Obituary of William F. Franz

William “Bill” Frederick Franz, 76, of Owego, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2015 after a short illness. Bill was born January 8, 1939 at Ideal Hospital in Endicott, NY. He was predeceased by his parents; Richard T. and Sara Shelton Kies Franz; his wife, Carol Hulbert Franz; his brother, Edward Franz. He is survived by his children, Craig and his wife, Julie Franz, Malone, NY, Theresa Franz, Atalanta, GA, Daniel and his wife, Arianna Franz, Round Rock, TX; four grandchildren, Tyler, Molly, Abigail, Olivia; one brother and two sisters-in-law, Richard and Patricia Franz, Rose Franz; dear friend and companion, Ginny Veech; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Bill was born and raised in Owego except for the three years working and living in Southhampton, England for Lockheed-Martin in Portsmouth. Bill was a graduate of St. Patrick’s School, graduated Class of 1959 Broome Technical College with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Bill worked as a teen in his grandparents business, Kies Bottling Works. As an adult he worked thirty five years for IBM, then Loral and finally Lockheed-Martin, retiring after forty years in January 2000 upon returning from England. Bill is a life-long member of St. Patrick’s Church in Owego. He and his wife, Carol held CAP classes in their home. They also presented Marriage Encounter Weekends and Bill attended Cursillo. He joined the Owego Fire Department Croton Hose #3 (The Flat Rats) in 1956 and was a life-long member. Bill served as a OFD foreman for 6 years, OFD Fire Chief for 8 years and several years as a OFD Emergency Squad member and officer including Captain of the Emergency Squad for 4 years. He also competed in hose team competions. Bill served Owego residents as Village Trustee for 3 years and served as its Mayor for 4 years. He was a member of the Owego Moose Lodge, Tioga CountySportsman Club, VFW Men’s Auxilliary, Sons of the American Legion. He was also a caregiver during his late wife’s cancer years. Bill was fortunate to meet Ginny Veech, who also suffered the loss of her husband. They enjoyed spending time together traveling and visiting with family and friends. Bill enjoyed dancing, traveling the beach, his pool and his coffee klatches at Sam’s, the Parkview and the Squirrel Club. He remodeled his home and helped his sons remodel their homes. A Mass of Christain Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, 300 Main St., Owego. Burial to follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Estey, Munroe & Fahey funeral home, 15 Park St., Owego. Memorial contributions may be made in William F. Franz’s memory to the Croton Hose Fire Company #3, C/O Thomas Donovan, 71 Talcott St., Owego, NY 13827. Condolences may be made to Bill’s family at www.emfaheyfuneralhome.com.