Jerome (Jerry) W. Franz, 86, of Utica, NY passed away Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare. Jerry was born in Utica on August 25, 1930, a son of the late William J. and Anna Mae (Buckley) Franz. He received his education in Utica and was a 1949 graduate of St. Francis de Sales High School where he was a basketball and baseball player. Jerry served in the Navy during the Korean War and served aboard the U.S.S. Cascade. On November 8, 1952 at St. Francis de Sales Church, Jerry was united in marriage to Joan Hanno, a blessed union of 63 years until her death on October 20, 2015. For 37 years until his retirement he was employed as a plumber at the Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center. Jerry was a member of Our Lady of The Rosary Church, the American Legion Post # 1376, New Hartford, the Elks Club and served on the Notre Dame Booster Club for many years. Jerry was a devoted Catholic with a deep religious faith. Jerry and Joan were very involved with the church and donated their time and services to many functions throughout their years. He loved their many summers at the cottage on Guffin Bay, fishing with his friends and family, traveling to attend his Navy reunions, and took pride in keeping his home, lawn and rose bushes beautiful. Jerry was known for his incredible work ethic and his continuous desire to help his neighbors and anyone in need. Jerry is survived by his three children, Kevin Franz and wife, Debbie, of Sauquoit, Brian Franz and wife, JoEllen, of Utica, and Mary Franz Unangst and husband, Joe, of Oswego, five grandchildren, Ryan Franz, of Lakewood, CO, Kristen Withrow and Joshua Withrow both of Liverpool and Jason Franz and Tara Franz, both of Utica, a sister, Joan Scoones, of Clinton, two sisters-in-law, Freda Franz, of Powell, OH and Karen Falatico, of Utica. Jerry was predeceased by two infant sons, John and William Franz, a brother, Paul Franz, a sister, Ann Lanz and her husband, John and two brothers-in-law, Roger Scoones and Dan Falatico. Mr. Franz's funeral with Military Honors will be held on Monday, July 3, 2017 at 9:15 from the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica and at 10:00 from Our Lady of The Rosary Church. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home are Sunday, from 4-7. In lieu of flowers those so wishing may make donations to the American Heart and Stroke Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral Home. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and all of the medical staff at Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare for all that they did to help Jerry and for their compassion for our family.