Gerald F. Franklin, Sr.

GERALD F. FRANKLIN, SR., age 93, passed away Monday, July 25, 2016. Beloved husband of the late Mary Agnes (nee Pajcic) for 60 years; loving father of Donna Marie Wise (Melvin, deceased), Patricia Ann Franklin-Emrich (Patrick), Mary Alice Feczko (J. Gregory) and Gerald F. Franklin, Jr.; dearest grandfather of Matthew (Tracy), Marie Ann (George), Sharon Ann, John (Pamela), Lori Ann (Judy), Nicholas (Lisa), Jonathan (Maggie), Anne (Daniel), Amy Marie (David), Colleen Ann (Joseph) and Gerald Paul (Lauren); great-grandfather of Ryder, Griffin, Layla, David, Jonathan, Andrew, Leah, Jack, Maddie, Nolan and Grayson; brother of the late Leo Franklin, Lenore Franklin, and Lillian Bruder; beloved uncle of many. Gerry was a member of the “greatest generation”. He was a WWII U.S. Army Veteran, serving in the European Theater, earning a battlefield commission and a bronze star. After the war, he worked at a public accounting firm and then as controller and chief executive for Schaffer Diversified Corporation. In his “retirement”, he had the foresight to invest in a new franchise concept called BW-3/ Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar. Gerry was the fourth franchisee, built the first stand-alone BW-3 restaurant, and was an investor in commercial real estate and the stock market. He will be greatly missed. Contributions may be made to his charitable trust, The Mary A. and Gerald F. Franklin Foundation, 6500 Pearl Rd. Suite 228, Parma Heights, OH 44130. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Bridget of Kildare Parish, 5620 Hauserman Rd., Parma, Friday, July 29 at 10 a.m., followed by entombment in the Franklin Family Mausoleum at Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends received at RIPEPI FUNERAL HOME, 5762 PEARL RD. (AT SNOW RD.), THURSDAY 2-4 AND 6-8 P.M.