NORWICH – Elbridge B. “Shorty” Franklin, 82, of Norwich, passed away early Saturday morning, Jan. 24, 2009 in the Chenango Memorial Hospital.
The son of Leon and Mae Burgess Franklin, Shorty was born in East Pharsalia in November of 1926. He grew up in the Preston area where he attended the Preston school. At the age of 11, Shorty went to work for the Chenango County Highway Dept., an employment which was interrupted by his call to duty to serve his country during World War II. Following his discharge from the United States Army, Shorty returned home and regained his job with the Highway Dept., remaining there for 17 years. He then went to work for the City of Norwich Highway Dept., from which he retired in June of 1993 after 15 years. Shorty was a member of American Legion Post #189 of Norwich.
On Oct. 9, 1993 in Oxford, he married Janet G. Franklin.
Shorty is survived by his wife Janet of Norwich, his sons: Robert Franklin and wife Ellen of Sherrill, Michael Franklin of Oxford, and Jamison Franklin of Alabama; his sisters, Edna Jaquay and Christina Franklin, both of Norwich. Also surviving are his grandchildren: Christopher of Norwich, Robert and Tiffany of Sherrill, and Brandon of Mississippi. Many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins also survive.
Shorty was predeceased by his first wife, Lucille; his sisters, Mildred Law, Viola Franklin, and Louise Murphy; and his brothers, Roy, Cecil, Raymond, Richard, Clayton, Olan and Matthew Franklin.
Graveside services with full military rites will be held in the spring from the J.D. Lewis Cemetery of Preston. There will be no calling hours.
Arrangements are by the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.