Joseph J Franta passed May 26, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Joe was born January 11, 1941 in Endicott, NY, son of Joseph and Frances Franta. Joe graduated from Union-Endicott High School in Endicott, NY in 1958 he received a football scholarship to Alfred University in Alfred, NY. In the early 1960’s Joe decided to move to Titusville, Fl.
Joe went to work at the Space Center, he later decided to try a different field of employment. He was employed by Warren Wooten Ford for many years and also Kelly Ford. In later years Joe took advantage of an opportunity in Canton, Ga. He was employed at Tidwell Ford. Joe and Helen had a second home in Canton, GA, they split time between Merritt Island, FL and Canton, GA, for many years. Over the years Joe won many awards for his management skills. At the time of his passing, Joe and Helen’s marriage was just short of 60 years (11/22/24).
Joe is survived by his spouse, Helen, son Tim and daughters Diane and Amy Lambert (Jim). Joe also has two grandchildren, James and Joe, three great grandchildren, William, Senna & Abigail and his beloved sister, Marion Womack, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Elizabeth (Betty) Scasney and Olga Papagelis. Everyone knows how much Joe loved the Miami Dolphins; he was a season ticket holder for several years. He greatly enjoyed attending several Super Bowl games. He also enjoyed attending car races, especially the Daytona 500. Joe loved tennis and had once served as president of the Rockledge Park Tennis Association. He also considered himself a black diamond skier. Joe also enjoyed traveling. Joe enjoyed his life. Joe will be laid to rest at the Indianola Pioneer Cemetery on Merritt Island. His obituary appears on islandcremations.com.
The family has decided, based upon Joe’s wishes, all services were private. If you would like to send a note of sympathy, the family’s address is 4087 Meander Place Unit 103, Rockledge, FL 32955. If you wish to make a donation it may be made to Hospice of Health First at Cape Canaveral Hospital, 701 W. Cocoa Beach Cswy., Cocoa Beach, Florida 32931.