After a life of love and quiet grace, Douglas M. Franklin of Columbia, CT has passed.
These are some of the moments and memories that shaped his story.
Douglas spent his working life as ['civil engineer'] — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Some bonds are not loosened by absence.
Douglas Mark Franklin, of Columbia, CT passed away peacefully at his home on May 3rd, 2026. He was born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island on March 9th, 1965, the son of the late William J. Franklin and Ellen Swartz Franklin. Doug was a 1995 graduate of the UConn School of Engineering and went on to have a successful career as a civil engineer. Never one for small projects, he had a passion for bridge and heavy highway construction. One of his early projects included work on the Willimantic “Frog Bridge,” where on completion he proudly pushed his children across in a stroller, forever claiming he had “one of the first babies to cross the Frog Bridge.” Doug was a loving and caring brother, uncle, father and husband. He was a calm, steady presence in times of stress and he loved any opportunity to put his problem solving skills to the test, especially if it involved a fishing boat, building a garden for his wife, or helping with his children’s math homework. He did everything with a smile. Doug loved to spend quality time with his close friends and family. Amongst his greatest joys in life was spending time volunteering, coaching his children’s sports teams, and spending time with his loving wife of 29 years. He was always there on the sidelines, giving his time and heart to his children as they grew and their passions changed. He was excited for every soccer game, track meet, baseball game, or swimming practice and he was even more excited to practice these sports at home. He followed his daughter’s rowing career through college and beyond, proudly supporting her as she transitioned from athlete to coach. He enjoyed regattas, rain or shine, and loved stealing his wife’s camera so he may take photos. During the winter, he became “Coach Doug”, spending time on the ice coaching his son in hockey. Starting with “Learn to Skate”, Doug’s passion for the sport grew alongside his son’s. Off the ice, he built hockey nets from scratch and backyard ice rinks. On the ice, he fell in love with coaching and created a hockey family he loved like his own. From those early days through his son’s senior year of high school, Doug remained a constant, devoted presence: sharing not only his love of the game, but his time, patience, and heart. And during all the running around, Doug made every moment a fun adventure for him and his wife, still making time to take the dogs for a walk or a quick nap by the pool. Doug is survived by his wife Christine Franklin; his son Jason Franklin; his daughter Erica Franklin; his sister Kara Franklin Heintz; his niece and nephews and beloved pets. Calling hours will be held on Saturday May 9, 2026 from 9:30am to 11:30am at Potter Funeral Home Willimantic. A private burial will follow for family and close friends at Utley Hill Cemetery in ColumbiaIn lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Beckish Senior Center in Doug’s name. Donations can be sent to the Beckish Senior Center at 188 Middletown Turnpike, Columbia, CT made out to Columbia Seniors Organization.
