Obituary of Francine Silano

Francine Paternoster Silano, age 71, of Bridgeport, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 5, 2026 at her home. She was the beloved wife of 55 years to Pasquale M. Silano, Sr. born in Bridgeport on June 19, 1954, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Edith (Tomasini) Paternoster and was a lifelong Bridgeport resident and attended Central High School in Bridgeport, CT.

Francine was not only a devoted homemaker who dedicated her life to providing a nurturing home for children, but she was also a retired antique dealer and an avid collector of antiques and collectibles who was known by many for her extensive antique doll collection and knowledge, in which she took great pride in. She had dedicated her life to the preservation of antiques; for antiques and history were her two passions. Francine had a profound love of military history and classic films and was considered quite the old film buff. Thankfully, she endowed within her children a love of antiques, music, and art. She was particularly fond of music and lived her life in accordance with a soundtrack; visitors to her home were frequently greeted by sounds of the standards, classical music, and opera and such favorite artists as Andy Williams, Robert Goulet, and Liberace. Her children are profoundly grateful for this influence. 

Francine was also known for her keen sense and passion for interior and exterior design. She took great delight in creating interior and exterior designs that evoked one's sense of imagination and creativity. Her exterior holiday decorations were always appreciated by local neighbors and will forever be remembered by close family and friends.

Francine Silano was admired and appreciated by her family for her tremendous display of internal strength and courage in light of hardship and personal adversity. Her courageous life continues to be an inspiration to her children. She may be gone but has left an everlasting impression on the character of her children. We are truly grateful for her unrelenting strength and role as a mother and will truly miss her daily guidance but will never forget the wisdom she bestowed upon us. The following song lyrics popularly sung by two of her favorite artists, Frank Sinatra and Elivis Presley, from the song "My Way" by Paul Anka (based on the original French song, "Comme d'habitude," was composed by Claude François and Jacques Revaux) best sum up our mother's life journey and perspective about life:

"I've loved,I've laughed and cried

I've had my fill, my share of losing

And now, as tears subside

I find it all so amusing

To think I did all that

And may I say, not in a shy way

Oh, no, oh, no, not me

I did it my way"

In addition to her devoted husband Pasquale, she leaves her loving daughters, Nina Silano, Tina Silano and her husband, Damian Smith, Mia Silano and Deana Silano and her husband Alfredo Rivera and a brother, Paul Paternoster. She also leaves to cherish her memory 10 beloved grandchildren, Johanna, Israel, Isaih, Edith, Victoria, Lorenzo, Giovanni, Adriana, Rosebella and Julia.   

She was predeceased by her beloved son, Pasquale M. Silano, Jr. and a brother, Carl Paternoster

All funeral services will be held in private. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull. To leave an online condolence, visit us at www.abriola.com.