Ben Franklin, age 85, of Great Falls and Sterling, VA died peacefully on May 29, 2006 after a long illness. Ben was the beloved husband of 65 years of Mary Gammon Franklin, loving father of Annette Franklin Rose of California, Brenda Franklin Scogno of Chantilly and Florida and Valerie Franklin Schuster of Reston, VA, brother of Agatha Mergenovich, proud grandfather of Alexander Franklin Rose, Gammon Castellvi Nuckols, Audra Castellvi Lunos and Trent Marie Franklin Hardman, great-grandfather of Victoria Castellvi Nuckols, Courtney Leigh Galtarossa and Aimee Marie Lunos, also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Ben was born in West Virginia on July 29, 1920, one of eight children. He began a distinguished 36 year career with the Marriott Corporation as a "Curber" (car hop) in their first Hot Shoppe restaurant and rose to Vice President in charge of regional operations.
Ben was a decorated combat veteran of World War II with Charlie Company of the 1st Marine Division during the invasion of Okinawa, where he was awarded two Purple Hearts and the Gold Star and also serviced a tour of duty in China. He was an avid sportsman, a successful thoroughbred horse breeder and owner who enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and the Redskins. Ben was one of a kind and will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Friday, June 2nd at Adams Green Funeral Home, 721 Elden Street, Herndon, VA. The graveside service will be conducted on Wednesday, June 7th at 11am at Greenwood Cemetery in Cedartown, GA with Rev. Wayne Benefield officiating. Full Military Rites will be conducted by the Brewster Cleveland Post # 86.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, (www.lungusa.org) 10340 Democracy Lane # 203, Fairfax, VA 22030 or to his personal favorite – Avian Health Network, (www.stoppdd.org) 11654 Plaza America Drive, #245, Reston, VA 20191.
The Olin L. Gammage and Sons Funeral Home has charge of the local arrangements for Mr. Ben Franklin.