Thomas Jerry Franklin

HERKIMER - Thomas Jerry Franklin, age 76, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, July 12, 2015 in Valley Heath Service. One of nine children, he was born on November 24, 1938, in Georgetown, a son of the late Clifton H. and Louise I. Lewis Franklin. He attended Richfield Springs Central School. On May 28, 1958, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps. He served proudly for four years and was honorably discharged on March 21, 1962. For many years he worked in the maintenance department at the Syracuse State Hospital. In his leisure time he enjoyed fishing, stock car races and woodworking. Surviving are two sons and their family, Thomas Jr. and April Franklin of Schuyler Lake, Timothy and Kathy Franklin of Schuyler, one daughter, Robin Franklin of Ilion, a brother Clifton Franklin of Frankfort Center, four sisters, Ona Morgenson and her husband William, Nancy Mechelke all of Ilion, Bonnie View and her companion Tony Brandono of Frankfort, Judith Mechelke of Jacksonville, FL, four grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephew and cousins. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers, Albert, James and Dennis Franklin. A graveside service with military honors will be on Friday at 2:00 p.m. in Lakeview Cemetery, Richfield Springs. There are no calling hours. Funeral arrangements are with J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, Richfield Springs.