Albert John Franz Jr.

1944 - 2022

Albert John Franz, Jr.

Dorchester, NH — Retired educator, carpenter, and humorist Albert "John" Franz passed away suddenly October 12th, 2022 in his home. He lived life passionately and with vigor, and his intense work ethic was an inspiration.

John was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and earned his Master's Degree in library science. He worked as the media library coordinator for many years, and retired from the Lebanon, NH school district in 2008. Prior to being an educator, John was a whitewater canoe guide and shared many stories of his adventures. He met his wife Pat in graduate school and moved to NH where they renovated an old tavern and raised their family in a rural setting. Every year they farmed the land together and shared generously with family and friends.

You would often find John renovating buildings or tinkering in his woodshop to come up with a future invention or new prototype for the side business he shared with his nephew Charlie. He was an avid reader of U.S and WWII history, a former member of the Grange, and served as a Selectman in Dorchester, NH for several terms. He was a rascal at heart and his family and friends know him well for laughing at his own bad jokes and puns. He was a true 'fungi.'

John is survived by his wife of 53 years, Patricia Franz; son Karl Franz and fiancée Lisa Bruno; daughter Katrina Hansen and son-in-law Erik Hansen; grandchildren Gretchen and Evelyn Hansen; sister Mary Louise Knight; nephew Charles C. Knight and family; niece Lisa Gibby and family; and Godson Trevor Gove and his daughter Hannah. He was preceded in death by his aunt Virginia Gerdes; father Albert John Franz Sr., WWII hero; and mother Claire Franz.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Plymouth Area Community Closet or Friends of Mascoma Scholarship Fund in memory of John Franz. There will be no service, but family and friends will host a celebration of life. Please contact celebratejohn2022@outlook.com if you would like to share a story, kind words, or find out more information about celebrating John.