Ronald Eugene Franklin

Ronald Eugene Franklin

Ronald Eugene Franklin passed away on June 15, 2018 in Palos Verdes, CA. He was born on August 1, 1934 in Pomona, CA to Cecil and Margaret (Williams) Franklin. He grew up in Alahambra, CA. and graduated from Alhambra High School in 1952 and Whittier College in 1956.

Ron married Donna Mae Johnson on August 5, 1956 in Santa Maria, CA. Their marriage produced two sons, Paul and Douglas.

Rons life was devoted to education. He began his career as an elementary school teacher at Alice M. Birney Elementary School in Pico Rivera. His young career was soon interrupted when he was drafted into the United States Army in 1957, where he served for two years in the 530th Military Intelligence Platoon in Fort Lewis, Washington.

Eventually, Ron moved into school administration, serving as Superintendent of Schools in Pico Rivera from 1974 to 1979, in Novato from 1979 to 1987, and in Redlands from 1987 to 1994. During this time he continued his own education, receiving his Ph.D. in Education from Nova Southeastern University in 1984.

He also continued to teach in the classroom, serving as an adjunct professor at the University of Redlands from 1992 to 1994, and as an instructor at the Palm Desert branches of La Sierra and Chapman Universities. For his devotion to education, Ron was named Marin County Educator of the Year in 1986.

Ron was a Rotary Club member in both Novato and Redlands and on the United Way Committee in Redlands. He loved people, was a friend to many and a mentor to all he taught over his many years. His hobbies included spending his summers in Newport Beach and collecting cars (of which he owned over 30).

Ron is survived by his two sons and their wives, Paul and Jan of Manhattan Beach, and Doug and Tricia of Novato. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Ryan, Trevor, Jared and Jianna. He was preceded in death by his wife Donna Mae in 2009.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that people make donations (if they so desire) to the Ronald E. Franklin Foundation. A description of the foundation is below.

The Ronald E. Franklin Foundation is a scholarship fund that benefits high school graduates who are transitioning to college. Paul and Doug Franklin set up the foundation to honor their father who dedicated his life to education as Superintendent of Schools for three California Districts in Pico Rivera, Novato and Redlands. The fund recognizes kids that are both successful in the classroom and seek to improve the high school experience for others through mentoring, school committees, and community involvement. Students awarded with grants receive payments of $500 to $2,500 that go directly to their chosen institution. The Foundation is committed to ensuring 100% of outside donations go directly to students. Tax ID# 81-4081542

Make checks payable to:
The Ronald E. Franklin Foundation Inc.
105 Samrose Dr.
Novato, CA 94945