Francis "Fran" C. Pinto

Francis C. Pinto (Fran/Frank),88, of Hilton Head Island, originally from Hartford, CT, passed away peacefully at home on February 7, 2025. Fran was born in 1936, to the late Mary Casanelli and James Pinto. Fran grew up in the south end of Hartford. He would later fondly share the many storied antics of his youth with family and friends. As a teenager, Fran enlisted in the Air Force and proudly served his country as an aircraft crew chief for several years. Upon his honorable discharge, Fran married his childhood sweetheart, Marie (Cappetta). Together, they shared over 35 years of love and happiness until her passing in 1992.Fran worked as a Highway Engineer for the State of CT DOT until his retirement after 38 years of service. Never one to be idle, Fran then worked as an engineering consultant for many years while living in Wethersfield, West Hartford and Rocky Hill.He lived his life with a deep love for his family and friends. He was a wonderful husband and loving father and grandfather. He loved fine dining, dancing, wine and especially sharing stories. Fran was truly “larger than life” and was always the life of the party. He was charismatic, kind, generous, and naturally made people feel special and appreciated.In 1994, Fran met Joanne (Linder) St. Jacques at Carmichaels, a favorite spot for dancing and fun in Hartford. In 1995 they married and enjoyed many happy years, retiring to Hilton Head Island, SC in 2019. Together, they lived life to the fullest, making new friends and memories until Joanne’s passing in 2022.Left to mourn his loss are his beloved children; Fran Pinto (Mary) and Jill Halepas (Steve); his four grandchildren: Sydney Tavares (Gavin), Steven Halepas, Alexia Halepas, and Natalie Pinto; one great grandchild, Lily Tavares; two brothers, Jimmy Pinto (Carol) and Robert Pinto (Charlotte) in addition to many nieces and nephews. Fran also leaves behind his “adopted” family with Joanne, with whom he filled the role of dad and grandfather with love and compassion. Left to mourn are Jay St. Jacques (Maritsa), Susan Syme (Jim) and Chris St. Jacques (Jane) as well as his grandchildren: Tim St. Jacques, Eric (Gina) Syme, Troy Syme, Tyler St. Jacques and Brent St. Jacques. He leaves many friends in the Bayshore community who fondly bestowed upon him the title of "Mayor of Bayshore".The family would like to especially thank Fran’s caregivers, Melanie Daniels and her wonderful staff who loved and cared for Fran as if he were family.Visitation will begin at 9:15 am with a Mass of Christian burial beginning at 10:00am on February 24that St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church, 45 Beach City Rd, Hilton Head Island. Interment at Six Oaks Cemetery, 175 Greenwood Dr., Hilton Head Island, will follow the Mass.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials may be made to Tunnels to Towers or the Dementia Society of America in Fran’s honor.A memorial service will be held in the spring in Connecticut for his northern family and friends.