David Lee “Dave” Franklin
May 8, 1964 - September 28, 2026
David Lee “Dave” Franklin, age 62, of Middletown, DE, passed away surrounded by his son and loved ones on Monday, September 28, 2026.
Born in Delaware County, PA on May 8, 1964, he was a son of the late Charles E. and Helen Lois (Hartley) Franklin, Sr. Dave proudly served in the United States Navy. He then made his career as an electrician.
From a young age, Dave enjoyed playing sports, excelling in softball and golf. On football Sundays he could often be found cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles; while summers were spent watching the Philadelphia Phillies ring the bell. Dave loved Harley Davidson motorcycles and always looked forward to going on a ride. He enjoyed watching his favorite TV shows, Seinfeld and Cops, and treating himself to a Tastykake and Reese’s cups. Dave’s most treasured memories were made with his family whom he loved deeply.
Dave is survived by his children, Joshua Franklin (Alexus), Holly Schroeder (Jordan), and Heather Shively; grandson, Rowan Franklin; siblings, Charles Franklin, Jr. (Debbie), Ruth Preisch (Stan), Dale Franklin, and Melba Saxton (Ron); and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11:30 a.m. A committal service will follow in the chapel of Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dave’s memory to Blood Cancer United, P.O. Box 22324, New York, NY 10087 or online by clicking here; or to CancerCare, 485 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022 or online by clicking here.
Frank Devonshire
“Rest easy, shipmate. Even though we wore different uniforms, the bond between us was forged in the same fire. You stood your watch with honor, courage, and loyalty, and the world was a better a better place because you were in it. I am deeply greatful for our friendship and laughs we shared. Fair winds and following seas, my Brother.ILL MISS YOU ALWAYS. GOD BLESS
Patrick McHale
My condolences to the family,
Lizzy Boles
Condolences to the Franklin Family. ♥️
Gone too soon.
Patsy Pinto
Ruth, so sorry to hear of your family’s loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all
Donnie McClain
Dave, I’m missing u my friend. We were friends for more than 40 years. Although we aren’t going to grow old together we did a lot things together and I will have great memories, my condolences go out to ur family and friends, I love and will miss u like my brother, roam free Dave 💔🪽
Victoria Bercse Delaney
In Loving Memory of David ❤️
Many, many years ago, there was Vicki and David.
David was my first boyfriend, my first love, and such a beautiful part of my childhood. We grew up together in Brookside, in the C-section, surrounded by a wonderful group of neighborhood friends. Oh, the memories we made!
We played baseball at the baseball diamond, football in the field by the creek, basketball, swam in Jaime’s pool, and even had our own neighborhood block party. David taught me how to play basketball, and I always wanted to be on his team.
I can still picture him walking through Brookside with that big boombox on his shoulder, blasting Van Halen’s “Runnin’ with the Devil.” And being a little churchgoing girl, I have to laugh because even today, I love that song, although I’m not so sure it’s one I should be singing along to! He loved Journey, too. I can still see his high-top sneakers, those high socks, short shorts, and that big personality. Those memories still make me smile.
David was funny, outgoing, and had so many friends. But what I remember most about him was his heart.
He was kind, patient, loyal, gentle, and protective. I’ll never forget the day my sister fell into the creek and David jumped right in to help her without a moment’s hesitation. That was David. He had such a caring heart.
There were times during my childhood when life wasn’t always easy, and David gave me something he probably never realized I needed so much. He made me feel loved, cherished, protected, and safe. He made me feel like I mattered.
Looking back now, I truly believe God placed David in my life for a reason. I believe the Lord knew what I needed during those years and showed me His love through David. I’ve often thought of him as an angel God sent into my life when I needed someone to care for me.
And the beautiful thing is, David probably never knew the difference he was making.
He was simply being David.
There’s another little memory I will always treasure. The very night David passed away, I was sitting at home watching football, not knowing what was happening. Out of nowhere, I remembered how he used to lick his fingers before putting them on the football to throw it. I hadn’t thought about that in years. When I later learned he had passed away that same night, that memory became even more precious to me.
As we grew older, life took us in different directions. We went on to build lives and families of our own, but I never forgot the wonderful boy I knew.
I wish I could have had one more conversation with David, just to laugh about our Brookside days, remember our old friends, and tell him how much his kindness meant to me.
I also want to honor his service in the United States Navy and send my heartfelt condolences to his son, sisters, and everyone who shared his life and loved him. I hope these memories give his family another glimpse of the sweet, funny, protective boy I knew so many years ago.
David, thank you for the laughter, the friendship, the beautiful memories, and most of all, for the love and kindness you showed that little girl from Brookside.
You made a difference in my life that time could never erase. I will always be grateful that God placed you in my life.
Rest peacefully, my sweet David. Until we meet again. ❤️
With love and gratitude,
Vicki