Feb 8, 2009 6:11 pm US/Central
Community Mourns Superintendent Killed In Crash
ROYALTON, Minn. (WCCO) ―
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Royalton Superintendent John Franzoia died at a St. Cloud hospital on Saturday. Franzoia's car was rear-ended on Highway 15 and Stearns County Road 1 on Friday night.
CBS
The community of Royalton, Minn. is stunned by the loss of its longtime superintendent of schools.
At the age of 62, John Franzoia died at a St. Cloud hospital on Saturday. Franzoia's car was rear-ended on Highway 15 and Stearns County Road 1 on Friday night. The other driver may have been drinking and is in custody.
Both students and educators say he made a big impact on the small community.
"He was a good man, he was loving and caring, and he always cared about his kids," said Rhonda Kruchten, a Royalton High School alum.
Kruchten paid her respects to a man the Royalton community depended on for more than two decades by laying a wreath of flowers and a stuffed puppy outside the high school.
Franzoia was the superintendent in Royalton for 18 years and before that he was the high school principal. Kruchten said for her four years of high school she spent a lot of time testing Franzoia's patience, but he was always kind.
"Always had a huge smile on his face no matter what. If you got in trouble, he was always there. He still smiled, even when he chewed you out," she said.
On Friday night, Franzoia was headed southbound on Highway 15 when he was hit by a pick-up truck from behind. The Minnesota State Patrol arrested the other driver, Dale Matthies. They say alcohol was detected in his system. Franzoia died the next day.
"He touched a lot of lives," said Phil Gurbada, Royalton Elementary School Principal.
Gurbada said Franzoia was incredibly dedicated. He led the school system through some hard times and never lost touch with the students. Even as superintendent, he took time to read to the elementary school students here every week.
"We're very sad, shocked. There's a real sense of grief. It's a very, very difficult time for us. We miss him. It's like losing a significant person in your family. It's a very, very difficult time," said Gurbada.
There will be a memorial service for Franzoia at Royalton High School on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 3:00. In the meantime, the school board is meeting to figure out how they will temporarily fill the superintendent position.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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