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Francis Franz Obituary
Francis D. Franz, age 88, died peacefully with his family by his side, in Wallingford on Wednesday, August 15, 2012. He was a resident of Norwalk, CT for 50 years prior to moving to Masonicare of Wallingford in 2009. He was married for more than 55 years to the late Patricia Chisholm Franz. Born in Boston, MA on September 12, 1923, he was the son of the late Jacob and Mary McMaster Franz. Francis graduated from Center School in Coventry, CT, Class of 1937, and Windham High School, Class of 1941. He went on to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force during WW II, stationed in Italy. Following his service he attended Willimantic State Teacher's College and graduated in 1951. It was there that he met the love of his life, and future wife, Patricia Chisholm of Millburn, NJ. He also attended NYU for his Sixth year degree in Education. They both began their teaching careers at Hamilton School in Greenwich, CT. Francis and Pat married in 1955 and he continued teaching at Western Junior High School in Greenwich until his retirement. After he retired, Francis worked at Fairfield County Bank in Norwalk. Francis was a long time parishioner of St. Thomas the Apostle Church, sang with the Norwalk Choral Group and was active in the Norwalk AARP.
He is survived by two sons and a daughter, Michael Franz and his wife Catherine of Newbridge, Ireland, Peter Franz and his wife Marjorie of Norwalk, and Mary Anne Franz and her spouse Carol Keogh of Stratford, five loving grandchildren; Rory, Daniel and Katie Franz of Ireland, John and Jennie Franz of Danbury. Francis will be remembered by all for his kindness, wonderful sense of humor, his quick wit, infectious laugh, and his love of dogs. His love of history always meant there wasn't a story far behind. He loved long conversations about teaching, politics, current events and geneology. Although he never played, Francis never missed watching a golf tournament on TV! He was extremely devoted to his family, faith and friends. He will be missed by us all. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 11 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 203 East Ave., Norwalk with a private burial to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Coventry. The family will receive friends at the Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Ave., Norwalk on Monday from 4-7 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Masonic Charity Foundation of CT, 74 Cheshire Rd., Wallingford, CT, 06492. For directions or to sign an online guest book, please go to magnerfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Francis Franz
Gail and Haymovitz
August 12, 2023
We still miss you.
Toni Cartisano
August 28, 2012
I am sorry I just received word of the passing of Mr. Franz - for I would have absolutely wanted to pay my respects.
To say he was one of my favorite teachers at Hamilton Avenue is an understatement. He was one of the reasons I chose to become a teacher. After 35 years of teaching at Branford HS - I understand even more why he was so beloved. His intelligence, kindness.sensitivity, and passion for learning were evident in every lesson. He never gave up on a student and for me personally - he was the first who truly made me feel I could be successful at whatever I chose to do.
He made a difference in the lives of so many children and his legacy lives on through all of us.
Thank you Mr. Franz
Ann Romanello
August 25, 2012
Mr. Franz was truly one of the kindest and patient educators I was privileged to have in my youth. He had a subtle humor and inspired us to learn. Mr. Franz, you are now home with your beloved and your Lord...I thank you for touching my life and with those who love you comfort and peace.
Penelope Chisholm
August 24, 2012
Fran was such "a gentleman and a scholar." He married Pat, the perfect woman for him. Together they made a lovely family. If I needed "edjamakation" in anything, especially politics, he made sure I remained informed on all the important issues of the day, with a good history of why I should not think Republican! We shared a smidgen of time in this life, but I won't soon forget my distant cousin Fran. To Michael, Peter, and Mary: you are counted among the very fortunate to have had such decent parents. Your distant cousin - Penny
Sharon McGuire
August 22, 2012
My condolences to Mr. Franz's family. He was my teacher at Western and I remember him well. A very kind and wonderful man and a great teacher. May he rest in peace.
Diana Carpio
August 21, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss Maryanne. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Tina La Bella
August 21, 2012
Mary Anne, I am so sorry for your loss. With heartfelt condolences,
Nancy Bohan
August 21, 2012
My deepest sympathy. I worked with Fran at Western Middle School and he was always so kind, helpful and always ready with a funny story. I could tell he loved teaching and was such a wonderful role model! My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
August 21, 2012
Michael. So sorry to hear of your loss. Keeping you and yours in our thoughts and prayers. Angela and Christy.
