It is with profound regret we record the passing of John (Johnnie) Franklin, 17 An Rosan, Ballinroad, Dungarvan, which sad event occurred on Sunday, 3rd November 2013. Johnnie was born in London (Islington) in 1937. His sister Mary (Havens) was born in 1935 at the same address. His parents, Mary and Michael then moved back to Ireland not long after Johnny was born. He went to school in the local CBS from where he graduated to secondary school and showed great prowess for hurling and also for physical well-being. As a young boy Johnnie joined the 'Bar-Bell Club' and got involved in all its training regimes and skills. He also played on the Dean Ryan hurling team with the CBS in the early fifties. He won a medal with that team. He was also on the losing Harty Cup team, at the same time. When Johnnie successfully completed his Leaving Cert in 1956 he emigrated to London, where he got involved in the building trade. Soon after he found his niche in his working life when he discovered he had a talent for painting and decorating. He pursued his dream and made a great success with his chosen career.

He then met his future wife, Theresa O'Connor at the 'Barba' Dance Hall in Kilburn. They married in 1961 in Luex Road, Kilburn. They had two children Marian and Mick. Johnnie and Theresa lived in Balham, firstly, then later on moved to Harrow Wealdstone and later again to Stanmore in Middlesex. In the seventies and eighties Johnnie and Theresa both got involved with the Waterford Association. At around this time Johnnie decided to further his horizons, so went into the refurbishment business, taking on various contracts in building schemes.
He excelled so much in the painting and decorating side of his business that he completed and passed his City and Guilds exams in London with excellent results. This was at a time when he was in his fifties. Johnnie was joined in London by his brother Michael in 1958. They lived in the Paddington and Kilburn area of London. Michael and Johnnie worked together in the painting and decorating business for some years after that. Johnnie and Theresa eventually came back to Dungarvan in the early nineties. They set up home at Fairways in the Burgery. They ran a successful B&B business and Johnnie continued to work locally for a few years. They then moved to Ring for some
where they had built a state-of-the-art house. Finally, they moved back to Dungarvan and bought a house in Ballinroad. Johnnie also had a liking for golf so he joined the Dungarvan Golf Club, where he was a very popular member. He played regularly with John Corbett who had been a friend of Johnnie's from his days in England. Johnnie also took a keen interest in the local Boxing Club which he generously sponsored from time to time. He also took great pride in the achievements of his own relation Calvin Hayes who boxes for the club.
Sadly, Theresa died two years ago and her death was a very heavy burden for him to bear. His own health suffered in the last few months and his good neighbours Padraic and Jenny Kennedy were of tremendous succour and help to him. John Corbett was always ready to help when required as well even when Johnnie needed to be driven by car to Waterford or Dublin or just to Dungarvan for anything. His other good friend Pat Kenneally often helped out as well. Also during his illness his sister Mary was a tower of strength and was constantly on hand for him. Johnnie was a very pro-active member of the Residents' Association in his own estate. He got problems with the infrastructure brought to a satisfactory conclusion, through negotiation with the contractor. He was also very proud of his own home and house. He negotiated with the contractors for himself to finish his own house to his own specific specifications. As Johnnie was a very articulate man, he finished his own house to his own satisfaction and expressiveness. His house today is testament to his own ability as a first class tradesman and artisan. His passing is much regretted. May he rest in peace.
The chief mourners were Mick (son); Marian (daughter); William, Michael, James and Thomas (brothers); Mary Havens (sister); Jenny (daughter-in-law); Dick Van Der Knaap (son-in-law); Kathleen Franklin, Anne Franklin, Alice Franklin and Phyllis (sister-in-law); Tommy and Peter O'Connor and families (brothers-in-law); nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
Months Mind Mass for John will be celebrated in St. Mary's Parish Church, Dungarvan on Sunday 19th January, 2014 at 12 noon.

Waterford News & Star, December 3, 2013 Tweet

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