Richard Allen McQuade-Franklin

Richard “Rich” Allen McQuade (Franklin), 41, passed away on September 17, 2025, in Utica, New York. Richard was born on February 22, 1984, in Ilion, New York. He was the beloved firstborn son of Tammy Lee McQuade and Richard Allen Schaffer, and the adopted son of Thomas Jerry Franklin II.

Though his life was marked by challenges, Rich was a man of many gifts, determination, and great love for his family.

Rich shared a unique bond with his twin brothers, Jake Vernon Schaffer and Jock Lee Schaffer, who will miss him dearly. As the older brother, he often took on the role of babysitter, protector, and prankster all rolled into one. He played countless jokes on them — some harmless, others daring. As Rich grew older and poured himself into fatherhood, Jake and Jock always looked up to him. His presence shaped their lives, and the memories they made together will remain treasures that Jake and Jock carry close to their hearts forever.

Above all, Rich loved his family dearly. Even in times of distance, he carried hope for renewed closeness and better days together. His children were the pride of his life: Justice Rain Franklin, Richard Thomas James Franklin, Athena Anne Franklin, and Breyah Nicole. He longed for them to always know how deeply he loved them.

Rich was also a devoted dog owner, sharing his life with Bentley, who has passed on, and later with his faithful companion Atticus. In his later years, he began to embrace the outdoors, finding peace and new appreciation in nature.

Gifted with many talents, Rich could step into any role with skill and determination. He worked as a cook, waiter, and bartender, as well as a heavy equipment operator, driver, and medical assistant. Whatever the job required, Rich brought his hands-on ability and resilient spirit, showing that he could truly do anything he set his mind to. Among these, he especially loved working with bulldozers, backhoes, and machinery.

Rich was known for his strong will — especially when it came to what he believed was best for his family. Once he set his heart on something, he held to his convictions with determination. He was also a man of faith. Rich was a Christian who knew his Bible well, and his knowledge of scripture and belief in God were important parts of who he was.

Rich was preceded by his maternal grandparents, Margaret Elizabeth Switzer McQuade and Richard Lee McQuade; his biological paternal grandparents, Harold Vernon Schaffer and Veronica Schaffer; and his adoptive grandmother, Elaine Mahardy Franklin Emrich (lovingly known to Rich as “Nana”).

He is survived by his fiancee, Danielle Marie Hight, his beloved children, Justice Rain Franklin, Richard Thomas James Franklin, Athena Anne Franklin, and Breyah Nicole, his mother, Tammy Lee McQuade; his father, Richard Allen Schaffer; his adoptive father, Thomas Jerry Franklin II, and his twin brothers, Jake Vernon Schaffer and Jock Lee Schaffer. Rich’s legacy is one of love, loyalty, and resilience, remembered most in the hearts of those who loved him.