Thomas Franko

It is with great sadness that we share the peaceful passing of Thomas Edward Franko, of Lyndonville, Vermont, our cherished Dad (the best Daddy ever!), Grandfather, Loving Husband, Well-Loved Uncle, and Friend to all.

Tom passed away on October 22, 2026, at the age of 91. He died peacefully in his log cabin home surrounded by his Loved Ones, with his loving daughter Sue and faithful son-in-law John, and cozy cat companion Sweetie all at his side. Sweetie, his kitty, never left his side.

Tom fought hard to overcome his prostate cancer, enjoying each day, never complaining, and feeling blessed and positive with all the good in his life.

We have lost a true legend, and words cannot describe how fun, loving, and adventurous Tom was. He had an indomitable spirit, always thinking outside the box and trying new ideas, including building log cabins and moving his young family in 1963 from Long Island, New York to the far northeast regions of Vermont.

His passions included camping, canoeing, boating, traveling, walks in the woods, and enjoying the Great Outdoors. He had a true love of all animals and nature.

Tom began his life and was born on July 25, 1935, in Freeport, New York, the son of Ernest Franko, Sr. and Edythe Pearl (Ebeling) Franko. He was raised and educated on Long Island, New York, graduating in 1953 from Malverne High School. In 1953, he proudly enlisted with the Naval Reserves and served honorably until 1961.

He happily married Joan Marie Bolch on November 27, 1955, and together, they shared their love side by side for almost 70 years. Upon their retirement in 1997, Tom and Joan enjoyed 26 years of wintering in Bradenton and Leesburg, Florida.

Tom had many jobs throughout the years, but he was most proud of his fulfilling occupation as a Vermont State Park Ranger at Quechee, Groton (Ricker Pond), and Brighton (Island Pond) Vermont State Parks.

He also enjoyed working as a Caretaker at various Bird Sanctuaries for the National Audubon Society, and also as a Caretaker at the Thetford, Vermont Girl Scout Camp. He was also employed at Lyndon State College and at multiple school districts in Vermont and New York in Maintenance and Grounds.

Tom was predeceased by his Loving Wife Joan in June 2025. He is survived by his two daughters: Carol Sargent and husband Thomas of Moravian Falls, NC; and Sue Cooley and husband John of White River Jct., VT. Four Grandchildren: Fletcher Sargent (Carlie) of Moravian Falls, NC; Jessie Resch (Chris) of Blue Springs, MO; Thomas Cooley (Shayna) of White River Jct., VT; and Laura Cooley of Wake Forest, NC. Five Great-Grandchildren: Nick, Alexa,

Emma and Isla Resch; and Eleanor Sargent. Tom was very loved as Uncle Tom by many loving nieces and nephews.

Tom was also predeceased by one brother, Ernest Franko, Jr.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Sunday, November 8, 1:00-3:00 pm, at Guibord Pearsons Funeral Home, 15 Main Street, Lyndonville, Vermont.

We are all so blessed to have had Tom in our lives. He was such a joy, and we all loved him very much. He will be deeply missed by all the lives who he touched. We will always love him, and we will keep his love in our hearts always.

Memories and condolences may be shared with family at CaledoniaLifeServices.com.