It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr. Arty J. Franzello, Jr., PhD,
Colonel, United States Army (Ret.), 81, on March 15 th , 2026. He was a highly decorated
retired army officer, a loving and devoted husband, remarkable father, grandfather,
great-grandfather, brother, uncle, leader, friend and proud FSU alumni. His departure
marks the end of a remarkable journey defined by courage, steadfast leadership,
extraordinary kindness, and unwavering devotion to family, country and peace.
Arty was born on January 7 th , 1945, in St. Lake City, Utah; and grew up in Bradenton,
FL. He shared 51 beautiful years of marriage with his late wife, Donna, until her passing
in 2017. He graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science, Sul
Ross State University with a Master of Education, and Shelbourne University with a
Doctor of Philosophy in Economics. He was a graduate from the U.S. Army Command
and General Staff College and the U.S. Army War College. He is survived by his
daughters, Gina (Dale) Wright and Lisa Franzello; granddaughters, Savannah (Cody)
Joyner and Madison Wright; great-grandsons, Waylon Joyner and Knox Joyner; sister,
Theresa (Ken) Erney; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his
beloved wife, Donna Franzello; his parents, Arty Sr. and Ida Franzello; and his brother,
Joseph Franzello.
Arty proudly served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1993. His major command
and staff assignments include: Company Commander, XVIIIth Airborne Corps, Fort
Bragg; Phoenix and Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) Advisor, Republic of
Vietnam; Lesson Author, U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy, Fort Bliss, Texas; Aide-
de-Camp and Executive to the Chief of Staff, Allied Forces Southern Europe (NATO-
Italy); Battalion Executive Officer and Brigade Operations Officer, 504 th MI BDE, Fort
Hood, Texas; Chief Plans and Brigade Executive Officer for the U.S. Army Intelligence
Support Activity, and Chief, Special Operations and Intelligence Branch, U.S. Army
Special Operations Agency, Washington, D.C and Battalion Commander, Munich,
Germany.
His many honors include the Legion of Merit, National Defense Service Metal with
Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (4 OLC),
Air Medal, Vietnam Service Metal (2), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon
(3), Army Commendation Medal (with “V”), Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of
Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Army Achievement Medal, Parachutist Badge,
and the Army General Staff Identification Badge, among others.
A celebration of life will be held at the home, located at 1487 Cureton Dr., Rock Hill, SC
29732, on March 28th. Family will be received at 12:00 PM, with friends welcomed from
1:00 – 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 527, New York, NY 10163. National MS
Society.