Jonathan A. Franzel Obituary
Jonathan A. Franzel, 62, passed away suddenly on Saturday, December 4, 2021 while walking in the woods that he loved so, near his home in Lanesville.
Born January 4, 1959 to Irwin H. Franzel and Lillian H. Blount, Jonathan spent his early years in Woodcliff Lake, NJ and later Alexandria, VA. At the age of 10, he moved to Frankfurt, Germany with his mother and beloved step-father, retired Col. LeVerne E. Blount ("CB"), where he enjoyed countless adventures as they traveled throughout Europe. Upon their return, they moved to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX and later to Austin, TX where Jon graduated from L. C. Anderson High School. After graduating from the University of North Carolina Greensboro, Jon headed to Boston to teach sailing at The Boston Sailing Center, owned by his oldest brother David, and it was here that he put down his roots. Jon went on to earn a law degree from Suffolk University School of Law and served as Assistant District Attorney and victim advocate in Norfolk County for several years before starting his own law practice in Boston, later relocating to Gloucester.
A lifelong sailor, Jonathan loved the sea and raced for many years on Boston's Scheherazade where he developed some of his most cherished lifelong friendships. Jon had a natural talent for storytelling and those who knew him will attest (as well as his daughter's rolling eyes) that he was NOT a man of few words. Jon had the gift of conversation but never empty conversation. Each word was deliberate and each sentiment thought-filled. A lover of poetry, most especially Rabbie Burns, he would often break out in verse reciting poems forever etched in his memory.
Jonathan was preceded in death by his father Irwin H. Franzel, mother Lillian H. Blount and step-father Col. LeVerne E. Blount. Jon also greatly missed his beloved dogs Brindle and Penny who logged many miles hiking with him through the trails and quarries of Gloucester.
He is survived by his wife, Coleen (Curley) Franzel, cherished daughter Marin, brothers David (Kyrre Culver) Franzel, Bruce (Barbara) Franzel, Robin (Jeanette) Franzel, sister Kathy (Louis) Gauci and Susan (Eric) Levine, sisters-in-law Cecilia (Robert Gewecke) Franzel, Cheryl (Jeffrey) Arouth and brother-in-law Brian (Jeanne) Curley. Jon was a beaming uncle who took great pride in his nieces and nephews: Joseph Guthrie (Samantha Andrews), Johanna Franzel (Jon Courtney), Joshua Franzel (Ashley), Sarah Franzel, Melina (Jonathan) Dale, Lauren (Maziar) Franzel-Sassanpour, Julia Franzel, Christine (Daniel) Markwalter, Katherine Franzel, Hunter and Griffin Arouth, and Devin Curley. Jon also leaves his father-in-law James E. Curley (Binghamton), several aunts, uncles, cousins, countless friends and his pup Riley. Jonathan, you will be sorely missed by all.
A celebration of Jonathan's life will take place in the new year and will be announced once plans are finalized. Arrangements by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester.
