Obituary of York Franke

York Franke, a longtime Madison resident, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at Morristown Medical Center. He was 82.

York is survived by his two devoted sons, York C. Franke and his wife Tracey Brennan-Franke of Chester Twp. & Erik Franke of Madison; one sister-in-law, Shirley Mahoney and her husband Dennis; one granddaughter, Andrianne; one great-granddaughter, Desani; three loving nieces, Shawn Lourie and her husband Steven, Ashley Leuthe and her husband Brian, and Erin Mahoney and her husband Joshua Earwood. 

In addition to his parents, York was predeceased by his beloved wife, Phyllis B. Franke (née Barrett) in 2022. 

York was born in the midst of WWII in Eutin, Germany to the late Edith & Walter Franke, and was raised there with his siblings, Wolfgang and Klause.

He enlisted into the West German Army during the Cold War and proudly earned the rank of Sergeant. During his service, he wanted to better learn the English language so through a business contact of his father’s, he began to correspond with Phyllis Barrett. York and Phyllis corresponded by mail on a regular basis. After some time, York travelled to the United States to meet Phyllis in person. At the end of that stay York proposed to Phyllis. They were married at St. Vincent Martyr Church in Madison.

After their wedding Phyllis and York returned to Germany for him to complete the rest of his military service. The couple eventually welcomed their first son, York Jr. After he was born, they travelled back to the United States, settling in Madison. A few years later they had their second son, Erik. 

York was hard-working and industrious, and most importantly a wonderful father and husband. He was always there for his sons and one of his greatest memories was supporting his sons throughout their years playing little league baseball in Madison.

York had a long career in the textile industry, which he knew inside and out. He was expertly versed from the production processes through how the machinery operated. He oversaw the manufacturing of textiles and fabrics of all kinds, including the weaving of fabrics and clothing production on an industrial scale. After his retirement he kept busy with a new job working with his sons.

York treasured the simple things in life and he took nothing or anyone for granted. Second to his time with his family, York was happiest working in the sun in his garden on Oxford Lane. 

York will be deeply missed by his family and friends. May he Rest in Peace, his work here is done. 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation for York on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Fr. Brian Sullivan. 

Interment will follow at St. Vincent's Cemetery, Madison.