Albany- Salvatore A. Franze, 93, entered his heavenly home on June 2, 2018 at the Albany Veterans Hospital after a brief illness. He was born in Albany on July 5, 1924, to the late Susie Speciale and Vincent James Franze. He resided most of his life in Menands, until recently moving with his wife, Mary, to Averill Park to live with their daughter, Mary June, and son-in-law Jerry Roy, who were his devoted caregivers. Sal was bigger than life and will be sorely missed by all who were lucky enough to know him. The devoted husband of Mary DeGiule Franze for 71 years and father of five children was in constant motion. Sal was a businessman, humanitarian, and gentleman with a strong religious faith and quick wit, always keeping people laughing.

December 7, 1942, Sal enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was assigned to Pearl Harbor as a diesel mechanic, repairing submarines. Following his military service, he attended Siena College and Albany Business College.

The Arbor Hill community loved and depended on Sal. Managing his supermarket grocery business was only part of the story. He supported the efforts of the NAACP with his time and donations. He was founder and an officer of the Arbor Hill Businessmen’s Association, pursuing efforts to expand and enhance services offered to the community. He was a member and supporter of the of Albany Inter-Racial Council and the Arbor Hill Concerned Citizens. Sal tirelessly supported the Arbor Hill Community Center and programs to enrich the lives of the neighborhood, especially the youth. He supported a youth baseball team and donated to their functions. He participated in the Arbor Hill Restoration Association’s efforts to improve and develop the neighborhood, including the “Ten Broeck Triangle.” He was a member and supported of the Ten Broeck Mansion Association and supported efforts of many church groups. Anyone in need was never refused. Many interviews and articles were concerning his involvements in Arbor Hill.

Constantly in motion, Sal served as a Boy Scout leader and was a member of the Colonie Elks and VFW. After retiring, Sal joined the Albany- Saratoga Submarine Veterans Association who were so welcoming to this WWII Vet.

He and his beloved wife Mary, enjoyed square and round dancing, traveling, skiing and outdoor Adirondack life. Sal’s family meant everything to him and he was happiest when spending time with them. Mary is his loving wife and was his constant companion and caregiver.


Retirement didn’t stop him. Sal continued his love of reading, wood crafting and music. He became a volunteer at both the Albany Veterans Hospital and Albany Medical Center as a Eucharistic Minister.

Sal is survived by his beloved wife, Mary, and his five children; Mark Franze (Cindy), Christine DeSorbo (John), Mary June Roy (Jerry), Judy Tewey (Leo), Michael Franze (Mary) his brother Anthony J. Franze (Kaoru), five grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sal’s family wishes to extend their deepest thanks to the staff of the Albany Veterans Hospital, especially Drs. Phelps, Elhahawry and the entire ICU medical team who gave Sal and his family such wonderful care and compassion. Sincere appreciation is extended to those from St. Henry’s Parish in Averill Park and the Alzheimer’s Associations.

Sal has left a void that can never be filled.

Funeral from the W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer, Friday June 8th at 8:30AM and 9:30AM at St. Pius X Church, 23 Crumitie Road, Loudonville where the funeral Mass will be offered. Relatives and friends are invited and may call to the funeral home Thursday from 3-7PM. Interment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in East Greenbush.
Contribution in Sal’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.