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Caren Franzini Obituary
AGE: 57 • Lambertville
Caren Franzini, who served as Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) for over 18 years, died Wednesday at her home in Lambertville, N. J. She was 57.
Ms. Franzini headed the NJEDA from January 1994 to October 2012, working with seven consecutive New Jersey governors. The NJEDA provides financing to small and mid-sized businesses, administering tax incentives to retain and grow jobs, revitalizing communities through redevelopment initiatives, and supporting entrepreneurial development. She joined the NJEDA in March 1991 as Deputy Director. After her tenure at the NJEDA, Ms. Franzini became President of Franzini Consulting, working with businesses and economic development agencies.
Prior to joining the EDA, Ms. Franzini was an Assistant State Treasurer with the New Jersey Department of the Treasury. Before that, she was employed in the Finance Division of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and with Public Financial Management.
Caren Sue Raphel was born Feb. 17, 1959 in Atlantic City, N. J. Her parents, Ruth and Murray Raphel, were the owners with her aunt and uncle, Shirley and Milton Gordon, of Gordon's Alley, New Jersey's first pedestrian mall, located in downtown Atlantic City. Ms. Franzini received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Business Administration degree in Finance and Public Management from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Ms. Franzini is survived by her husband, John Franzini, three children, Anna, Sam, and Sarah, her parents, sister Paula Crowley, and brother Neil Raphel.
Funeral services are Friday, January 27 at 1PM at Adath Israel Congregation, 1958 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, NJ. A private burial service will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Lambertville, NJ. Following the synagogue service and again on Saturday at 6PM, relatives and friends are invited to a memorial gathering at Kehilat HaNahar, 85 W Mechanic Street, New Hope, PA. The family respectfully requests memorial contributions to the New Jersey Tree Foundation, the Pinelands Preservation Alliance, or Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County.
Funeral arrangements are by Orland's Ewing Memorial Chapel, 1534 Pennington Rd, Ewing Township.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Caren Franzini
Sponsored by Orland's Ewing Memorial Chapel - Ewing Township.
Angela Barbera
February 25, 2018
I'm so shocked to hear this. Caren was a dear friend, we grew up together. My condolences to her family. Angela Barbera
Alan Garber
January 7, 2018
I recently learned of Caren's passing, which accounts for my belated condolences to her family. I met Caren in high school. She was one of those bright, shining stars. I loved her smile, clarity of purpose, integrity, intelligence and optimism. I remember during our induction into the National Honor Society, the keynote speaker challenged us to recognize and achieve our "potentiality." Caren did not disappoint. May her memory be a blessing.
VALERIE BLAIR
April 8, 2017
I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT CARENS PASSING. WHAT AT WONDERFUL KIND PERSON SHE WAS. KEEPING YOU ALL IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
SINCERELY,
VALERIE
February 23, 2017
Dear John, Anna, Sam and Sarah,
So sorry to read bout Caren's passing in the NJ Jewish News. I met Caren when she signed Anna up for our pre-school program at Ring Nursery School in Ewing and she was always positive, full of good humor and extraordinarily kind. She was so full of life and I will miss bumping into her in Lambertville occasionally.
Wishing you strength and I hope your wonderful memories of her will sustain you during the sad times.
Anke Stieglitz
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SUSAN ASHTON
February 7, 2017
What a lovely neighbor, mother and wife.
Bernie and I send our love to the family.
February 5, 2017
With tears in my eyes imply "the BEST." All of us will miss her.
Ed Rosen "Vydec."
Richard Fox
February 1, 2017
An outstanding and honest public servant who acted with the highest integrity. She was kind and respectful to everyone. Very sad to learn of her passing. She will be greatly missed.
June Trubee
January 31, 2017
I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences to Caren's family. I met Caren through her dear friends and long time neighbors, Nick and Jen Brady. We had the great privilege of having dinner together last summer and she made her famous upside down apple cake. Caren was a beautiful spirit and she will be greatly missed.
Carole Budilov
January 29, 2017
I was shocked and saddened to learn about Caren. I was privileged to know Caren in college as a roommate, and have her in my wedding in 1980. She was a shining light, which inspired everyone she met. I am only too sorry we lost touch over the years. My sympathies to the entire Raphel and Franzini family. Carole Somerman Budilov
Karen Monteverde
January 29, 2017
Sam, Sarah, and Anna, I am so sorry. In my prayers. Karen Monteverde
Chris and Bob
January 29, 2017
Caren Franzini (the younger sister of a very dear friend) touched many people in so many ways, over a long period of time. And it seemed clear that she always managed to leave things in a better place than she found them.
