Howard E. Franklin, 71, was called home suddenly on Thursday, April 10, 2014, to be with his Lord and Saviour after suffering a massive coronary.
Howie was born on Aug. 5, 1942 the son of the late Edward and Beatrice Eggleston Franklin. He attended the Preston and Norwich schools and graduated in 1960. Always a hard worker he had worked for Childs Service Station, Paul Boulant’s City Service Station, GLA, the Chenango County Sherriff Dept. as a special deputy, the City of Norwich Police Dept.and later transferred to the City of Norwich Fire Dept in 1969 where he bacame Captain retiring in 1989. He had also served as Captain of the Norwich Emergency Squad. In addition to his full time jobs, Howie always had part time work. He had worked as a roofer with Bob Mundy Roofing, drove truck for Link Construction and City Beverage Co. and also worked for Gordon Brightman Plumbing.
Howie was also a skilled auto mechanic and loved his cars of which he owned many. In addition to his cars he owned many tractors and was a former member of the Toys of Yesterday Tractor Club. He loved his traveling and camped many times on the St. Lawrence River and in the state of Maine.
It goes without saying that Howie was a true people person and was always ready to serve his fellow man.
On Dec. 5, 1964 he married Cheryl Bates who survives. Besides his wife Cheryl, Howie is survived by his sister Rose-Marie Franklin of Norwich, his daughters Angela McGrath of Oneonta, Rebecca Sargalis and husband Richard of Durham, NC, his sons Captain Gregory Franklin and wife Amy and Richard Franklin all of Norwich. Also surviving are his grandchildren Erica and Sara McGrath of Oneonta, Rory and Gregory Sargalis of Durham, NC, Nathan and Natalee Franklin of Norwich his great grandchildren Joshua and Victoria McGrath of Oneonta and last but not least his “dog children” Thor and Sadie.
Howie was predeceased by his parents Edward and Beatrice and his sister Sylvia Lovette.
At Howie’s request there will be no formal calling hours or funeral service. There will be a private family service with burial in the J.D. Lewis Cemetery of Preston.
Please consider memorial contributions in his memory to St.Jude Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Howie’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the Norwich Fire Dept. Ambulance Crew for the valiant effort to save his life.
Arrangements are with the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home.