Joseph Franklin, 95
Joseph Franklin passed away on November 1, 2024, at the age of 95 at a home in Indian Lake Estates, FL. He was born on September 27, 1929, in Buckingham Township, PA to Titus and Mary (Balling) Franklin. He married Marjorie Smith on March 28, 1954. They had two children: daughter, Debra J. Schieber (Mark Schieber}, and son, John E. Franklin (Valorie Franklin).
Joe went to school in Buckingham township and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he attained the rank of sergeant. He was in the Marine Corps from September 1947 until September 1951. During that time Joe served overseas in the Korean War, leaving the service with an honorable discharge.
Joe and Marjorie settled in Furlong, Pennsylvania to raise their family. Joe held various jobs until he found his passion in woodworking. He started his own business as an antique dealer, opening the Mayfair House in Lambertville, NJ. Joe was a very successful dealer, traveling all over the east coast in search of American and English antiques for his clientele. Joe enjoyed sales, and many of his customers became great friends over the years.
After he sold his business, Joe and his wife moved to Florida, where he enjoyed years of golfing and fishing. Prior to retiring to Florida, Joe also enjoyed spending time in Potter County, PA at his hunting cabin, and fishing at Lac du Fils in Quebec, Canada.
He was preceded in death by his parents Titus and Mary, and eight of his siblings (Dorothy, Ruth, Sara, Martha, Paul, Mark, John, Bud).
He is survived by his wife Marjorie, daughter Debra, son John, four grandchildren (Heather, Amanda, Kelsie, Aubrey}, four great-grandchildren (Michael, Cayden, Leighton, Madison) and youngest brother Dennis.
Joe was one of a kind and always lived life to the fullest and by his own rules. Family and close friends knew they were loved even if it wasn’t said out loud all the time. He’s left his mark on so many and will not be forgotten.
Memorial Service will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Marion Nelson Funeral Home of Lake Wales with Chaplain Dee officiating.
