen Joyce Ellena on October 6, 1962 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Hennepin.  They celebrated their 60^th anniversary last October. 

He worked at BF Goodrich in Henry in the maintenance and engineering department for 38 years and retiring in 1996.  He was an avid golfer and was the only known golfer in Illinois Valley to break “40” both left and right handed.  He was a natural athlete playing basketball, softball and golf in the Illinois Valley.  He played softball with Barto’s and the Clover Club for many years.  He loved competition and always said – “If it doesn’t matter if you win or lose, why keep score?”  Fran was inducted as a player into the Illinois Basketball Hall of Fame in 2005.  He was also a member of the Illinois Basketball (IHSA) 50 point club.  He was recognized by the Putnam County Athletic Dept. on his induction into ISA on February 2008. 

He loved to play euchre and other card and dice games.  He spent as much time as he could at Edgewood Golf Club.  His latest hobby was painting golf tees with NBA, NFL, baseball and high school golf team colors.  He loved giving to golfers and many people knew him as “the tee man”.  He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  He was a share and board member of Edgewood Golf Club.

His family and friends were very important to him.  He loved people and enjoyed entertaining them in his home.  He was a long time fan of the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings.

He is survived by his wife, Helen; daughter, Beth Carr; son, Jeff (Traci) Aimone; grandchildren, Megan (Timothy) Lenahan, Heather Leimbach, Matthew (Simone) Carr, Jessica Janiak and Mitchell Aimone.  Great-granddaughters, Jaclyn Janiak, and Olivia Lenahan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Eugenia Aimone, sister, Ginny Benassi and brother-in-law, Larry Benassi.

Visitation will be at Dysart – Cofoid Funeral Chapel on Monday, February 20, 2023 from 4 to 7 p.m.   Rosary will be at 4 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Granville on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.  Cremation rites will be accorded following the service.  Burial will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Standard Fire and Rescue, Putnam County Ambulance or to the family toward a memorial in his name at Edgewood Golf Club.

Online condolences may be made to his family at www.dcfunerals.com

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