Nicholas Anthony Franzel Sr.

Nicholas Anthony Franzel, 89, of Apex North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on Friday October 11, 2024. Nicholas was born and raised in Staten Island New York. He was a graduate of P.S. 44, Mariner’s Harbor, and earned his GED through the Veteran’s Administration.

He served his country from 1954-1956 in Korea, attaining the rank of Private First Class; he was a proud tradesmen in welding and construction, which he always attributed to the training he received in the United States Army. He was a proud union member, International Union of Operating Engineers, Marine Division, and working on dredges to improve the waterways around New York and New Jersey.

He met his beautiful blushing bride after returning from Korea, and they got married in 1958. After retiring early at the age of 43 years old due to his first of 7 heart attacks, Nicholas took up many pursuits including laying stonework with over 5000 cobblestones that he salvaged, gardening and preserving the fruits of his efforts, mushroom foraging, coin collecting, thrifting and antique shopping, woodworking, and all around handyman. He also enjoyed playing cards, particularly poker (5 card stud). He enjoyed watching his favorite John Wayne movies and listening to Johnny Cash.

In 2013 Nicholas moved with his wife Carmela to Apex North Carolina. He is pre-deceased by his parents, Biaggio and Laura Franzel, all 6 of his sisters, his brother Frank, his son Nicholas Anthony Jr, and son in law Kenneth Walsh. He is survived by his wife of 66 years Carmela, his daughters Theresa and Anne-Marie, sons in law Steven Fahey and Frank Bianco, and grandchildren Kathryn, Grace, Frank, and Nicholas.

Memorial Funeral Mass will be held at St Mary Magdalene Church in Apex North Carolina on Friday October 18th at 11:00 am. Burial date still to be determined, at St Peter’s Cemetery, Staten Island, New York.

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