Raymond Franklin

Schenectady- Raymond "Buck" Franklin, 97, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2021.

Mr. Franklin was born on October 5, 1923 to the late Raymond "Lee" and Loretta Franklin. He was a 1941 graduate of Mont Pleasant High School and attended Union, Siena and Hudson Valley Community College. He grew up in the Woodlawn section of the city and was a proud Schenectadian.
Buck was a partner and manager of the Tri-City Metal Art Co., a metal forming business, for over 30 years. He was a machinist, metal spinner and foreman at the General Electric Co.

Ray was a First Lieutenant of the U.S. Army Air Force serving 11 months in the European theater of operations during World War II where he served as a pilot in the troop carrier command. He was stationed in England and France and made 17 combat missions and numerous supply missions. He was awarded the presidential unit citation, the good conduct ribbons, the air medal with two oak leaf clusters and four battle stars on his European theater of operations ribbon.

Buck was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. His most cherished memories were times spent with his family. He also enjoyed many hobbies including owning his own Piper Cherokee plane. He was an accomplished musician playing several instruments including alto and tenor sax, clarinet and organ. He was a long time member of the Annie Schaffer Senior Orchestra and Band. He served for 25 years in the St. Vincent de Paul Society and was a volunteer at the Baptist Health Nursing Home in Scotia. He was also a 30 year member of the Schenectady Chamber of Commerce.

Ray was a man greatly devoted to his Catholic faith and would spend his Fridays praying before the Blessed Sacrament for the intentions of his family members and the world at large. He loved Latin Masses and attended regularly. He was a communicant of the former Holy Cross Church in the Stockade, St. Anthony and St. John the Evangelist churches.

Buck is survived by his beloved wife of 74 years, Bette Franklin; his children, Sherrill Redmond (Bob), Gary Franklin (Nora); grandchildren, Taryn Roselli (Anthony), Ryan Redmond (Danielle), Cory Franklin (Emily), Paul Franklin (Anna), Erica Cacchiotti; great-grandchildren, Cady, Michael, Lauren, Raegan, Liam, Olivia, Thor, Preston, Ashley, sister-in-law, Lillian Lemmo and her children, Lisa and Mark, and several nieces nephews, and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 21, 2021 at 1 pm at St. John the Evangelist Church. Calling hours will be held on June 21, 2021 from 11 am-12:30 pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205. Interment will follow Mass at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2777 Albany Street, Schenectady, NY, 12304.

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