Obituary of Harold C. Franley, Jr., DDS

Harold Charles Franley, Jr, DDS, 67, of Jefferson died Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at Jefferson Healthcare Center with family by his side. He was born on January 25th, 1955, in Ashtabula, Ohio, the son of Dr. Harold and Joan (Kelly) Franley, Sr. He was lovingly known as “Hal” and “Doc.” Hal was a proud alumni of Thiel College, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry in 1977. At Thiel, he played golf and was a member of Phi Theta Phi fraternity. He later served on the Thiel College Board of Trustees. Hal earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from The Ohio State University in 1979. He completed his dental residency at Cleveland Metro Hospital. Hal married Betsy, the mother of his four children, on December 29th, 1979. They made their home in Jefferson, Ohio. From his house on Franley Drive to his dental practice to Little League’s Franley field, Hal continued his father’s legacy in Jefferson and left his marks throughout the community. He worked as a dentist alongside Dr. Richard L. Waters, later purchasing the practice. Hal was an active member of the community: including service as President of the Jaycees, organizer of the Jefferson Days festival, coach and treasurer for the Little League organization, and a council member at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Hal was diagnosed with brain cancer in 1994. Despite its ongoing impact on his life, Hal defied odds and found joy in his roles as a dentist, father, brother, uncle, and friend. Hal was known for his goofy and affectionate nature. A proud and loving father, he coached his children’s teams, organized vacations, and was always cracking jokes. He was an intelligent and meticulous record keeper. An avid Cleveland sports fan, Hal memorized the Cleveland Indians schedule every season. He loved to golf, bowl, and watch TV with a dog sleeping at his feet and a bottle of Mountain Dew by his side. Hal always appreciated a good meal and never failed to order dessert. Hal’s family thanks the staff at Jefferson Healthcare Center for their care of “Doc.” Hal is survived by his children: Nathaniel (Brittney) Franley, Deidra (Christopher) Edison, Keenan (Allie) Franley, and Audra (Jerrod) Franley; siblings Douglas (Nancy) Franley and Deborah Franley; grandchildren Andrew, Vivian, Noelle, and Christopher Franley; nieces and nephews Megan (Al) Campbell, Molly (Ken) Petros, and Adam Franley. Hal was preceded in death by his parents Dr. Harold Franley, Sr. and Joan (Kelly) Franley.. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Hal’s name to Thiel College. [https://thielcollege.wufoo.com/forms/z7wj4rg03okplv/] Calling hours will be observed, Monday, February 7, 2022 from 4PM-7PM at the Eagleville Bible Church, 1981 OH-45, Rock Creek, Ohio and additionally at the church on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 from 10AM-11AM, funeral services will immediately follow at 11:00AM, with Pastor Mark Hostetler, officiating. Private inurnment at Jefferson Oakdale Cemetery. Zaback-Williams-Ducro Funeral Home, 500 W. Prospect Rd., Ashtabula is handling arrangements. Online guestbook and condolences available at www.ducro.com