Robert Joseph Franklin

Robert Joseph Franklin
October 15, 1947 – June 26, 2025
Robert Joseph Franklin, 78, of Woodbridge, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home on June 26, 2025, after one final journey to the mountains of Colorado-a place that always held a special place in his heart.
Born and raised in Marshalltown, Iowa, on October 15, 1947, Robert graduated from St. Mary's Catholic High School before proudly serving in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969. After receiving an honorable discharge, he pursued his lifelong mission to serve others, earning a Bachelor's in Social Work from California State University, San Francisco, followed by a Master's from the University of California, Fresno.
Robert devoted more than 34 years to supporting veterans, service members, and their families. His career spanned Veterans Administration Hospitals in Michigan and Iowa, and numerous leadership roles across the U.S. and Europe. He served as Director of the Veteran Center in Des Moines, Iowa, worked extensively with Vietnam-era veterans, and went on to lead Community Counseling Centers in Stuttgart, Germany; SHAPE, Belgium; and Ft. Benjamin Harrison, Indiana. At Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, he directed the Army Substance Abuse Center and Employee Assistance Program, providing critical mental health, substance abuse, and family counseling services to the military community. He was also a member of the Violence in the Workplace Task Force and led training in behavioral health and crisis response.
Beyond his professional life, Robert was full of energy, humor, and heart. He was a devoted father and grandfather, a softball coach, scuba diver, and member of the Warren Township, Indiana School Board (1992–1995).
He was a passionate advocate for civil rights and social justice, a lifelong Democrat who believed deeply in equality, dignity, and service. He participated in peaceful demonstrations in Washington, D.C., mentored others through outreach, and volunteered for Hurricane Katrina relief in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
He especially loved family vacations and travel adventures, often hitting the road or skies to visit friends and family from California to Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Europe, and South Africa. Some of his happiest moments were spent traveling to new places, making his family, friends, and community laugh. Anywhere he went, he was like a comedian-with a story and a punchline.
Known for his wit, humor, and endless storytelling, Robert always left people with a smile and a laugh.
He is survived by his loving daughters, Christine and Julia; grandsons, Joshua and Liam; and siblings, John, Wayne, Raymond, Donna, and Janice. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jill Louise Nash, and his mother, Helen Stover Franklin, and father, Leo Franklin.
Robert will be laid to rest with military honors at Quantico National Cemetery on July 22nd at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you carry forward his spirit-lend a hand, speak up for what's right, and never miss an opportunity to make someone laugh.
"And when the night is cloudy, there is still a light that shines on me. Shine until tomorrow. Let it be." - The Beatles