Franklin W. Beideman

To say Bill had the gift of gab would be a massive understatement. He would strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere and at any time. It wasn’t that he was just looking to pontificate, he just genuinely enjoyed being around people. It’s why he could often be found at the Polish American Citizen’s Club or the Riverside Moose Lodge. It’s also one of the reasons he volunteered at Riverview Estates for many years and was even once awarded “Volunteer of the Year”.
Bill had a set of tools that would make Bob Vila jealous. But, they never simply sat and gathered dust; he always had them in hand and could fix just about anything. Over the years he was known to build cabinets, beds, arbors for his garden and whenever someone had troubles with their car Bill always had the solution. He was never one to keep this skill set to himself; working for Cinnaminson Public Works for 38 years he kept the township running.
However, everything else paled in comparison to his dedication to his family. An evening at the Moose Lodge would serve as an introduction to Frances (nee Cranmer), with whom he would share his life. She quickly became the center of his universe; in fact, the reason he was volunteering at Riverview Estates was simply because she worked there and his days were better with her by his side. She had three children from her previous marriage, but they were never step-children. They were as much family to him as his own flesh and blood.
Bill is survived by his wife, Frances of Riverside, his children: Harry Francis (JoAnn) of Atlantic Beach, Florida, Robert “Pugsley” Francis of Riverside and Becky Jackson (Bo) of Riverside. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Meghan (Josh), Carter, Kirt, Melissa and Heather, his great-grandchildren: Courtney, Shannon, Jordan, Elise and Zorah as well as by his sister, Adelle Robinson (Robert) of Pennsauken, brother-in-law, Joe Cranmer (Judy), sister-in-law, Ruth Cranmer, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and by his favorite four-legged friend, his dog, Bear.
Come celebrate Bill’s 71 wonderful years (December 28, 1942-February 8, 2014) Tuesday from 6 PM at the Sweeney Funeral Home, 337 Bridgeboro St., Riverside, NJ 08075, where the service will be at 8 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial gift may be made to Frances Beideman via the funeral home’s address.