John Robert Franz
John Robert “Bob” Franz, 87, of Prosperity, died Saturday, August 6, 2022 in his home, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born March 2, 1935 in Carnegie, the son of the late John and Lillian Reitze Franz.
Bob was a graduate of Carnegie High School and a 1957 graduate of Washington and Jefferson College, where he was on the swim team and set multiple records. He was a member and advisor for the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity.
He went on to work in the insurance industry for 64 years, establishing Franz Associates with his daughter, Susan, and his son, David.
Love of travel took Bob and Irene to many foreign countries in Europe, some of Asia and most of the U.S. and Canada as family vacations. They also hosted many foreign visitors.
He was a WPIAL swimming referee throughout Allegheny and Washington Counties, and also served as referee for all of W&J’s swim meets for over 30 years. He was a Red Cross swim coach for the Boy Scouts and he was, himself, an Eagle Scout.
Bob was on the board of directors for the Child Guidance Center of Allegheny County; he was a member of the Carnegie Rotary Club, and was on the board of directors of the Washington-Greene County Blind Association. He was also vice-president of the Morris Township Planning Commission.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves.
On August 17, 1957 he married his high school sweetheart, Irene Auther, who survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Susan (William) Reeves of Prosperity and Carole Mason of Charleroi; a son, David (Lesa) Franz of Prosperity; five grandchildren, Rachel (Robert) Burdette, Audrey (Charles) Hassenfeldt, Megan (Elroy Van Horn) Reeves, John Ethan Franz and Julia Kay Franz; two great-grandsons, Henry and Oliver Hassenfeldt; and many nieces and nephews.
All services will be private and have been entrusted to Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Directors, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington, Charles R. Piatt, owner / supervisor and Andrew C. Piatt, director.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Washington and Jefferson College Swim Team at www.gopresidents.com or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at www.jdrf.org.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.piattandbarnhillfh.com