John Charles Franz

John Charles Franz, 86, of Ruckersville, Virginia, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026. John was born on May 16, 1940, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Henry “Hank” Franz and Helen Franz, where he grew up with his brother, Gerry. Indianapolis and Indiana University at Bloomington remained important parts of John’s identity throughout his life. He attended Indiana University, where he met Mary Virginia “Ginny” Van Duyn. They married on September 1, 1962, and began raising their family soon afterward. Their son, Mike, was born in September 1963, followed by daughter Amanda in August1964 and daughter Michelle in July 1971. John served honorably in the United States Army, beginning his military service with the Indiana Army National Guard in 1958 and later serving in the U.S. Army Reserve. Officially trained as a supply clerk, John’s Army experience took an unexpected turn when his talent for baseball was discovered and he was recruited to play for an Army team, eventually earning a place in the starting lineup. He completed his military obligation with an honorable discharge in 1966. Following his military service, John began a successful career with Pillsbury. His work took the Franz family throughout the Midwest as he advanced within the company, eventually becoming a senior executive. In 1976, an opportunity brought the family east to Andover, Massachusetts. Although the children arrived there well into their childhoods, Andover became home. Over the years, the family developed friendships there that would last a lifetime, many formed around golf, neighborhood gatherings and Friday evenings at Andover Country Club. It was also in Andover that John eventually struck out on his own and founded Preferred Equipment, Inc., serving as its owner and CEO. He was enormously proud of the business he built, and over time each of his children worked in the family company. But the pull of sunshine and golf eventually became difficult to resist. In 1994, John and Ginny began wintering at Fiddlesticks Country Club in Fort Myers, Florida, while continuing to spend the warmer months in New England and operate the family business. In November 2003, they retired and relocated permanently to Fort Myers. Retirement revealed an extraordinary talent for woodcarving. John became a master carver and an active leader in the Caloosa Carvers Club, continually learning new techniques and sharing his skills with others. He helped establish a partnership between the club and the Mound House on Fort Myers Beach, where carvers created replica Calusa artifacts for exhibits and educational programs. John also completed many commissioned pieces and created personalized carvings for family and friends that will be treasured for generations. Carving, along with boating, was also something he dearly enjoyed sharing with his brother, Gerry. John and Ginny built a rich retirement life in Fort Myers until her death in 2014, after 52 years of marriage. In time, John began another chapter of his life when he met Becky Tavares. After Becky’s retirement, John and Becky began looking toward their next chapter. Visits with Mike and Kim in Virginia introduced them to the rolling countryside and vineyards surrounding Charlottesville, and before long, Virginia wine country had won them over. John and Becky moved to Ruckersville and were married on May 15, 2023. Together they enthusiastically embraced their new community, becoming familiar faces in Virginia wine country. They loved learning the stories behind the vineyards and vintages, meeting people along the way, and sharing plenty of laughter over a glass of wine. Most importantly, Virginia brought John closer to family and gave him the opportunity to watch it grow once again with the arrival of his great-grandson, Levi Kent. Being part of Levi’s life brought John tremendous happiness. Through every chapter, some things never changed. John remained an unwavering Indiana University fan, an avid golfer, a storyteller, a craftsman and an entrepreneur. His devotion to the Hoosiers lasted a lifetime, and he was absolutely thrilled to see Indiana football complete an undefeated season and win its first national championship in January 2026. His beloved Indiana hat accompanied him on his final journey. John is survived by his wife, Becky Tavares; his children, Mike Franz his wife Kim, Amanda Franz, and Michelle Franz; his granddaughter, Shelby Kent; his great-grandson, Levi Kent; Becky’s son, Troy Leach; and Kim’s daughter, Jennifer Anchell. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry “Hank” and Helen Franz; his first wife, Mary Virginia “Ginny” Franz; his brother, Gerry; and Gerry’s wife, Marguerite. The family would especially like to thank the entire team at Hospice of the Piedmont for the compassion, dignity and exceptional care they provided to John and his family during his final days. A celebration of John’s life will be held on November 7, 2026, from 12:00 – 3:00 at Early Mountain Vineyards in Madison, Virginia. Family and friends will gather to remember a life that stretched from Indianapolis to Andover, from Fort Myers to Virginia, and through more friendships, rounds of golf, pieces of carved wood, bottles of wine and family stories than could ever be counted. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor John’s memory are invited to consider a contribution to the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA, Hospice of the Piedmont, the Mound House, Caloosa Carvers of Fort Myers, the American Heart Association, or a charity of the donor’s choice. John leaves behind a remarkable collection of things he created with his own hands. More importantly, he leaves behind the people, relationships and memories he helped shape over 86 years. His work is finished; his imprint is not.