Robert Joseph Franzetti

Robert Joseph Franzetti, a cherished educator, devoted family man, and pillar of his community, passed away on December 20, 2023, in his hometown of Austin, Texas. Robert was born on January 18, 1942, to Joseph C. Franzetti and Martha Sundberg Franzetti, and his life was a testament to the values of education, faith, and family.
He was preceded in death by his loving parents, his daughter Julie Marie Franzetti Forbis, and his brother Ralph Evans Franzetti. The legacy of Robert's spirit and unwavering integrity lives on through his beloved wife, Maureen Walsh Franzetti, with whom he shared a beautiful and enduring marriage. They were married at St. Mary's Cathedral in 1965. His memory will also be cherished by his daughter Michelle Jean Fischer and her husband Ross, his son-in-law Tad Forbis, and his adored grandchildren Claire Fischer, Sara Fischer, Grace Forbis, and Troy Forbis, all of whom brought immense joy and pride to his life. Robert is also survived by his brothers Monte Franzetti (wife Cathy) and Murray Franzetti, and many beloved cousins, nephews, and nieces.
Robert graduated from St. Edward's High School in 1959. His academic pursuits led him to the University of Texas, where, in 1963, he earned his history degree and laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to education. He eventually earned a master's degree in history from Southwest Texas State. After beginning his AISD teaching career at Travis High School, Robert found his long-term home at Crockett High School, teaching history, government, and social studies from the school's opening in 1968 until his retirement in 2000. He served as President of the Austin Association of Teachers from 1971 to 1972. In 1984, Robert was named AISD Teacher of the Year. His influence extended far beyond the classroom walls, as he shaped the lives of countless students with his wisdom and compassion. He was particularly proud of his decade's long involvement with the Close Up Foundation civics program, taking Austin area high schoolers to Washington, DC, so they could be active participants in the democratic process.
Those who knew Robert were undoubtedly aware of the pride he took in his Italian heritage, especially his family's contributions to the Austin community. He was equally proud of his Swedish ancestry inherited from his mother.
Robert was a lifelong Catholic and a student of Catholic theology. His faith was his guiding principle, and Robert served as a religious scholar and educator throughout his adulthood. He passed his faith on to his daughters, grandchildren, and innumerable others. He was a devout and active member of the St. Martin de Porres parish in Dripping Springs at the time of his passing.
A lover of the outdoors, Robert had a lifelong love of the beach and enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and birding, immersing himself in the natural beauty that Texas has to offer. He was an avid stamp collector and eager world traveler.
Robert's dedication to his family was obvious to all who knew him. Twice each year – at Easter and Christmas – Robert and Maureen would visit the cemeteries of Central Texas, placing flowers on the graves of departed family members and saying a prayer over the graves of their loved ones. They had just finished their Christmastime cemetery visits the week before Robert's death.
In honor of Robert's remarkable life, a service will be held to commemorate his enduring impact and to offer solace to those mourning his passing. This gathering of family and friends will serve as a testament to the profound connections he fostered and the indelible memories he created. We take solace in the knowledge that Robert's journey was one of purpose and passion, and his story-one of love, laughter, and learning-will resonate for generations to come.
A visitation will be held on January 5, 2024, at 6:30 pm at St. Martin de Porres in Dripping Springs, followed by a Vigil Service at 7:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Martin de Porres, with a reception to follow. The burial will occur at 2:00 pm at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Memorial Park, Austin, Texas.
Pallbearers are Bobby Franzetti, Brian Franzetti, Tony Franzetti, Tom Huver, Devin Walsh, Ryan Walsh, Trey Wattinger, and Clement Wu.
Donations may be made in Robert's memory to: the St. Bonaventure Indian School in Thoreau, Arizona; the St. Martin de Porres Church Building Fund in Dripping Springs; or the St. Mary's Cathedral Restoration Fund in Austin.