Former Chadds Ford Historical Society President George Franz died yesterday, Thursday, Dec. 10. The announcement came from long-time CFHS volunteer Jennifer Manderscheid.
“It is with great sadness that I am sending this email...after four years of battling Multiple Myeloma, George Franz passed away this morning. Over the past month, George knew that there was not much more the doctors could do for him. Last week, after having shortness of breath, he was admitted to Chester County Hospital where more tests were run and confirmed the tragic news. He and [his wife] Kammy decided that George would go home this week to start "at home" hospice, but his condition deteriorated over the past 48 hours and they started Hospice Care at the hospital. He was very coherent last week to the point that I had a nice texting conversation with him and he told me of his decision to start Hospice...only God had other plans. Surrounded by his son (David), daughter (Wendy), and Beloved Wife, Kammy, he went peacefully.”
Manderscheid added that the CFHS Board is working to create a Memorial Book of Franz and would like to include everyone who knew George as our "Fearless Leader."
She added a personal note to the announcement: “I will miss George dearly. He was my guiding light and biggest cheerleader when I became the Pumpkin Carve chair 12 years ago.”
Current society President Randell Spackman said, “We’re still in shock. George was a huge factor in the growth of the Chadds Ford Historical Society. He served several terms as society president. Our mission is to preserve history and he became history. He had no trouble getting his hands dirty, pulling weeds, taking out the trash, or doing anything that needed to be done. His legacy will live on.”
Recent past President Phyllis Recca said, “Gene [Pisasale, Recca’s husband and volunteer at CFHS] and I are deeply saddened to hear of George Franz’s passing. He was the soul of the society and a good friend. We had the utmost respect for him and will miss him.”
Kammy Franz said that the family had four years to prepare and was glad for that. George Franz was 78.
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
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