Our friend Maria Barletta, who is best friends with Jerilee, met Francesco at Il Barone when she frequently visited the restaurant. She quickly became friends with Francesco and knew that he and Jerilee would be perfect together. Once they connected on the phone, they hit it off immediately and talked for 6 hours. They went on their first date one week later and have inseparable since. Three months into dating, Francesco felt a lump in Jerilee's breast and it ended up saving her life. He has stood by her side during her cancer treatments and surgeries. During her treatment, Francesco already knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Jerilee. He decided to propose after her last surgery and popped the big question on his birthday dinner celebration December 12, 2024.