The Del Webb community and invited guests gathered last week to bid farewell to Fran and Mike D’Antonio.
For 12 years, they have worked tirelessly for this community and will soon be moving to Clemson, South Carolina.
This “farewell” event, held in a private room at the Del Webb clubhouse, featured many of those who Mike and Fran had helped over the years and some, such as Sheila Brinkley, Jessica Porter, and Valerie Burney, whose lives changed dramatically because of Mike and Fran.
All three women, who are now very successful, spoke eloquently of their love and appreciation for Mike and Fran, and their words had many of the audience close to tears.
Other speakers included former District Commissioner Ernie Felice, former BOE Chairman Mike Lynch, former Greene County GOP Chairman Brian Burdette, BOE board member Steve Kilgore, Dr. Perry Lee, and Greene Country GOP Chairman Mark Schultz.
Organizers Rosa Sides and Peggy Keenan presented Mike and Fran with a beautifully made blanket as a token of their support and community service. Mike and Fran have been instrumental in many of the organizations in and around the lake area. Mike was the Greene County GOP Chairman for five years, and Fran was on the St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation Board and the First Call Pregnancy Center board for six years.
Fran, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and the Knights raised money for two ultrasound machines. Both Mike and Fran were volunteers at the Greene County Outreach Program, and when it seemed as though it was failing, Fran got six local pastors and the mayor on board to keep it operating.
Today, it continues, but help is still needed. Fran also set up the Prayer for America, which continues to this day, and both Mike and Fran were heavily involved in Habitat for Humanity.
Fran and Mike D’Antonio regret not moving to Greene County earlier. They believe that Greene is the most generous and giving community they have lived in, and say they made wonderful friends. One of their friends said Fran and Mike would be greatly missed by all who knew them.