Alfred Franklin Obituary

Rutland, VT- Alfred Winston, "Al" Franklin, Sr., 89, a lifelong resident of Guilford, died Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Rutland Regional Medical Center following a period of declining health. Most recently he had made his home with his daughter in Pittsford. Al was born in Brattleboro on January 30, 1935, the son of Warren and Nancy (Scranton) Franklin. He was raised and educated in Guilford and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1953. He went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged from active service on November 21, 1956. Locally, Al was a member of the American Legion, Brattleboro Post #5. He owned and operated his own farm on Sweet Pond Road for many years and also was a licensed real estate agent for 15 years, representing the former Martocci & Henry Real Estate Company. Active civically, Al served as a selectman for the town of Guilford and was chairman of the selectboard for six years. He was appointed by Congressman James Jeffords to the Vermont Agricultural Advisory Committee where he served as chairman, for 16 years he was active with Rescue Inc. as a trustee representing Guilford, and was chairman of Rescue's board of trustees for several terms. A man of faith, Al was a member of the Guilford Community Church where he served as a deacon for many years. Al was known for his common sense and critical thinking as well as his pleasant personality and spirit of friendship. Of his leisure time activities, he was an avid reader and enjoyed time shared with his family. On Christmas Eve, December 24, 1955, at West Guilford Church, he was married to Frieda Petrie who predeceased him on December 6, 2006. Survivors include two sons, Alfred, Jr. (Andrea) and Dennis, both of Guilford; two daughters, Carolyn Kingsley (Kevin) of Pittsford and Donna Kemper (Ronnie) of Antioch, TN; one sister, Elaine Petrie of Roanoke, VA; thirteen grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and two great-great granddaughters. Additionally, he leaves many nieces nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Besides his wife, Al was predeceased by four brothers, Russell, Gordon, Lawrence and twin brother, Wilfred; and a sister, Glenice Carter. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday (1/29) at Guilford Community Church starting at 2:30 P.M. with a reception to follow in the church's downstairs fellowship hall. Burial in Baker Cemetery will take place later in the springtime when the cemetery re-opens. Memorial contributions in Al's name may be made to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302; Guilford Community Church, 38 Church Drive, Guilford, VT 05301; or to Guilford Volunteer Fire Dept., 108 Guilford Center Road, Guilford, VT 05301. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alfred, please visit our floral store.