Over the past 30 plus years, we often marveled at the close and loving relationship that Paula and Caren shared, which carried over to their families. Paula loved and respected Caren so much. Together they found joy in the good times, and together they were able to draw strength from each other to weather the challenges that came their way. To us, their relationship was truly remarkable and much to be admired.
In fact, we gratefully credit Caren as the catalyst for our close and long friendship with Jack and Paula Crowley, given that the four of us first met at a party hosted by a former boyfriend of Caren's. (Caren did not attend the party that day and we wouldn't meet her until awhile later!).
Karen was a truly special person, special to her family and close friends and work colleagues, and special to those who admired her and counted on her from afar. A life lived with purpose and an abundance of love. She will be missed.
Dan & Nora Marley
January 28, 2017
Caren was a great neighbor to our family during our many years on South Union St. She helped everyone "weather" the ups and downs of life. She was a role model in handling adversity, always seeming to have that smile in spite of bad events. She will be missed. RIP.
Deborah McColloch
January 27, 2017
To the Franzini-Raphel-Crowley extended family- I was so sad to learn of the death of Caren. What a terrible loss for all of you! Caren truly made a difference in this world and what more can we hope for those we love? I hope you can take comfort in knowing she is at peace and that her love surrounds you now and always. I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Michael Lake
January 27, 2017
Dear Franzini Family, Please accept the sincere condolences of the entire Neptune Township School District. Karen visited the NTSD on many occasions guiding the district in developing it's Abbott School construction program. We credit her with the successful planning and completion of over $400 M of urban school construction projects in the NTSD.She inspired us and her legacy lives on in the 21st century learning environments she helped to create. Dr. Michael T. Lake retired School Supt, Neptune
Diane Epps
January 27, 2017
My condolences to the Raphel and Gordon families. So sorry for your loss.
January 27, 2017
Dear John, Anna, Sam and Sarah,
So sorry to hear about the passing of Caren. She will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jo Anne and Doug Coleman
Betsy Walker
January 27, 2017
I knew Caren as the beloved younger sister of a beloved college friend. In the years that I have known the entire Raphel family (since 1972) I have always been impressed by her sister Paula's 'Caren' stories, which were profiles of someone who lived life with grace, love, humor, courage, energy, and always an open heart (a family trait). All of which she brought to everyone whose life she touched. My heart goes out to John, Anna, Sam, and Sarah; Paula and Neil and their families, and her parents. She is gone far too soon.
January 27, 2017
Our deepest sympathies to the Franzini family.
- The Gorsage Family (Rachel's Family)
Christopher Blazure
January 27, 2017
John - So sorry for your loss. Dad always held a special place in his heart for the both of you.
Patty Adell
January 27, 2017
The past few years that I had the good fortune to work with Caren and gotten to know her have been truly special to me - I only wish we had met sooner. She was one of a kind, with a rare gift that touched everyone that meets her. I know that all of her accomplishments and personal relationships will continue to have a positive impact on our world in ways that we can see and feel.
Her strength combined with her compassion and caring, her sense of fairness and moral compass, her keen intelligence and insight have made an everlasting impression on me and I will always cherish our friendship.
Julie Senack
January 27, 2017
I will remember Caren as a gracious, committed, and brilliant person. It was an honor to have known her. I send my condolences to her family.
PETE DI ANTONIO
January 27, 2017
John So Sorry For Your Loss Your Friend Pete Di Antonio
Pat Fagan
January 27, 2017
John and family so sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace
Cheryl Strickland
January 27, 2017
My deepest sympathy. I had the pleasure of serving with Caren for several years on a national board. Her insightful and dedicated leadership coupled with her good humour and positive spirit will be missed.
January 27, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
James Crawford
January 26, 2017
My deepest condolences to Karen's family. She was a tremendous asset to NJ but a great individual in so many ways.
