Robert Franklin, Shaw's Fixture, Dies at 54

Robert Franklin, the beloved former Shaw's Supermarket employee whose fight with cancer drew fundraising efforts by local residents, died Wednesday. He was 54.

Franklin, a native of Pelham, Georgia, was a fixture in the store's dairy department and a familiar face to customers. 

"I'm not okay unless you're okay," he was known to tell shoppers.

When they learned that Franklin had been diagnosed with terminal cancer, Darien residents Peggy Barthold, Beth Gardella, and Brandi Maniscalco began an effort to raise money for his care and other expenses.

The trio set up the Robert Franklin Fund and stood outside the supermarket (25 Old Kings Highway) where he worked in March, collecting donations and sharing fond memories. Contributions continued coming in through the past several weeks, Barthold said.

"He was always so helpful and so kind to everyone," Barthold said. "People just liked him because he was such as great guy."

Barthold fondly recalled Franklin's "big smile with the gold tooth," which he would flash when customers came through the dairy aisle or asked his help finding something in the store.

Franklin had been diagnosed with terminal cancer of the lung, liver, and pancreas, but "he's out of his pain and discomfort," Barthold said.

"He fought the battle, and he was a great guy," she added.

Family members of Franklin will receive guests from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday at Hoyt-Cognetta Funeral Home in Norwalk (5 East Wall Street). A funeral will follow at 5:00 p.m.