Byron E. Franklin, 84, of Newport, died on Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at home surrounded by his family.
He was the husband of Roberta (Johnsen) Franklin for 63 years.
Born in Washington, DC on April 26, 1929, he was the son of the late Richard B. and Emma (Sullivan) Franklin.
Mr. Franklin grew up in DC and graduated from Eastern High School. After school he joined the Navy in 1947 and had a career as a Navigator for over 28 years, retiring as Master Chief. During the Cold War he served on the Submarine USS Abraham Lincoln. In 1974 he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for his work with the Navy Oceanographic office. He was cited for his recommendation in piloting as well as radar, celestial and radio navigation. He presented the U.S.S. Intrepid commission pennant to the Commanding Office Captain L. E. Levenson the decommissioning pennant of March 15, 1974. “The Franklin Piloting technique bears his name in the Nathanial Bowditch American Practical Navigator was among several of his documented techniques. In Mr. Franklin's retirement he worked at the Newport Post Office for several years. He was a talented artist and also taught art at the King House and was a member of the Middletown Senior Center.
He is survived by his loving children, Richard Franklin and his wife Cheryl of Middletown, RI, Deborah and Stephen DeAscentis of Middletown, RI, and Patricia Franklin of Newport, RI, and his five adoring grandchildren, Richard and Rachel Franklin, Scott and Michael DeAscentis and Rebecca Killian.
He was the brother of the late Richard B. Franklin and Theodore H. Franklin.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 21, 2014, from 4-7pm, in Hambly Funeral Home, “Brick House”, 30 Red Cross Avenue, Newport, RI.
His funeral will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2014, at 2:00 PM, in Emmanuel Church, 40 Dearborn Street, Newport.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Visiting Nurse Services of Newport and Bristol Counties, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871 or Emmanuel Church.
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