Francis "Franko" Heredeen, aka Opa, of South Daytona Beach passed at the age of 86 on September 30, 2020, comfortably on his terms surrounded by those who love him.
Franko was born March 9, 1934 in Massachusetts. He honorably served his country in the United States Army and retired as a Master Sergeant after "20 years 40 hours and 17 minutes" of service including serving 2 tours in Vietnam and Korea.
After his military retirement and with his love of bowling, he managed La Paloma Bowling Lanes and StarLite Bowling Center from 1979-1995. In 1995 in keeping with his love of people, he became a bartender at Gin Rickeys Bar in Ormond Beach.
With his big heart and white beard he transformed into Santa during the holidays at the Humane Society, local nursing homes and for his large family of little ones for many years. To know him is to love him because of his jolly spirit, zest for life and his love of family and friends.  He had such a positive outlook on life and would strike up a conversation with anyone he met often creating many lifetime friends.  People gravitated to his infectious laugh and desire to make people smile. His famous saying was he is "Strong Like Bull" and really did fight until the end, never complaining. He loved to play the Lotto and chose to leave this earth on 09/30, since these were some of his lucky numbers.
He leaves behind his family who were by his side before, during and after his passing. Frank Jr, (Ashley) of Albany, Ga, Marie Youngpeter (Steve) of Montgomery, AL, Linda Hands (Bob) of Daytona, FL, Lisa Giddens (John) of Enterprise, AL, Missy Bohannan (Greg) of Dothan, AL, Duane Randall (Sonya) of Newport News, Va, 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Elisabeth, his son Sputnick, and other family members that have gone before him. A memorial celebrating and honoring his life will be held at a future date.