Benjamin Franklin

On Monday, September 18, 2006, Benjamin L. "Pop-Pop" Franklin, of Millersville, Maryland, passed away at Baltimore Washington Medical Center; he was 85-years old. A veteran of World War II, he overcame injuries sustained during the war to later attend Morgan State College. Subsequently, in 1957, he became one of the first African-American correctional officer's in the state of Maryland before retiring in 1982. During his retirement years he remained active as he enjoyed hobbies such as gardening and woodworking. As an avid sports enthusiast, he almost never missed a baseball or football game broadcast on his satellite dish. For entertainment Benny could be found listening to some of his favorite jazz musicians on his stereo where he would often refrain, "They don't make music like that anymore." An aficionado of electronics, he kept abreast with all the latest technology from iPod's to plasma screen televisions, a tradition he has passed on to his children, nieces, and nephews. A nature lover at heart, Benny was a true outdoorsman. No, he was not a hunter. However he loved animals from the family of deer which frequented his acreage to his beloved Boston Terrier's Pete and Freddie. He would often say that he and the animals living down there with him have to co-exist.
As the devoted father to Michael, Phillip, Joseph, and David Franklin as well as his only daughter, Benita Robinson, Pop-Pop, as he was affectionately known, was happiest when spending time with his five children and ten grandchildren. Adding to his joy was the recent birth of a great grandson in March of this year. Moreover, he was the cherished father-in-law to Margaret, Paulette, and Darlene Franklin, Cheryl Merritt, Ernest Robinson and Tyrenia Cross. He is survived by his sisters Mildred Wilson, Louise White, Loretta Reaves, Margaret Simon, Annette Ware, and brother Robert Franklin in addition to scores of nieces and nephews. Pop-Pop will be sorely missed and loved forever. On behalf of the family, thank you for your prayers and may God bless you always.