Obituary of Matthew J. Franey

Matthew James Franey, of Lewiston, entered into this world on March 27,1962 and passed away on Friday October 14, 2022. He was the only son and youngest child of James and Donna (Beitman) Franey. During his youth he delivered newspapers and worked at Fort Niagara. He always said Mary Toohey was his favorite customer. She had hot chocolate ready for him every morning that it was cold out. He graduated from Lew-Port in 1980. Matt enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1981 and was Honorably Discharged in 1985. He then headed south, living in North Carolina, then settling in Florida. He was employed by Florida Natural and Coca Cola. Thirty years later he returned to Lewiston so he could torment his sisters with "I am a true Lewiston citizen; I was born and raised here." He was great with his hands and was always willing to help with any projects the family had going. He had a passion for military history, enjoyed walking, cooking, golfing, fishing, and was a loyal Bills fan. He is survived by his stepdaughter, Jillyan St. Laurent, daughters Samantha and Holly. He will be greatly missed by his parents, Jim and Donna, sisters and brothers-in-law, Colleen (Frank) Perno and DeSales (Carl) Berak, nephews Jordan and Joseph Toohey and Travis and Craig Perno, and some beautiful Great Nephews. We will forever be grateful to his loyal and thoughtful friends, Brian, Chet, David, Tony, Sal, and Greg who continued their visits, phone calls, and text messages to offer support to him during his illness. Our minds are at ease as we realize that he is on his way to be greeted by his loving aunts, Mauri Ramell and Linda Pollard, who will take him under their wings. Matt was also predeceased by grandparents, William and Genevieve Beitman and James and Margaret Franey, along with many other aunts, uncles, and cousins from the Franey, Kelly, and Tremel families. Friends and family may call on Thursday OCT. 20th at the HARDISON FUNERAL HOMES INC. 401 RIDGE ST. (N. FOURTH AND RIDGE) from 1-3 PM. Private burial will take place in Dickersonville Cemetery. If desired, memorial offerings may be made to the Lewiston Fire Company #1, 145 N. 6th Street, Lewiston, New York 14092, or VFW Downriver Post 7487, ATTN: Lewiston Circle of Honor, P.O. Box 1164, Lewiston, NY 14092. Please visit www.hardisonfuneralhomes.com.