- Details
- Category: Current Issue
By Ron P. Coderre
The 2013 Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Awards Gala honored a Putnam man, Roger Franklin with the George J. Racine Sr. Humanitarian Award. Judging by the introduction by award presenter Donald St. Onge, Franklin has more than earned the recognition. Recognized as a volunteer, many don’t realize that there was a time when he was also a very good athlete.
The primary reason for Franklin’s nomination was based on his volunteer service to Day Kimball Hospital and particularly with the network’s Hospice program. Since 2003, when Franklin’s wife of 40 years, Ruth died in Hospice care, he has devoted more than 12,000 hours in service to the organization that helped him through the loss of his spouse.
“Giving back to Hospice, its patient care staff and the hospital’s volunteer team has provided me the satisfaction of knowing that in some small way I’m helping others. It’s particularly important to me because the time I’m devoting is for the people of our area,” said Franklin.
The 75 year old Franklin learned team work at an early age growing up under the guidance of his parents Frederick and Irene Franklin. As the oldest of three Franklin brothers, he led the way through his school years for his brothers Charles and Richard. Additionally he came to appreciate the value of being a good team member through his participation in athletics.
Beginning in the youth leagues organized by former Putnam teacher Bill Buckley, Franklin established himself in junior basketball and baseball leagues. By the time he reached high school, the 1956 Putnam High School graduate was well prepared for the competitiveness of schoolboy sports.
As a Putnam Clipper, Franklin earned seven varsity letters during his four years on the Woodstock Ave. campus. He earned four letters in baseball, becoming a starter as a sophomore and proving his versatility by playing first base, the outfield and catching. But basketball under coach Jim Greenhalgh is where he has his fondest memories.
“In my senior year we weren’t expected to get much beyond the first round of the State Tournament. We were a determined bunch and fooled most people by making it all the way to the Class S championship before losing to New Canaan,” said Franklin.
Franklin was instrumental in the team’s success as one of the leading scorers. He recalls the 77-62 semifinal victory over a favored Ellsworth team. In humble fashion he says, “I didn’t have a great game in the championship game.” The 72-58 loss to New Canaan wasn’t due to his play as much as it was the play of a 6-foot, 5-inch center from New Canaan by the name of Willkie Gilmore.
He recalls his teammates that season of glory, the team’s center Bill Bellerose, All-State player Mike Bousquet, the two juniors in the backcourt Paul Fall and Gerry Desautels and Phil DeSantis, who was superb off the bench.
There was also another sport that Franklin participated in, although he never received a varsity letter. He was a member of coach George St. Marie’s cross-country team for four year but never placed in a meet. But true to Franklin’s determination he stuck with the team through his senior year.
“I always remember Mr. St. Marie telling me, ‘Roger I tell the bus driver to warm up the bus when I see you heading to the finish line because I know you’re my final runner to cross the line’,” he said with a chuckle.
Following graduation he went on to Norwich University where he played basketball for two seasons before being sidelined with an injury. Graduation from Norwich led to a career in the Army that spanned 32 years. He was in the Reserves for 30 of those years and was honorably discharged in 1992 with the rank of colonel.
Simultaneously he enjoyed a 40-year career in the State of Connecticut Employment Security Division, where he worked in various locations in Eastern and Central Connecticut. He spent his last years as the director of the Danielson Labor Market office.
Franklin’s volunteer efforts aren’t limited only to healthcare. He’s been active in the Congregational Church of Putnam for more e than six decades, where he is assistant treasurer, co-chairman of the golf tournament, a liturgist and involved in the choir and the Empty Bowl Committee. He’s the past president of the Putnam Cemetery Association and a life member of the Aspinock Historical Society. He was also instrumental on the Coach Greenhalgh Memorial Scholarship Committee, which raised $50,000 to establish a scholarship in perpetuity in his former coach’s name.
“Receiving the Racine Award was a tremendous honor, especially when you consider all of the people in our area who do so many good deeds for others. I am honored because I think volunteer and public service is what builds community spirit,” said Franklin.
“In reflecting on this honor I think of coaches Greenhalgh and St. Marie and teachers like Mr. Buckley and Mr. Pedley who had such a positive influence on who I am today. Those early days in sports definitely taught me team work and how hard work produces positive results,” he concluded.
Volunteering remains primary in Roger Franklin’s life but he does find time for golf with friends at Quinnatisset Country Club and golf trips to Florida. He also cherishes time with his only son, Ross and his daughter-in-law Erika and grandson, Hunter, whom he visits in Arizona.
After all these years of doing for others, Roger Franklin rightfully is deserving of the George J. Racine Sr. Humanitarian