William J. Franzese

1931 - 2011

William J. Franzese

Watkins Glen: William J. Franzese was born in Montour Falls, NY on March 25, 1931. He was the son of the late Dominick and Carmella Romeo Franzese.



Bill, as he was known, served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged in March 1954. He married the love of his life, Carol, on May 22, 1954. He worked with his father, uncle, cousin and four brothers at the family owned construction company D&T Franzese Bros. Inc. He and Carol later owned and operated the Longhouse Lodge Motel and the Longhouse Manor until his retirement on 12/31/01. His son, Jim took over and owns these properties now.



Bill loved to travel and particularly liked to cruise. He and Carol loved to dance and, in fact, met on a dance floor in 1953. He built a total of four homes during their long married life and was always happiest when he was working on their home and grounds.



He was a member of the Board of Trustees for Schuyler Hospital for nine years. He was also very active with Squires Jr. Drum and Bugle Corps. All of his children were in the Squires, and the members of the corps have kept in touch throughout the years.



The loss of his daughter, Sandy, in 1987 was the saddest moment in his life. He was also predeceased by his parents and four brothers, Nick, Jim, Joe, and Richie. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carol, son James Franzese and Mary Wilson, daughters, Jeannette Franzese, Mindy and her husband, Andy Catron, and nephew/son, David and his wife Lori DeHond. His grandchildren are Greg and Colleen Franzese, Jennifer Franzese, Thomas Lloyd, Amanda Lloyd, Michayla Catron, Liana Catron and Dennis DeHond. He is also survived by three great grandchildren, Tyler Franzese, Benjamin DeHond and Sophia Franzese. Nephews Bruce and Brian DeHond were always an intregal part of his family. He is survived by his brother Dominick and sister-in-law Midge Franzese, sisters Jane Franzese and Sr. Margaret Franzese, MPF, and sister-in-law, Vera Franzese. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and God Children, Julie Franzese-Bonzo, David Franzese, Mark Quirk, John Harms and Joseph Franzese III.



Friends and family may call from 3pm to 7pm on Thursday, December 22nd at Haughey-Wood Funeral Home in Watkins Glen, NY. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 23rd at 10am with Rev. Paul Bonacci, Celebrant at St. Mary's of the Lake Church, the church where he was a member from birth. Memorial contributions may be made to the Watkins Glen Public Library, 610 S. Decatur St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891 endowed fund for the Career Center founded in honor of his daughter, Sandra Franzese Black, to Southern Tier Hospice, 11751 East Corning Rd., Corning, NY 14830, or to St. Mary's of the Lake Church, PO Box 282, Watkins Glen, NY 14891.



Friends and family may sign the guestbook at www.haughey-woodfuneralhome.com