Morris Arnold Franklin

Change of Date and Time of Service

January 14, 1925-June 10, 2024

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Morris Arnold Franklin, on
June 10, 2024, at the age of 99. Formerly of Webster and Natick, MA, and a long-time resident of
Miami Beach, FL. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn (Levinsky) Franklin, and brothers, William
Franklin and Jacob Franklin. He is survived by his children, Florence Silberman, Miriam McGettrick,
and David Franklin, as well as their spouses, his grandson Robert Tiger, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Morris, known as “Murray,” was the youngest of 3 brothers, who were lovingly referred to as the
Franklin “Boyus.” As a child, he was told he would need to learn to play an instrument even though
he had no initial interest, so he chose the saxophone, figuring it would be impossible to obtain one.
Much to his chagrin, his parents presented him with one. Turns out he was a natural – a musical
prodigy who went on to master not only the saxophone but also the bassoon, clarinet, and flute. He
started playing saxophone professionally at the age of 15 with the big band The Teddy Mack
Orchestra.
When WWII broke out, Morris was called to serve and did so valiantly in the Army Infantry in the
Philippines and then in the occupying forces in Japan. After the war, he attended the prestigious
New England Conservatory of Music to further develop his natural musical talent. He went on to a
successful musical career, playing bassoon for the Boston Symphony and multi-instruments for the
Shubert Theater House Band, among others. He garnered a reputation as one of the best and most
sought-after sight-readers on the East Coast.
After the passing of his beloved wife, Marilyn, Morris raised his 3 children in Miami Beach, Florida.
He was an avid reader and loved doing the puzzles (any and all kinds) in the newspaper, keeping his
mind sharp for 99 years. He had a wonderful sense of humor and wit that never dulled. And he
always had room for dessert.
There will be a graveside service at The Hebrew Cemetery at Chevra Kadisha Cemetery in
Worcester, MA, on Sunday June 16, 2024, at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you send a Tribute Gift in his name to the New England Conservatory
of Music, where he studied music and went on to become a professional musician.
https://necmusic.edu/give