Jack P. Franzetti Obituary

I had many excellent professors at St. John's in the early 60's, but Dr. Franzetti was the best. I was not his brightest student but I actually looked forward to his classes as they were always interesting, very informative, and frequently humorous as well. In addition to his teaching prowess, he was a good and decent man who we should all try to emulate.

I've known Jack Franzetti since 1967 when he became my advisor at SJU. We always stayed in touch through my work as a writer and editor for 14 years after graduation. Eventually I applied for my M.A. at SJU, and became Jack's teaching assistant; it was a difficult road as an older student who had been out of school for so long. Jack nurtured me through it and constantly reminded me that I could do it! I finished the degree

I've known Jack Franzetti since 1967 when he became my advisor at SJU. We always stayed in touch through my work as a writer and editor for 14 years after graduation. Eventually I applied for my M.A. at SJU, and became Jack's teaching assistant; it was a difficult road as an older student who had been out of school for so long. Jack nurtured me through it and constantly reminded me that I could do it! I finished the degree in 1985, still connecting with Jack when I relocated to Georgia and earned my Ph.D. at The University of Georgia. I owe so much to him; a kind, thoughtful, dedicated teacher and dear friend my whole adult life. I will miss him dearly. Godspeed, Jack, and rest in peace.

I owe so much to Dr. Franzetti even though we had but a few conversations back in 1968-72. I had been accepted to St. John's with the intention of entering the School of General Studies as a Computer Science major. He asked me if I loved math (my guess is he had my high school transcript in hand). When I answered with a less-than-enthusiastic not particularly' he tossed into the air a pen he was holding. As he caught it

I owe so much to Dr. Franzetti even though we had but a few conversations back in 1968-72. I had been accepted to St. John's with the intention of entering the School of General Studies as a Computer Science major. He asked me if I loved math (my guess is he had my high school transcript in hand). When I answered with a less-than-enthusiastic not particularly' he tossed into the air a pen he was holding. As he caught it on the way down from near-ceiling height he said to me in a very kind way: then you don't want to be a computer science major. He then suggested I look at the newly formed Communications Arts and Sciences major. I did, enrolled, and loved every minute of the next four years. Thanks to the guidance of Dr. Franzetti and my mentor Marty Healy I continue to enjoy a nearly fifty-year career in the profession. I have often told this story as an adjunct professor to students I have taught over the years at a community college here in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. I do so that they may take seriously the advice of good men and women who aim to guide them in their academic careers. God Bless Dr. Franzetti.

It is with great sadness that I heard of Jack Franzetti's death last week. Jack had hired me rather fresh out of graduate school in 1968, so I was fortunate to have him as my chairman for so many years. His door was always open; I could always bring my problems to him and and could count on him to offer encouragement and sound advice. He loved teaching and the students loved Jack. Whenever I met people who had attended

It is with great sadness that I heard of Jack Franzetti's death last week. Jack had hired me rather fresh out of graduate school in 1968, so I was fortunate to have him as my chairman for so many years. His door was always open; I could always bring my problems to him and and could count on him to offer encouragement and sound advice. He loved teaching and the students loved Jack. Whenever I met people who had attended St. John's and asked who they remember as a wonderful teacher, it was Jack who was always mentioned, even though his rigorous reading assignments might have daunted students and other teachers. Again, when asked what it was they liked about Dr. Franzetti and his courses they often would say he made teaching fun.
As I got to know Jack over the years I was frequently surprised by his wide range of interests outside the academic world, whether it was his knowledge of music and long bore rifles, fine liquors and cigars. He waxed poetic in describing a Cuban Monte Cristo cigar that became a kind of holy grail he quested for. Nattily dressed always, always with a smile to greet you, he was the definition of an old-school gentleman. He certainly is a legend at St. John's, one that we will not see again. Rest In Peace, Jack.

I love you Poppy and will to the end.

I was literally talking to someone the other day about Professor Franzetti. One of my favorite teachers ever. We had such a good rapport and he was genuinely a fantastic human being. Great memories from the late 1970's. He called me Mr V. Heaven is better now with Professor Franzetti scooting right in.

So sorry to hear of the loss of Dr. Franzetti. I was one of his students and he was the best professor I ever had. Such a nice and kind person.

I was so fortunate to have him as my father-in-law. Over the decades I saw a man of quiet reserve, gentle, kind, generous beyond imaging. Dad taught me about living a life of uprightness and genuine goodness, with intense love of family. His ability to perform acts of generosity with utter humility was amazing. He wanted no credit or fanfare for any act of charity (Falderal as he would call it with a wave of his hand.) He loved to

I was so fortunate to have him as my father-in-law. Over the decades I saw a man of quiet reserve, gentle, kind, generous beyond imaging. Dad taught me about living a life of uprightness and genuine goodness, with intense love of family. His ability to perform acts of generosity with utter humility was amazing. He wanted no credit or fanfare for any act of charity (Falderal as he would call it with a wave of his hand.) He loved to teach and it was embedded into the fabric which made him who he was. In the last years, he accepted al the diminutions and physical challenges with grace and without complaint. I will so very much miss this man whom I was privileged to call Dad.

Jack Franzetti, one of the finest human beings I have ever known, was my mentor, my divisional chairperson for many years, my colleague, and, most importantly, my dear friend. Last week, I sent him my annual Christmas card. Yesterday morning, I mused that I would soon receive his card and, as was my custom, I would then call him to catch up on the year. Sadly, instead yesterday found me getting the news of his passing. May my beloved and

Jack Franzetti, one of the finest human beings I have ever known, was my mentor, my divisional chairperson for many years, my colleague, and, most importantly, my dear friend. Last week, I sent him my annual Christmas card. Yesterday morning, I mused that I would soon receive his card and, as was my custom, I would then call him to catch up on the year. Sadly, instead yesterday found me getting the news of his passing. May my beloved and cherished friend rest in peace. His journey, marked by intellectual gifts, tireless work, generosity, collegiality, dignity, and love is now over. His memory will always be a blessing to me.
Vivian Valvano Lynch, Professor Emerita of English

Jack was the epitome of a cultured, intelligent Christian gentleman. He loved God and all God’s people.... most of all —family.