The family of a crane operator killed in a 2008 Upper East Side tower-crane collapse is furious that the equipment’s millionaire owner has opted for a nonjury manslaughter trial.

“He’s afraid the people of a jury will see right through him,” said Maria Leo, whose son, Donald, died in the East 91st Street collapse along with a second worker.

Crane magnate James Lomma — owner of New York Crane & Equipment Corp. — formally waived his right to a jury trial yesterday, opting instead for a bench trial presided over by Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Daniel Conviser.

The trial is scheduled to begin Feb. 21.