Peter John Franzen

In Loving Memory of Peter John Franzen

 Born November 5, 1961, in Columbus, Ohio, passed away on October 5, 2026, leaving behind a loving family, countless friends, and a lifetime of cherished memories. Peter is survived by his parents, George and Cecelia Franzen of Melbourne, Florida; his children, Peter John Franzen Jr., Erin Elizabeth Torres (Belen), and Daniel James Franzen (Michelle), all of Melbourne, Florida; and his beloved grandchildren, Ashton Daniel, Gavin Louis Franzen, and Matias Noel Torres. He is also survived by his sister, Ellen Franzen Kresmery of Melbourne, Florida; and his brothers, Michael (Dawn) of Fairfield, Connecticut; Stephen (Kim) of Denver, Colorado; Mark of Stratford, Connecticut; and James (Jayme) of Cocoa, Florida. Pete leaves behind 16 nieces and nephews, three aunts, and 26 first cousins.

Peter graduated from Central Catholic High School in Norwalk, Connecticut, in 1980. In 1998, he brought his family to Melbourne, Florida, where he continued to build a life centered around family, hard work, and lasting friendships. A skilled and dedicated carpenter, Peter worked with RAS Construction in Connecticut before continuing his craft through Peter Franzen Carpentry, Classic Homes, and Riverside Builders in Melbourne. His final project brought his talents and his love of family together as he worked alongside his family to build cabinets and renovate Baked by Chell Bakery, their new family business. It was a fitting final chapter for a man who took pride in his work and found his greatest joy in the people he loved. Family was everything to Peter. 

He loved his family deeply, and that love was evident in the time he spent with them and the memories they created together. He also had a lifelong passion for sports, with golf holding a special place in his heart. A single-digit handicap golfer for many years, Pete especially treasured playing alongside his dad and brothers. Those rounds of golf were among his favorite pastimes and a source of lasting memories. Peter was a true people-person who made friends wherever he went. From his softball teams in Connecticut to his bowling teams and the many friends he made at Pineda Inn, he built relationships that lasted throughout his life. He had a gift for connecting with others, and his warm personality and easygoing nature made him someone people loved to be around. It was rare to see Pete without his signature red Ohio State ball cap, a familiar sight to everyone who knew him.

Peter was also a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, where he attended Mass and participated in the Christ Renews His Parish retreat, reflecting the importance of faith in his life. He will be remembered for his love of family, his strong work ethic, his passion for golf, his many friendships, and the unmistakable spirit that made him who he was. Though he will be deeply missed, the love he shared, the lives he touched, and the memories he leaves behind will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Beckman-Williamson Funeral Home in Viera, Florida, is entrusted with the arrangements.

We request that in lieu of flowers please make a donation in Pete's name to a donation of your choice.