Jim Crawford
Lori Zaris-Goldman
January 26, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. Caren came to "us" in the 3rd grade, Richmond Ave School. She was immediately one our crew. We continued through Chelsea Jr High and AC high together. I hadn't seen her since HS. But I have amazing childhood memories of Caren. Always smiling, always kind, always fun. May you all find comfort in the memory of her beautiful spirit.
Pat Warford
January 26, 2017
John:
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Caren was such a vibrant, kind and classy individual. She will be missed.
January 26, 2017
My deepest condolences to Caren's family. We were roommates at Penn (with Terri), and I am so saddened to hear the news. I hope that your beautiful memories can bring you strength at this very difficult time.
Judy Lewis DiClemente
January 26, 2017
My prayers are with your family during this great loss. She will be dearly missed. Diane Johnson, former NJ HUD Director
January 26, 2017
I wish to extend my heart-felt sympathies to Caren's entire family. I had an opportunity to meet with Caren numerous times in a professional capacity at the NJEDA and was always impressed by her kindness, intelligence, professionalism, and down-to-earth presence.
I am very saddened by her passing, and may your most cherished memories give you strength and courage through this path of grief.
With Blessings,
Dolores A. Phillips
Lambertville, NJ
Robin Murray
January 26, 2017
John
My deepest condolences. She was an innovator and it was always a pleasure to work with her. My prayers are with you and your family.
Aldonna Ambler
January 26, 2017
It is simply unthinkable that CAREN is gone. My condolences to her family.
It is a bit darker in New Jersey because one of its brightest lights has suddenly left us. So few people can apply their knowledge as adeptly, work well with every type of person and across each side of the political isle.
New Jersey is stronger, more fair, more proactive, and more resilient because we were lucky enough to have CAREN for a while.
Steven Szmutko
January 26, 2017
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Caren. I had the privilege of working with her at the EDA for many years and found her to be an inspiring leader and a fine and caring person. Her dedication made a difference in so many lives and she will be missed. May she rest in peace.
Gary Young
January 26, 2017
John,
Please accept the condolences of the Executive team at Cooper University Health Care.
Caren was a 'hero' to many in the City of Camden. She was a great partner with city leaders and shares the credit for putting Camden on the right track. More so, she was passionate about improving the lives of New Jersey's residents. She was nothing less than a force for developing the infrastructure of the State of New Jersey.
Caren was a friend to many of us here at Cooper. We will miss her. It is a sad day for New Jersey. Our hearts go out to you.
Andrew and Lisa Walko
January 26, 2017
John,
Please accept our deep condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of loss.
January 26, 2017
John-my sympathy is with you and the family. Howard Williams, worker of caren.
Dennis Hajek
January 26, 2017
John, we are so sorry to learn about Caren's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the children. May you all find some peace during this time of sorrow. Dennis and Dawn Hajek.
Hal English
January 26, 2017
Rest In Peace Caren, one of the most wonderful and professional women I've ever met, who touched the lives of thousands in a positive way!
Lynn Lucas
January 26, 2017
Dear John,
Please accept my deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of Caren. I am so sorry for your loss and hope that sweet memories of Caren will help you all through this dIfficult time.
Kathy Weaver
January 26, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are offered to Caren's family during this sad time. Caren was wonderful to work with, a kind and generous person, and a personal angel to me during my time of need. She will remain in my daily prayers.
Jeff Scheiner
January 26, 2017
John, my deepest sympathy to you and the kids. Caren was a wonderful person. I lost Robin last year, so I know what you're going through.
Connie Fisher
January 26, 2017
Sorry for your loss.
January 26, 2017
To Caren's family,
I had the pleasure to know and work with Caren. she was a joy and a true professional in every way. My prayers are with you. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.
Bill Mate
Jupiter, Florida
Carolyn Fernandez
January 26, 2017
Caren Franzini was an incredible woman who always stopped with a smile to say hello on her ubiquitous walks with John across the bridge. Having worked with her early in my career I can say that she was an incredible leader; under her the NJEDA grew into one of the most successful and essential agencies of the State, overseeing major economic development in cities across NJ. But more than that she was a warm genuine caring person and a proud momma. She always inquired about my daughter and I of course would ask about her kids; on cue she would light up with that great smile she was so proud of each of them. We send our deepest condolences to John and the entire Franzini family. Carolyn and Mike Fernandez
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Orland's Ewing Memorial Chapel - Ewing Township1534 Pennington Road, Ewing Township, NJ 08618
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