Fred Franzese

Fred Franzese, beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather and uncle, passed away on Friday, July 28, 2017, surrounded by family at Shervier Pavilion in Warwick. He was 93.
Fred was born Ferdinando Franzese on May 17, 1924, one of eight sons born to Mary and Michael Franzese of Brooklyn.
Fred was raised in Brooklyn and the neighboring town of Ozone Park, Queens. He spent the majority of his life there until moving to the Warwick area in 2015 to be closer to his son Michael and his wife.
He is survived by his son Michael and wife Lenore Franzese of Warwick; grandson Michael and his wife Jenna Franzese of Salem, Mass.; his daughter Marie Franzese and granddaughter Tina Maravelis of West Haven, Conn.; son Fred Franzese Jr. of Brooklyn; grandson Frank Maravelis and his wife Dawn and great grandsons Nicholas and Christian ”C.J.” of Glendale; daughter Laura and her husband Bruce Mitchnick of Howard Beach; great grandson Alexander Linn and his dad Wayne Linn of Montville, N.J.
Fred was predeceased by his granddaughter, Venessa Franzese-Linn formerly of Warwick and Vernon, N.J.
He is also survived by his step great grandchildren: Dovie Linn of Sussex. Desiree and husband Anthony Laurice of Tucson, Arizona, and their two daughters Amelia and Brooke; Calvin Linn of Vernon, N.J.; and Christopher Linn of Albany; and his two stepsons Dominick and wife Debbie Raffone and Joseph Raffone, Brooklyn. He was also the proud uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Fred is also predeceased by his parents and seven brothers Pete, Dominick, Pat, Sal, Joe, Frank and Ralph Franzese. He also was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Laura Pace Franzese, and his wife of 10 years Peggy Pastore Franzese.
Fred was a family man spending much of his time laughing and enjoying a good meal and a good time with family and friends.
Fred worked as a produce man for many years, including owning his own fruit and vegetable businesses. Fred also worked, for many years, selling bibles and other religious books, for Goodwill Publishing.
He was a devote Catholic, who attended Mass regularly, and was also a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.
Fred loved people and was someone who easily started a conversation with strangers. He made friends everywhere he went and was deeply loved by many.
Fred was an avid bowler, liked to race pigeons and enjoyed gardening. He was also a great dancer into his late eighties. Fred loved feeding the birds and took delight in all God’s creations. He was someone who gladly lent or gave money to someone in need. Fred was very generous and enjoyed sharing what he had.
His family will be forever grateful for the care he received at Shervier Pavilion of Warwick. The nurses, aides, recreation committee and staff took excellent, loving care of him in his final years. They are all truly angels on earth. A special thanks to Dr. John Fiore of Shervier Pavilion. Dr. Fiore is a dedicated doctor, to all his patients, and we feel blessed that our Dad was in his care. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.
In addition a special thanks to Pat and Theresa, his wonderful, loving, friends and caretakers at his home in Brooklyn. Your patience, kindness and caring were above and beyond. We could not have kept him home that long without you. May God bless you both for all you did for our Dad, “Freddy.”
Services for Fred were held July 31 at Peter C. LaBella Funeral Chapel in Brooklyn (www.labellafuneralhome.com).
He was laid to rest at St. John’s Cemetery in Middle Village with his first wife Laura.
In lieu of flowers, anyone wanting to honor Fred Franzese, please make a donation, in memory of him, to Shervier Pavilion, 22 Van Duzer Place, Warwick NY 10990.