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In Memory

Bernie Franza

Bernie Franza

From The Union, Grass Valley, CA, October 10, 2011.

Bernie Franza passed away in the early morning of October 4, 2011, of cancer.  He was 67 years old.  He fought a valiant, inspirational fight against his cancer. According to Bernie's wishes, no services will be held. Bernie was born in Los Angeles, CA on November 5, 1943. He attended schools in Colorado and Washington.  He had a very successful fifteen year career with IBM while living in Colorado, California, Florida, New York and Washington.  He owned several businesses in his lifetime.  Bernie was the President of Franza Enterprises, Inc., from 1991 until his death.  He was extremely proud of his company and especially his employees.

Bernie is survived by his wife of 30 years, Kim Franza, and five sons and their families, Dominic Franza and Anthony Franza of Seattle, WA, Gary and Suzanne Franza of Grass Valley, Si and Beth Moorehead of Santa Cruz and Richard and Katie Moorehead of Nevada City.  He is also survived by his mother, Esther Brown of Colorado and two brothers, Joseph Franza of Arizona and Harold Brown of Colorado.  Grandchildren include Kristen Fritz (United States Navy), Tiernan and Talia Franza, Ashly Franza, Mikayla, Adriana and Lydia Franza, Seth and Lydia Moorehead, Quinn and Korbin Moorehead.  Kristen Fritz recently gave birth to her first child and was able to introduce Danica Fritz to her great-grandfather shortly before his death.

Donations in his name may be made to Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release, P.O. Box 868, Penn Valley, CA.

Arrangements are in the care of Chapel of the Angels Mortuary in Grass Valley.