William S. Franz

William Stephen Franz, multi-talented creative, gentleman and devoted ally in supporting adults with physical disabilities, passed away on May 24, 2026, at the age of 75. A native of Brooklyn, Will’s life was defined by a unique blend of historical expertise, storytelling, and dedicated service to others.

Will’s professional journey began in his teens as a scriptwriter for Charlton Press, where he made a lasting mark on the comic book world during the Silver Age with influential war series such as The Lonely War of Capt. Willy Schultz, The Iron Corporal, and The Devil’s Brigade. His writing was noted for its historical research and its exploration of complex moral dilemmas.

Beyond the page, Will was a true Master of Fence. Serving as the Varsity Fencing Coach for Pace University and as Manager and Assistant Fencing Coach at City College of New York, he also shared his passion for historical weaponry and joy in reenactment at Medieval Studies and Restoration (MSR) and was the founder of The League of Renaissance Swordsmen (LRS) and The Newcastle Infantrie.

In his later years, Will poured his heart into working for adults with physical disabilities. During his years at Center for Independence of the Disabled New York (CIDNY), and as Social Program Facilitator for Wheeling Forward/Axis Project and Independence Care System (ICS), he dedicated himself to enriching the lives of adults with physical disabilities. He fostered community through creative writing workshops, movie nights and Friday Night Hangouts, sharing his deep love for writing, movies and film soundtracks with those he served.

A gathering to celebrate Will’s life will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. For those who cannot attend in person, the celebration will be available to watch online, allowing his wide circle of friends, colleagues, and admirers to honor a life lived with character and heart.