William "Billy" Franklin

William “Billy” Franklin, 65, previously of Red Bank, passed away peacefully on Saturday May 23, 2020. He was born in Red Bank to the late Elmer and Mary Katherine (Johnson) Franklin. Billy was a graduate of Red Bank High School in 1973. Billy was a member of the Red Bank Westside Hose Fire Department for 47 years serving as 2nd Lieutenant, 1st Lieutenant, Captain and President of the Company. He considered all who served with him at Westside family. He truly loved every moment spent there whether it be the summertime bar-bques, Wildwood weekends or just being around the firehouse. Billy worked for Acme Markets as a Butcher from 1975 until his retirement in 2018. He was considered to have old school craftsmanship in his work and took pride in his skill. Billy loved fishing and camping. He passed on his love for fishing and taught his children, grandchildren and some of his nieces and nephews how to fish. He was known to make each person kiss the first fish they caught which sometimes wasn’t met with enthusiasm but was quite funny. His love for fishing will continue through his family and they hope Billy will watch from above to help them catch the big one he always referred to as “Walter”. He had a great personality and touched many lives. His unique laugh was infectious. You just couldn’t help but laugh with him. A good time was always had whenever Billy was around.

He is predeceased by his brother, Jerry Franklin. Surviving is his wife, Debbie (Goodwin) Franklin and his children, daughter, Crissy Forrester and her husband Doug, sons, Billy Franklin, Connor Franklin and Logan Franklin, his grandchildren, Kelly and Jamie Forrester and Kayden Franklin, his sister Patty Satter, nephews Patrick and Sean Kennedy, Matthew Goodwin and Nicholas Kurth and nieces Amanda Goodwin, Emily and Olivia Kurth.

Due to the health pandemic and limitations, all funeral arrangements are private at this time. A public Celebration of Life will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial donations be sent in Billy’s memory to Westside Hose 261 Leighton Ave, Red Bank, NJ 07701.

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