Benjamin L. Franklin Sr.

Benjamin L. Franklin Sr., 94, of Plymouth, New York, peacefully passed away with his wife of nearly 69 years by his side on September 5, 2020, while living with his daughter in New Bern, North Carolina for the past few months. Ben was born January 5, 1926 to Fayette and Eva (Johnson) Franklin in Norwich, New York. Ben was the youngest and only surviving son of nine children (Ada, Deward, Johnson, Wallace, Lois, Fayette, Paul and Ruby (died as an infant). Ben and Fern (of Lincklaen, NY) were married on Ben’s birthday in 1952. He served with Company E, 349th Army Infantry Battalion in the European Theater during WWII. He received the WWII Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal.

Ben worked with the Chenango County Highway Department, Mirabito’s Oil Company, and retired after 20 years with Conrail Railroad.

Throughout his life, Ben loved hunting and fishing with his family and friends. He was an avid coin collector and travelled the backroads of New York State to attend auctions. He was well known for his generosity, infectious sense of humor, and good nature.

Benjamin is survived by his wife, his children Donna and her husband Rich of New Bern, North Carolina, and Benjamin Jr. and his wife Laurie of Greene, New York. They have four grandchildren; Chris and his wife Kim Mammon, Lyndsey and her husband Bill, Derek and his wife Tia Thorn, and Hope Daniels. They have five great-grandchildren; William Blake, Emma, Sophie Kate, Olivia, Harper and Paisley, as well as, many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at R. J. Fahy Funeral Home, Norwich, New York, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, 18 September 2020. Funeral service will be held at R. J. Fahy Funeral Home at 1:00 PM on Saturday, 19 September.

The Franklin family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Craven County Hospice, Craven County Health Department Foundation, P.O. Drawer 12610, New Bern, NC 28561.

Please observe the social distance rule and face masks are required.