Obituary of Donald E. Franz Sr.

Donald E. Franz, Sr. passed away peacefully at home after a long and valiant battle which he fought with great strength, courage and dignity on February 26, 2015. He was the son of the late Walter Franz Sr. and Jennie Mae Congdon, born on October 23, 1930 in Utica N.Y. After serving in the Navy, Don entered into a long career with New York Telephone where he worked his way up from a lineman to an engineer which included managing the transmission of the 1980 Winter Olympics of Lake Placid, NY. Don enjoyed traveling which included family journeys across the country, visiting his brothers as well as work-related trips to Japan. He also enjoyed having fun at the casino. Don is survived by his loving wife Joan Heck Franz of 56 years, who through her devotion and enduring love provided the in-home care that unquestionably allowed Don to remain with us these past 5 years. Joan was assisted daily by their son Jeffrey, with the care that his dad needed. He is also survived by his children and spouses – Susan and Gene Haggerty, Donald Jr. and Paula Franz, son Jeffrey and daughter Tracey Franz. He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Jennifer Arrao, Tricia Furtek, Justin Franz, Danielle and Salvatore Piazza; his five great-grandchildren Christopher and Sydney Arrao, Brooks and Cole Furtek and Jacob Donald Franz. He is also survived by his sister in-laws Jean Franz and Helen Franz, and in-laws Marilyn Cappozella, Delores and Anthony Moschetti and Joe and Maria Elena Heck and many nieces and nephews. Don is predeceased by his sister Ruth Hofmeister, brothers Robert, Russell, Raymond, Richard, Roger, Walter, Herman and Willard Franz and granddaughter Heather Haggerty. The family thanks Dr. Ulahannan and his staff for their continuous care. There will be no calling hours and a funeral will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment with military honors will be held in the spring at Crown Hill Memorial Park. Arrangements by Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, Inc. Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 441 W. Kirkpatrick St., Syracuse, NY 13204 or Hospice Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Rd., New Hartford, NY 13413.