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Obituary For Stephen Franklin
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 Blokus 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, Danette 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.
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Add A CondolenceSo sorry to hear about Stevie's passing. He was a solid brother who always made you feel at home whenever I was around him (mainly hanging with David). Peace and our Lord's blessings for Stevie and all the Franklin family.
To the Franklin Family my deepest Condolences may God give you the strength and faith you need at this difficult time
My deepest & heartfelt condolences to the Franklin family, his daughter, step children and grand children of Stevie, he and my brother in law Jeffrey were the best of friends and I've known him it seems all my life in Edgemont. Stevie was one of a kind and he will be missed by all who knew & loved him. May God be a source of comfort & strength during this time. Sending thoughts & prayers across the miles to you all.
To the Franklin family...my deepest condolonces to you during this time of berevemant. You are all lifted in my thoughts and prayers. A few words pop in my mind when I think of Stevie compassion, emotional intelligence, empathy, wisdom and funny; being though he is my Uncle Jeff's Best Friend, I called them Laverne and Shirley...LOL! Stevie you will be missed. the moments I have of you, won't ever be forgotten. Rest Well my Friend!!! Continued prayers of comfort and patience for the Franklin Family.
My prayers and condolences to the Franklin Family. May God comfort you during this difficult time.
My sincere condolences and prayers to the Franklin family. RIH Stevie
My deepest and most sincere condolences to My Family🙏🏽. I Love you ALL💙💙💙
My dear Denise, I know that I can't make your pain go away, but I want you to know that I'm here for you with a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen with, or anything else you may need. So my heart goes out to you for the loss of your dear FATHER. I hope that your happy memories will help you through this difficult time.
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We are so sorry for your loss, it is difficult to lose some you love, but we are here for you. He will always be with us.
- I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a best friend is losing a piece of mine and your world, and my heart is with you as you navigate this pain. Chester Murry & Family
We miss our dear neighbor of 27 years. Steve was gentle and peaceful and always had a smile on his face. He loved when we would bring him pasta on Sundays and cookies on special Holidays and party celebrations in the backyard. May you see the face of God. Til we meet again. Rafael, Teresa, Isabella & Gabriella
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My deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Steve. My you find comfort in the memories you have.
Mr dear Deniece I know that I can't make your pain go away, but I want you to know I'm here for you with a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen with, or anything else you may need. So my heart goes out to you for the loss of your dear FATHER. I hope that your happy memories will help you through this difficult time.
My deepest condolences to the Franklin family, Steve was a good friend known him for decades. We where just @ Susquehanna Township football games this past season. I remember playing basketball with Steve in Edgemont. He will truly be missed.
To Denise and natte and Reggie sorry for the passing of your father your family has our condolences and prayers. Badgett and Jones family. Hbg PA
My deepest condolences and prayers for the family.
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My deepest condolences to the Franklin Family may God comfort you during this difficult time
My sincere condolences to friends and family on the loss of our brother Steve. Steve I'm grateful for the wisdom you shared, but even more for the humor that made it stick. Rest in peace my friend.
I'll truly miss the conversations I had with Uncle Steve (The Buck). Those moments meant a lot to me. May he rest in peace.
My special brother, I will miss your humor, your smile, our great phone talks, and your wonderful personality. Love, Karen
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