LOU & SHEILA VARGO
August 21, 2012
WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS ... DAD WILL NOW BE JOINED WITH HIS LOVING WIFE IN HEAVEN ...FOREVER
August 20, 2012
Rest in peace Mr. Franz
Bob Ferraro Ham. Ave eight grade 1958
Kathryn MacCullough
August 20, 2012
I worked with Fran at Western Junior High School in Greenwich for many years. In fact his classroom was next door to mine. I have always admired and respected Fran for both his intelligence and his wit. I was so, so sorry to hear of his passing. Please accept my condolences and know that my thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Agnes Morris Lewis
August 20, 2012
To the Franz family: Fran and I were colleagues at Western Middle School (then Western Junior High) and fellow Norwalk residents. We often ran into each other at the local market and had long conversations (with lots of laughs) remembering our days at Western. May happy memories sustain you during this time of sorrow.
dana pace
August 20, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Franz family
Leslie Bauer
August 20, 2012
Mare and Family, Hugging you with all we have to help you through this trying time. When you need us you know where we will be! Much love and many hugs, Leslie and Joanne
Linda Anzinger
August 20, 2012
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Patti Birchard
August 20, 2012
I am so sorry Mary Anne for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Will always remember your Mom and Dad as a beautiful loving and smiling couple. Hold on to your memories .
Pat Birchard
Gail Haymovitz
August 19, 2012
Fran was a dear friend whom I admired and respected. We stayed in touch after he and then I retired from Western and GHS. He missed Pat and is with her now. May they both rest in peace and may his family be comforted in the knowledge that he touched many lives with his teaching and wisdom.
Charles Scism
August 19, 2012
Dear Franz Family:
Fancis and I taught in the "early days" at Hamiliton Avenue School. He was a wonderful teacher and friend. He leaves a legacy of many grateful students and friends.
Rae Baczek
August 19, 2012
I have been a friend of Fran's since I started Teaching at Western Junior high in 1980. Even after retirement Fran sent me Jewish New Year's and Passover Cards every year.Such a thoughtful man.His message was always the same telling me how happy he was with his wife and seeing his family so often and ended with "when are you going to retire". We saw each other occassionally at some event of other Western teachers and I attended his wife's wake. He was one of the sweetest and kindest men I have ever worked with. There was not a mean bone is his body. What a mensch. I am sorry for the family's loss. He will forever be in my heart.
Condolences to the entire family.
Sincerely,
Rae Baczek
Rosemarie
August 19, 2012
Uncle Fran, I will miss our long telephone conversations and your wonderful family stories. I love the thought that you are finally where you wanted to be, with Aunt Pat. Rest in peace.
Carol Dolny
August 19, 2012
MaryAnne & Carol
Was very sorry to have learned about your dad. Know that he is with your mom now together watching over their family. Our thoughts are with the whole Franz family.
Carolyn D
August 19, 2012
My condolences to the Franz family.
Angela Tosti Flynn
August 19, 2012
I met Francis singing in the St. Thomas choir. He was always interested in my teaching, and was a very nice man.
Judy Cartisano
August 18, 2012
Thank you Mr. Franz for being a wonderful teacher, I truly learned so much from you. Great memories from the 60's at Western Jr. High. My prayers and thoughts go out to the family.
August 18, 2012
It was such sad news to hear about Fran. I worked with Fran for many years at WJjHS and thought the world of him. He was always a true gentleman. Greenwich was honored to have him touch all of our lives!
John Whalen
tom hensley
August 18, 2012
mr. franz,i want to sign up for your class. i'll be seeing you before long and i want to make a reservation for your class.see ya soon,sir.
Francine Bunk
August 18, 2012
I have fond memories of Mr. Franz as my 8th grade Social Studies teacher at Hamilton Avenue School. He was a great teacher and a great man. You could tell he loved teaching. My condolences to the Franz family.
Anne Stapleton
August 18, 2012
Mary Anne...so sorry to read of your father's passing. My thoughts are with you and your family.
m benoit
August 18, 2012
Mr. Franz was a wonderful teacher and touched many lives. Rest in Peace!
Cynthia Putrino-Hliva
August 18, 2012
Mr. Franz was one of my favorite teachers; he was my 8th grade teacher at Hamilton Avenue School. I later worked at Western Junior High School where he taught there. I have many memories of him. He was a very kind and thoughtful person. I will always remember him. My deepest condolences to the Franz family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Laraine Pascarella
August 18, 2012
My heart is saddened to hear of your father's passing. I had him as a teacher at Hamilton Avenue School and later he and my husband and I were colleagues at Western Junior High School. We also live in Norwalk so would occasionally see Fran and your Mom at the diner or run into him at Stop and Shop. Truly a wonderful man!
Johanna Sarica
August 18, 2012
Great memories of Ham Ave 8th grade..Thank you, Mr. Franz
Roger Festa
August 18, 2012
Rest in peace, Mr. Franz.
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