Stephen Louis Franklin was born in Harrisburg, PA. He grew up in Harrisburg under the care of his parents, the late Charles A. Franklin, Sr. and Willa Mae Franklin. His older brothers, Charles A. Franklin, Jr. (Chubby/Foxx) and Ralph Clark Franklin, preceded him in death.

As a Christian, Stevie, as he was affectionately called as a child, was baptized at an early age at Saint Paul Baptist Church in Harrisburg.

As he got older, he became known as Steve. He was a lifetime resident of Harrisburg attending the Susquehanna Township Schools beginning at Glenwood Elementary through High School. He graduated from Susquehanna Township High School in 1972. After high school, Steve continued his education at Shippensburg State College.

Steve worked in the banking industry for several years before securing a position with the Commonwealth of PA. He worked in Computer Operations and retired from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Steve loved hanging out with his family and friends. It was not unusual to find him playing Spades, Monopoly or Block us all night with family and friends. He also liked hunting, fishing and football. Steve was a Kansas City Chiefs fan since the 1960s. As a member of the “In It To Win It” team, Steve loved playing weekly Trivia at the American Legion Post 420 in Steelton or at other locations around Harrisburg. He would often say he was instrumental in the team’s wins, and for many of them, he was. Since the 1970s, Steve would look forward to traveling to Hampton, VA for the yearly Hampton Jazz Festival. He stayed at the same hotel for over 30 years. Due to that connection, the proprietor automatically reserved his room each year for his stay while attending the jazz festival.

Those who knew Steve appreciated his sense of humor. He loved telling and hearing corny jokes and he told the corniest! However, it was his love for family that he always put first. He supported his children, nieces and nephews in their endeavors. He showed up at their football games, track meets, graduations, weddings and other pivotal moments in their lives. Steve was the “go to” guy when you needed assistance. Whether you needed a ride to the airport or a doctor’s appointment, he would be there for you. For relaxation, Steve loved the old TV shows from the 1960s. When he was home, you may find him watching western movies or TV shows like Gunsmoke and Perry Mason. It didn’t matter that he had seen all the episodes, he still enjoyed rewatching them.

On February 16, in the peaceful comfort of his home, Steve transitioned to his heavenly home. He leaves to mourn his passing, his daughter, Denise Saunders; two step children, Dannette and Reginald Selvey; his brother, David Franklin (Jocelyn); his sister, Terri Winfield; his sister-in-law, Sharon Franklin; ten grandchildren, who affectionately called him, Shorty Bang Bang; Eva Wise who is the family Matriarch; the Fulp Family who have always demonstrated that family isn’t always about DNA….it’s about an unbreakable bond rooted in love; his nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. Steve will truly be missed.

Stephen's life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 in the Sanctuary of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 1201 N. 17th Street, Harrisburg with viewing and visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and burial in William Howard Day Cemetery.