Obituary of Burtis J Franke, Sr.

Mr. Burtis J. “Burt” Franke, Sr. 81, of Titusville, passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 11:32 a.m. at his residence after an extended illness. Burt was born on September 24, 1938 at home on East Troy Rd. to the late Marvin L. and Eva E. Graham Franke. He married Margaret J. “Peg” Carr on November 14, 1959 in Pittsburgh. He attended Titusville schools. After school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and after he was honorably discharged he served in the National Guard. Burt worked for Universal Cyclops Specialty Steel until its closing. He was a Master Gun Smith and opened his own gun smith store for many years and continued it as a hobby after his retirement. Burt served as a Minute Man for the Titusville Fire Dept. for 30 years. He was a member of the United Methodist Church and Bruce Shorts Post 5958 VFW. Burt served for many years on the board of directors for the former Oil Country Federal Credit Union and now Community Connect Credit Union. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, golfing, and being with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife Peg of Titusville; three children, Burtis J. Franke, Jr. and friend Vennie Walter of Seneca, Timothy Franke and wife Lynda of Centerville, and Candy Gozzard and husband David of Pittsburgh; six grandchildren, Abigail Franke of Virginia, Burtis J. Franke III of Titusville, Calvin and Natalie Franke of Centerville, and Hannah Gozzard of West Virginia, and Emma Gozzard of Pittsburgh; a sister Flo Maxin and husband Fran of Coraopolis; two sisters in-law, Susan Franke of Pleasantville, and Alberta Franke of Rosco, NY; and one aunt, Sally Barker of Titusville; several brothers in-law, and sisters in-law; numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers Marvin L. and Floyd N. Franke. Family and friends may call at the Titusville First United Methodist Church on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at which time a funeral service will be conducted with Mrs. Jacqueline Wagner, officiating. Private interment will be at East Troy Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Crawford County 417 N. Monroe St. Titusville, PA 16354.