Philip Franz, a resident of Locust Valley for more than 70 years, died peacefully on July 30, 2015, in his 92nd year.
He was born in Friuli, Italy on Aug. 27, 1923, and emigrated to the United States where he worked his entire life in his own business as a builder. The fruits of his labor can be seen not only throughout the towns of the North Shore, but also in his home in Locust Valley, which he built by himself in 1950. Clients praised his beautiful brick and stone work to which he and his brother Sarge gave the dignity and beauty of a sculptor’s touch.
A kind and generous man, he will be remembered for his strong work ethic and fierce devotion and loyalty to his family and friends.
Mr. Franz served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Pacific, and was awarded the Purple Heart, the Asia Pacific Medal, the American Theatre Medal and the Victory Medal.
He was an avid golfer and loved to tell his friends about how he could navigate the Black Course at Bethpage. He could be seen well into his 80s putting at the Glen Cove Golf Club.
Philip is survived by his loving wife, Mia, to whom he was married for nearly 70 years; his daughters Mary and Franca; his much-beloved brother Sergio (“Sarge”), with whom he worked in partnership his entire life; sister-in-laws, Raffaella Bertin and Ada Franz. He was predeceased by his beloved sister, Anna Franz.
He will be missed by greatly by his nieces, nephews, friends and caregivers.
Visitation held at Dodge-Thomas Funeral Home in Glen Cove, www.dodgethomas.com. Funeral Mass at the Church of St. Rocco, Glen Cove. Interment in Locust Valley Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, we ask that contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
