Obituary of Franklyn S. Topliff

Franklyn S. Topliff, of Gloversville, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 31, 2017, at the Nancy Dowd Mountain Valley Hospice Home, Gloversville, New York. He was born February 18, 1921 to H. Stroah Topliff and May (Smith) Topliff LaBarr. He was 96 years old. Franklyn graduated from Gloversville, High School and enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served for 3 years in Europe. Franklyn worked for a couple of aircraft companies, G.E., other companies and Mohawk Cabinet, later called Hussman's as an Ark welder, retiring in 1984. He was also self-employed, with his wife, in the business of silking gloves. He was also a musician. He worked for several orchestras, bands and combos and until very recently, for 40 years, with singer Fran Dybas. At the young age of 5 years old, he taught himself to play the piano. He had no formal training. Franklyn walked 5 miles every day for many, many years. He was very handy and did many jobs around the house. He built a walk-in closet as an addition, paneled and built a closet in the bedroom, remodeled the kitchen, sanded and varnished all of the hardwood floors and many, many other jobs around the house. Franklyn's family meant the world to him. He was married to the love of his life, Beatrice J. Sprung Topliff on June 14, 1947. She predeceased him on May 21, 2015. He is survived by his children Kenneth C. Topliff (Gina Ruller) of Hudson, Florida, Carol B. Topliff Johnson of Gloversville, New York and Douglas S. Topliff of Gloversville, New York; his grandchildren Jason T. Topliff, Leila L. Johnson, Yassin L. Johnson, Jephthah A. (Amy) Johnson, Annabelle Topliff (Ollie), Stroah (Tajia) Topliff and Tanisha Topliff and his great-grandchildren Beaza, Zemzem, and Keyre, Robert Bultman, Thaddeus Johnson, Arya Johnson, Joshua Graham, Jr., Aidan Foster and Sophia Topliff. He is also survived by serval nieces, nephews and other family members. He was predeceased by his parents, wife, grandson Ryan K. Topliff and sister Helen Kneaskern. The family will receive relatives and friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont St., Gloversville, where a Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 with the Rev. Dr. R. W. Williams officiating. Interment will take place at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Nancy Dowd Mountain Valley Hospice Home, 108 Steele Ave; Gloversville, NY 12078.