LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Edward J. Franz, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Edward J. Franz of Owego, New York, died at the age of 71;
and
WHEREAS, A lifelong member of the Owego community he so loved, Edward
J. Franz was very active in all aspects of his town including Little
League, Boy Scouts, and refereeing high school football; and
WHEREAS, Edward J. Franz distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, After retiring from IBM after 26 years, Edward J. Franz held
different positions including working at Estey, Munroe & Fahey; this
remarkable man also held many titles, including Mr. Fix-it; and
WHEREAS, Known as Mr. Ed to his bus students, which was his favorite
and most loved job, Edward J. Franz's favorite title, bestowed by his
granddaughter, Emma, was "Bucka"; and
WHEREAS, Edward J. Franz's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Edward J. Franz was a life member of 3's with over 50 years
of service to both the Fire Department and Squad in multiple capacities,
including Chief; he was well known for playing Santa for the local
community and was proud to be called a "Flat Rat"; and
WHEREAS, Edward J. Franz enjoyed his morning coffee with the "Squirrel
Club" before starting his day in the community; he was without doubt a
local legend, so if you didn't know him, you weren't from around Owego;
and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, Richard and Sara Kies Franz;
daughter-in-law, Leanne Cardone; and sister-in-law, Carol Franz, Edward
J. Franz is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Rose Galvagni
Franz; four children, Ann Marie (Michael) Watkins, Michael (Diane)
Franz, Catherine (Chad) Baum, and Christopher Franz; two brothers, Rich-
ard (Patricia) Franz, and William Franz; and four grandchildren, Emma,
Bridget, Gavin, and Julia; as well as many nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Edward J. Franz leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Edward J. Franz, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Edward J. Franz.