HERKIMER-Mr. Joseph J. Franchi, 96, of Graham St., passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, March 7, 2009 in Valley Health Services, Herkimer. He was born on September 13, 1912 in Little Falls, son of the late Adolpho and Esther (Tomei) Franchi and educated in Little Falls schools. On November 15, 1945, Joseph was united in marriage with Louise Corelli in St. Anthony’s Church, Herkimer with Father Gustav Purficato, officiating; a loving and blessed union of 63 years. Proud of his military experience, Joseph served with the U.S. Air Force during World War II and served in conflicts in Europe, Northern France and Rhineland. He enlisted on January 15, 1942 and was honorably discharged holding the rank of Tech Sgt. On October 9, 1945 and was the recipient of the EAME Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Mr. Franchi held the position of Mail Clerk with the Herkimer Post Office for many years. He was a communicant of St. Francis de Sales Church, Herkimer and belonged to the Herkimer Michael S. Pliseck VFW Post #4915, the Herkimer County Volunteer Firemen's Association, Inc and the 4th Dayton Steamer Company. Joseph was an accomplished carpenter and loved working with his hands. He was very proud of building the Franchi family home in Herkimer. He was dedicated to his loved ones and was a significant influence and pillar of support in their lives. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Survivors include his beloved family; his wife and devoted caregiver: Louise of Herkimer; three sons: Joseph F. Franchi of New Jersey, James Franchi and wife Deborah of Herkimer and David Franchi and wife Crystal of Schenectady; five grandchildren: Matthew, Michelle, Nicholas, Nathan and Isabella Franchi; in laws: Victor Corelli of Roseville, California, Virginia Morotti of Herkimer and Adeline Frank of Little Falls. He was predeceased by two brothers and five sisters. The Franchi family will receive relatives and friends at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington St., Herkimer on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 from 4-6 p.m. Mr. Franchi’s funeral will commence at 11:15 am on Wed., March 11 from the chapel of the Enea Family Funeral Home where a prayer service will take place. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 12 noon on Wednesday from St. Francis de Sales Church, Herkimer with the Rev. Mark Cunningham, pastor officiating. Mr. Franchi will be laid to rest later in the spring in Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer. In lieu of floral tributes, kindly consider memorial offerings to St. Francis de Sales Regional Catholic School or to Valley Health Services, Herkimer; envelopes are available at the funeral parlor. The family offers its heartfelt gratitude to the staffs of Valley Health Services, Herkimer and St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, Utica for their kindness and compassion and also to Dr. Virenda Sharma of Mohawk. Members of the Herkimer VFW Post #4915 will conduct their service at 5:45 p.m on Tuesday at the funeral home.