George Franz, Jr. passed away 21 April, 2023 due to complications from a stroke that he suffered in August. He died peacefully with his wife Ann and family at his side.

George was born in Williamstown, Massachusetts on 22 December 1935 to George and Margaret Franz.  He graduated from the University of Massachusetts (BS-1960, MA-1962), and he served in the United States Army (1956 -1961).  George held a variety of management positions in the forestry and manufacturing industries.

George was a loving husband to Ann – married over 63 years, they were an inseparable team.  It was clear to everyone that they were dedicated to each other and happiest when they were together. 

George was a certified Master Gardener for the State of New Hampshire and gardening was his 2nd greatest passion (after Ann).  He was truly happy and at home in the garden.  His gardens were amazing – every type of vegetable imaginable, weed free rows, with intricate watering systems.  He would start at sunup, and he would end the day in the garden.  George enjoyed sharing the harvest with family and friends.  He was also a talented amateur chef.  George could grill anything and create a masterpiece meal – summer weekends always included the smell of something roasting on the grill.  He dried and froze vegetables and herbs from the garden, so on a cold winter day he would create an incredible soup in minutes from things he had harvested in the fall.  Throughout his life, George was an avid outdoorsman.  He loved to fish and hunt; but he really enjoyed just being out in the woods, especially in later years with his friend Lonnie.  George was a consummate tinkerer.  He could fix anything, from a leaky roof to an electric cable.  He built furniture, repaired cars, and he could fix any appliance.  George was happiest when he was busy.

George is survived by his wife, Ann Franz (Young); his children, Debby Marek (Dirk), George III (Heather Thomas), Steven, and Heather; his brothers, Carl (Sharon) and John (Pat) ; his grandchildren Melissa Franz, Steven Franz, Jr., McKenna Thomas-Franz, Kaitlyn Thomas-Franz, Sophie Marek, and Zachary Marek; and a host of loving nieces and nephews, cousins, and longtime friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the World Central Kitchen or your local food bank, or cook for someone you love. 

The family would also like to thank the Mountain Ridge staff who took excellent care of George and showed great compassion to Ann during George’s stay there.

Burial will be in Wiscasset, Maine at a later date.   A funeral service will be held at Paquette-Neun Funeral Home, 104 Park St., Northfield  on Friday, April 28, 2023 at 11:00 am. An online guestbook is available at www.neunfuneralhomes.com