George J. Franklin, Jr., of Tewksbury, formerly of Lynnfield, died peacefully at home with family by his side on December 11, 2024, at the age of 82. George was born on July 2, 1942, to the late George Franklin, Sr. and Beatrice (Celata) of Saugus. George was raised in Saugus and graduated from Saugus High School. He then went to the University of Massachusetts and received a degree in business.

George served honorably in the Army National Guard for six years and went on to start his own business, CDI, in Melrose. Also, he sponsored the Regional Standout Melrose Mets Fast Pitch Softball team before moving on to the Franklin Cardinals in Connecticut, which went on to win the 1983 National Fast Pitch Softball Championship. Subsequently, he and the team were inducted into the highly acclaimed Connecticut Softball Hall of Fame. He was an avid Red Sox fan and a friend to many people in that organization. He enjoyed many annual trips to Spring Training with his close circle of friends. After retirement, George and his late wife, Christina, traveled the world together and spent their winters in Boca Raton, FL.

Beloved husband of the late Christina A. (MacKenzie) Franklin. Loving stepfather of Richard Spataro & his wife Ann of Melrose, Donna Rowe & her husband Ernest of Saugus and Mary Groux & her husband Thomas of Tewksbury. Cherished grandfather of Cindy, Michael, Nicole, Jenna, David, Craig, Kristina, Daniel, Miranda, Sarah, Justin and Mackenzie. Proud great-grandfather of Savannah, Keira, Max, Lucy, Cameron, Anthony, Caiden, Lindsey, Hannah, Nate, Thomas and Abby. George was the twin brother of Judi Alabiso and uncle of David Hatfield & his wife Valerie of Wakefield and Tracy Hatfield of Saugus. He was also the loving great-uncle of Alexandra, Jack, Craig, and Lucia.

Visiting Hours will be held on Monday, December 16th, 2024, from 4:00 -7:00 PM at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, December 17th, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Gately Funeral Home. Interment to follow the service at Wyoming Cemetery, 205 Sylvan St., Melrose. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.