Edward J. Franz, 71, of Owego passed away after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. Ed was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Sara Kies Franz; and sister-in-law, Carol Franz. Ed is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Rose Galvagni Franz; children, Ann Marie ( Michael) Watkins of Endicott, Michael (Diane) Franz of Owego, Catherine (Chad) Baum of LA, and Christopher Franz of Owego; brothers, Richard (Patricia) Franz of Owego, and William Franz of Owego; grandchildren, Emma, Bridget, Gavin, and Julia; along with many nieces and nephews. Ed was a lifelong member of the community he so loved. He was very active in all aspects of our town, including Little League, Boy Scouts, and refereeing high school football. After retiring from IBM after 26 years, he held different positions including working at Estey, Munroe & Fahey. He held many titles, including Mr. Fix-it. He was known as Mr. Ed to his bus students, which was his favorite and most loved job. But his favorite title, bestowed by his granddaughter, Emma, was “Bucka.” Ed was a life member of 3’s with over 50 years of service to both the Fire Department and Squad in multiple capacities, including Chief. He was well known for playing Santa for the local community and he was proud to be called a “Flat Rat.” He enjoyed his morning coffee with the “Squirrel Club” before starting his day in the community. Ed Franz was kind of a local legend and if ”you didn’t know him, you weren’t from around here.” A mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick’s Church, 300 Main St., Owego with Rev. William Moorby Officiating. Family invites friends to call from 3 to 7 PM on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral Home, 15 Park St., Owego. Memorial donations may be made in Ed’s name to Owego Fire Department, Training Facility Fund, 178 Main Street, Owego, NY 13827.
The obituary can be found here:
https://www.emfaheyfuneralhome.com/html/ed_franz.html
