Joseph M. Franklin

Born and raised in the Bronx, Joe was the son of the late John and Mary (O’Leary) Franklin who emigrated from Dublin and Ardfinnan Ireland. At 15, Joe was one of the youngest members of the Archer Street Rams, a local football club which would prove to be a foundation for building lifelong friendships, admiration for sports, and his love of Notre Dame football.

He attended Cardinal Spellman High School in the Bronx and from there, he traveled west to St. Joseph’s College in Indiana. Joe graduated with a Bachelor of Science and played football for the St. Joseph Pumas. Joe thought education was a lifelong commitment and after graduating from St. Joseph’s, he earned his Chartered Financial Consultant designation, Chartered Life underwriter designation, and his Master of Science in Financial Services from the American College of Financial Services in Pennsylvania.

Joe founded J.M. Franklin & Company LLC in 1973. He was a successful financial advisor and was recognized for many of his achievements. He was proud of his life work and honored to have helped so many families along the way.

For many years Joe and his family called Washingtonville, NY home. He was actively involved in the community as a volunteer coach, member and President of the Washingtonville Rotary, President of the Westchester chapter of NAIFA and a member of various Booster clubs. Joe was a devout Catholic and served as a trustee at St. Mary’s Church in Washingtonville NY. Joe and Kathy relocated to Greenwich in 2013 to be closer to family and they joined the St. Mary’s Parish in Greenwich, CT.

Joe enjoyed playing football with his grandchildren and teaching them the game of golf. Kathy and Joe loved to travel in the US and abroad. They are also members of the Eagle Creek Golf and Country Club in Naples, FL and he enjoyed many seasons playing golf and socializing amongst new and old friends.

Wherever he was, Joe had a gift of finding a connection with almost anyone he met and as a result, he was able to develop many lifelong relationships. He will undoubtedly be missed by many.

Joe is survived by his wife, Kathy of 54 years, his children Michael (Jonna), Sean (Brigitte), Thomas (Christine), six grandchildren, and many family members. He is predeceased by his parents John and Mary and his brothers John and William.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects on Monday, August 19 from 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. at the Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 31 Arch Street, Greenwich CT. Funeral services will be Tuesday, August 20 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Church 128 Greenwich Ave, Greenwich, CT.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in Joe’s honor. Please see the Donations section below.