Obituary of Erich Carl Franz
It is with profound sadness and love that we announce the passing of Erich Carl Franz, who left us peacefully on November 29, 2024, at the age of 91, in Denville, NJ. Born on September 13, 1933, in Indian Lake, Denville, Erich was a lifelong resident of the area, and his roots in the community were deep. Known for his boundless energy, passion for life, and unwavering love for his family, Erich’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Erich impressed upon his children the value of hard work and dedication. His own career was as a tool & dye maker for Bell Laboratories in Whippany, where he assisted in the creation of many innovative products for the public and government. When retiring after 38 years of service he still maintained a very active lifestyle and enjoyed working outside in his yard, traveling, and spending more time at Lake George.
Erich lived a life defined by his many talents, hobbies, and a fierce love for the people around him. He was an exceptional athlete—skilled in nearly every sport he tried. From baseball, basketball, and ice hockey to skiing, water skiing, ping pong, bowling, and horseshoes; there seemed to be no end to Erich’s athletic abilities. His competitive spirit and determination were evident in all that he did, and he passed these values on to the next generation. Erich took great pride in coaching basketball and baseball for the Denville Lakers and several sports for Indian Lake Community Club, where he mentored young athletes with the same enthusiasm and commitment that he brought to his own sports endeavors. Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Erich had a lifelong passion for train collecting, which began in the early 1940s. His expansive collection was more than just a hobby—it was a work of love and dedication, with each piece carefully chosen and meticulously maintained. His incredible train display became a point of pride for him, and it was a source of joy for his family and visitors, who often marveled at the detail and scale of the collection.
Erich’s interests weren’t confined to sports or collecting. He was also a proud owner of a 1965 Mustang and a 1966 Black Sea Ray Boat, both of which he cared for with the same attention to detail that he gave everything he loved. A lifelong lover of the outdoors, Erich and his family spent many summers at their second home on Lake George, NY, where they enjoyed boating, and creating memories that would last a lifetime. He was equally content on land or water, always embracing each new adventure with enthusiasm.
Erich was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Winnie, whom he met in the 1950s at the Denville Soda Shop and Denville Theatre. Their love story was one for the ages—a partnership built on mutual respect, deep affection, and shared joy. Together, they raised a family and built a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion for over 59 years. Their bond remained as strong as ever until Winnie’s passing. The two of them, inseparable for so many years, are now reunited in peace.
As much as he loved his hobbies and accomplishments, what truly defined Erich was his generosity and willingness to help others. Whether it was lending a hand to friends and family with home projects, offering advice, or simply providing a listening ear, Erich was always there for those in need. He took great pride in helping family members build, remodel, and improve their homes, never hesitating to roll up his sleeves and dive in with his signature work ethic. His dedication to helping others and his belief in the value of hard work were qualities that defined him throughout his life.
Erich’s family was his greatest joy. He leaves behind his daughters, Linda (Mike) Bischer, Beverly (Brian) Bischer, and Heidi (Walt) Robak, who were the light of his life. He adored his grandchildren—Lindsey Bischer-Pidich, Amy Scheskowsky, Stephanie Bischer, Eric Robak, and Briana Robak—and was proud of each of their accomplishments and the people they had become. Erich was also the proud great-grandfather to Brielle and Bryce Scheskowsky, and Lilly and Michael Luke Pidich, whose laughter and joy brought him immeasurable happiness.
He is also survived by his brother, Alfred (Suellen) Franz; his sister-in-law, Antoinette Franz; his nieces Patricia Trujillo, Helene Franz, and Erica Quintero; and many extended family members who loved him dearly.
Erich was preceded in death by his wife, Winnie Franz, his parents, Gertrude and Erich Franz, and his brother, Arthur Franz.
Erich was the epitome of a man who lived life to the fullest. He worked hard, played hard, and loved harder. Whether it was spending time with his family, engaging in a friendly competition, or enjoying a quiet moment on the water, Erich brought a sense of joy, humor, and dedication to everything he did. He taught us all the importance of passion, perseverance, and kindness. His life was a beautiful example of what it means to live with purpose and love unconditionally.
If you would like to continue Erich’s memory in your own way, please consider making a charitable contribution to the Lake George Land Conservancy or Denville Fire Department. Memorial donations can be made via inmemof.org
Friends and relatives are welcome to join the family for a public visitation to honor Erich’s life will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Norman Dean Home for Services Inc. 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, New Jersey.
Erich’s legacy of love, dedication, and generosity will continue to inspire and guide us. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him. Rest in peace, Erich—you have left the world a better place, and we will carry your spirit with us always.
