Paul Franzese

Paul Peter Franzese passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on July 12, 2024. Paul was born in Mount Vernon, NY, on May 10, 1929, the youngest of the six children of Felicia (nee Sordillo) and James Franzese. He attended Mount Vernon public schools and graduated from Edison Technical High School in 1948.

Immediately after high school, Paul enlisted in the US Army, where he was a drill instructor before and during the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge from the military, he served in the Army Reserve. In 1952, Paul married Louise (nee Rector) Franzese at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Valhalla, where he was head usher at Mass from 1952 to 2021. Louise predeceased him in 2014 after 62 years of marriage, and Paul continued to reside at their home in Valhalla for the remainder of his life.

Paul was a linotype operator at the family business, Efficiency Printing Company in White Plains, and was a member of the New York Typographical Union No. 6 until his retirement after a career in printing spanning more than 45 years.

Acknowledged as a great patriot by those who knew him, Paul was an active member of the American Legion Post 1038 in Valhalla and served as the group's historian. He especially enjoyed visiting the local schools, educating students about past events and the role of military service, while celebrating veterans of all wars who served their country with pride.

Paul was predeceased by his sister, Anna (nee Franzese) Antonelli, and his four brothers: Maurice, Nicholas, James (Buddy), and Anthony (Andy) Franzese.

He is survived by his two daughters (and their husbands), Paula (Gary) McDonagh of Monroe, CT, and Barbara (William) Cron of Ramsey, NJ, and three grandchildren: Alyssa McDonagh (Evan Salvatore) of Hudson, MA; Shannon (Oliver) Davis of Sparkill, NY; and Ryan Cron of Ramsey, NJ, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, July 24, 4:00-8:00 pm, at Ballard-Durand Funeral Home, 21 W. Stevens Ave., Hawthorne, NY. That evening at 6:30 pm, a brief American Legion Chapel Service will take place. A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, July 25, 10:00 am, at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 2 Broadway, Valhalla, NY, followed by interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 10 W. Stevens Ave., Valhalla, NY.

Individuals who wish to support Paul's favorite causes may donate "In memory of Paul Franzese" to: Villa Marie Claire residential hospice, Saddle River, NJ, at VillaMarieClaire.org or Holy Name Foundation-VMC, 718 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666; or Wounded Warrior Project at Support.WoundedWarriorProject.org.