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BORN
1969
DIED
2020
Craig Franklin Obituary
Craig Donald Franklin, 50, of Portland, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 21, 2020.
Craig was born on November 13, 1969 in Hartford to the late Donald I. Franklin and Sandra (Moore) Franklin and lived in Portland his whole life.
Craig worked for Aetna Insurance Co. for over 20 years where he developed many lasting friendships. Craig loved sports, both playing and coaching. He coached Portland Little League teams for over 10 years and most recently coached the Portland Middle School baseball team, as well as coaching Portland Panthers youth football for a few seasons with his best friend. For those who know, he made sure you would wear your baseball cap forward. His reason was to not only teach respect for the game or the field but also to teach respect for yourself and others. He believed in and taught good sportsmanship. He was an avid golfer and member of the East Hartford Men's Club.
Craig was a great Husband, Father, Poppy, Brother, Cuz, Unc, Commish Coach and Friend. He cared, helped and guided others in every area of life. He loved spending time with family and friends but most of all he loved being called Poppy.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Deborah (Bitcon) Franklin, his children, Meaghan Franklin of Portland, Carissa Thisdale of Portland, Kelly (Thisdale) Nordstrom and her husband Nick of Summerville, SC, Katie (Bitcon) Jurczak and her husband LJ of East Hampton, Dan Bitcon of Hebron and Sam Bitcon of Meriden. His brothers, Brett Franklin of West Hartford and his wife Sandy and Keith Franklin of Lexington, SC and his wife Roxanne. His grandchildren, Zoe, Sharlotte, Nicholas and Madison. As well as Sister and Brother-in-laws, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews.
A Celebration of Craig's life will be held on a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org) or Manes and Motions Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center, 874 Millbrook Rd., Middletown, CT 06457
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Craig Franklin
Sponsored by MiddletownPress.com.
4 Entries
Gail Landry
May 12, 2020
Deb, I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband.
Debbi Perez Uhlman
April 27, 2020
My thoughts & prayers are with you Debbie and your family. I worked with Craig back in the day at the credit union. He was a great guy & well liked by all.
Take care
Thomas Murphy
April 27, 2020
Deborah and Family
So terribly sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure f getting to to know Craig just over the past three or four years coaching at the Middle School.I can truly say i wish i had known him my entire life. he was a good Husband - Father - Friend and Coach, a man the boys could all look up to for leadership and guidance, not just on the field but off too. i know it always put a smile on my on sons face when he would see Craig come to a high School ball game or wrestling meet. I will forever miss and look back fondly on the time we spent together, on the field coaching or just catching up over coffee.Please always know he touched a lot of lives in this town.and you all were never far from his thoughts. I will miss my friend
Tom Murphy
Rob Toller & Family
April 27, 2020
Deborah and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Craig's passing.
I was fortunate to coach with Craig in Portland Little League.
Craig possessed a fervent passion of baseball, and most importantly, his heart and ability to teach strong moral character impacted all of us in our close community.
Craig's teams were always one of the first to be on practice field and his teams played hard, and they also laughed hard.
May the sweet memories of Craig and the lives he has touched sustain you.
Rob Toller and Family
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