Robert J. "Bobby" Franklin

FRANKLIN, Robert J.
"Bobby"
Age 46, of County Route 14 in Odessa, NY, passed away peacefully Sunday April 11, 2010 at his home, surrounded by loving family and friends. Bobby was born April 4, 1964 in Montour Falls, NY, the son of Robert E. Franklin and Anna (Smith) Franklin. Bobby worked as a Motor Equipment Operator for the Town of Montour Highway Department for over 12 years. Prior to his time with the Town of Montour, he worked for Robinson Lumber, Cookies Construction, and the Odessa-Montour CS bus garage. Bobby dedicated himself to the fire service for over 26 years, more than 13 of which he served as Chief of the Odessa Fire Department. His knowledge and experience, along with his integrity, pride and selfless dedication to his community earned him the respect of firefighters and community members near and far. Bobby was also active and well loved in the Schuyler County Firefighters' Association, Firemen's Association of the State of New York, and the Central New York Firemen's Association, where he currently served as the Schuyler County Director. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and woodworking. Bobby also loved going to auctions, traveling the back roads, and spending time with friends and family, including his beloved dogs. He is survived by his loving wife of 15 years, Rebecca J. Franklin; mother, Anna; father, Robert (Jody Whitted); sister, Dawn Lewis; nephew, Rusty Lewis Jr.; sister and brother-in-law, Rhea and Jamie Gerdes; mother-in-law, Kathleen Cleveland; father-in-law, Alan Cleveland; step mother-in-law, Jan Cleveland; grandmother-in-law, Jane Cleveland; as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his grandparents, uncle, Jerry Franklin and "father-in-law" Fred Ferry. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Oncology staff at the Guthrie Clinic in Sayre, PA for their exceptional and compassionate care during his courageous two year battle with cancer. The family also wishes to thank Hospice and the special friends that helped care for him in his final days. There will be a visitation at the Odessa Fire Department on Saturday. April 17th from 1-3 PM, followed by a processional to the Odessa-Montour High School auditorium for the Memorial service to be held at 3:30 PM. An informal reception will follow at the Odessa Fire Department. A private interment will take place at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make donations in Bobby's memory may direct them to Southern Tier Hospice and Palliative Care, the American Cancer Society or the Odessa Fire Department. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Vedder & Scott Funeral Home, Montour Falls, NY.