Louis Joseph Franzia

LOUIS JOSEPH FRANZIA JAN. 17, 1929 - DEC. 17, 2005 Louis Joseph Franzia, age 76 died of natural causes at in Modesto on December 17, 2005. Born in Modesto on January 17, 1929, he was a resident of Ripon for 14 years; prior Manteca, 37 years. His parents were the late Louis & the late Edith Franzia.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Josephine Sciara Franzia, Ripon; children: Don & Nancy Franzia, Manteca; siblings: Dorothy Reichmuth & Joseph Reichmuth, Manteca (sister & brother-in-law); Mary Reichmuth & Felix Reichmuth, Escalon (sister & brother-in-law); he is preceded in death by the late Ernest Franzia (brother) & survived by Susanne Franzia (sister-in-law), also survived by grandchildren: Cristina Franzia, Manteca Stephanie Franzia, Manteca.

He was the eldest of four siblings. He attended local schools and college in Ripon and Modesto. Louis, affectionately called Lou, worked at the Franzia Winery that his father and uncles founded in the 1930's. He enjoyed flying and had his pilot's license. He started Bobcat Central in 1976, when no one knew what a Bobcat tractor was, with stores now in Stockton, Merced and Fresno. He was an enthusiastic trap shooter winning numerous awards including the California Veteran Champion. Lou enjoyed hunting pheasants and doves and looked forward to his annual trip hunting deer in Wyoming. He enjoyed traveling, trap shooting and visiting with his many friends. Lou was the past president of the Waterloo Gun and Bocce Club and Stockton Trap Shooting Club. He was a member of the Liguri Nel Mondo, Pacific Italian Alliance, Waterloo Gun and Bocce Club, Accordion Club and St. Patricks Catholic Church.

Visitation Wednesday Dec. 21 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM @ St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Ripon, followed by a Rosary/Mass at 10:00 AM. Burial at St. John's Catholic Mausoleum, Escalon.

In lieu of flowers: American Cancer Society, 1604 Ford Avenue, Modesto, CA 95350 or Community Hospice, 601 McHenry Avenue, Modesto, CA 95350.

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