Franklyn E. Dunham

August 19, 1933 - March 5, 2022

Franklyn E. Dunham, also lovingly known as Pinky, 88, formerly of Endicott, NY passed away peacefully on March 5, 2022, on a sunny, blue sky Florida day. Born on August 19, 1933, to Aylene and Delbert Dunham, Franklyn was the last remaining of his siblings: brothers,  Delbert, Jr. and George; sisters, Jane Loeffier, Charity Seifert, and Elizabeth Twomey.

Franklyn graduated from Union-Endicott HS in 1951 where he excelled in football and track. Upon graduation, Franklyn enlisted in the army and served during the Korean War. Franklyn later attended Harpur College (SUNY Binghamton) and received his degree in Social Studies Education. While attending school, Franklyn met V. Annette Hoaglin and the couple married on July 29, 1955. The couple spent 66 years together and raised 4 children. Franklyn found education to be a rewarding career; he began as a Social Studies teacher and later received his master’s degree in School Administration from Cornell University. Mr. Dunham went on to become an Assistant Principal and then an Elementary School Principal for the Central Square Central Schools.

Franklyn was a ferocious reader, especially enjoying poetry by Robert Frost. Franklyn loved anything outdoors; walking/hiking, bird watching, gardening, fishing, hunting, scuba diving, skiing, and beekeeping. One of his happiest memories was taking his grandchildren camping all over the country. Later in life, Franklyn enjoyed baking and cooking, especially making delicious pasta sauces. He and Annette enjoyed traveling throughout the US and Europe and made many amazing memories and friends along the way. 

Franklyn is survived by his wife, Annette; children, Sallie Dunham–Davis, Holly Dunham-Wheeler (Brian), Martin (Debbie), and Terri Dunham-Bay (Steve); grandchildren, Zachary Davis, Alexis Davis, Megan Schweiger (Joel), Ian Wheeler, Connor Dunham, Chad Dunham, Miranda Bay and Curtis Bay; as well as five beautiful great-grandchildren and numerous nieces & nephews.

Private Memorial Services will be held at a later date.

Memorial Contributions in memory of Franklyn are suggested to Hope Hospice, 2430 Diplomat Pkwy E, Cape Coral, FL 33909.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. Debbie Dunham Mar 10, 2022 at 3:14 am

    My dear Father in Law was a wonderful man.

  2. Tony Alesci Mar 10, 2022 at 5:46 am

    My high-school principal. Truly a good man and highly respected. My sincerest condolences to Marty and his family.

  3. Patty Dunham Mar 10, 2022 at 6:44 am

    So many fun memories with Uncle Pinky and Aunt Ann like growing the watermelon! Really, of course, I hung with the cousins and they (and Annette) have all my sympathy at this time. Celebrate a life well lived.

  4. Tisha Lewis Mar 10, 2022 at 7:13 am

    Well I used to frustrate the heck out of him but he was a great mentor, and later a good friend. He always had a 6th sense of when I was “not in class” where I was supposed to be…We lost touch years ago, as often happens once we leave our “school environment” but whenever I ran in to him the first sight would be us just laughing at each other, followed by a big hug. I remember how proud he was when he found out I became an advanced open water diver…. He was definitely an icon to the students of the 70’s and to his beloved wife and children. I send you all the sincerest and deepest sympathies in the loss of this wonderful, warm and compassionate man. He absence will be a great loss to us all.

  5. Scott Lusher Mar 10, 2022 at 8:08 am

    Mr. Dunham lived a good life and enriched many lives, including mine. I am proud to know him!

  6. Yvonne M. Redhead-Evans Mar 10, 2022 at 8:50 am

    He was our Principle, and everybody loved him, so sorry for all your loss, great man.

  7. Robin Carpenter Jones Mar 10, 2022 at 9:59 am

    Mr. Dunham was a great man!! My sincere condolences to Marty and his family 🙏❤️‍🩹🙏

  8. Pam Squadrito Mar 10, 2022 at 11:42 am

    A kind and caring man. He always had a smile when walking the halls of PV Moore. Prayers for his family and friends🙏🏻

  9. Leonard Hass,Sr. Mar 10, 2022 at 3:29 pm

    Many fond memories of Frank!!!

  10. JoAnne Kozloski Mar 10, 2022 at 9:44 pm

    Frank was “the wind beneath our wings” at Cole. He guided us and mentored us. One very special person

  11. John Sobotka jr Mar 10, 2022 at 10:04 pm

    Mr. Dunham was a kind and Gentle man and always supportive of all the students. He will be Greatly Missed by many.
    To Mrs. Dunham and the Family,
    I send my Love and Prayers at this time for your loss.

  12. Sandy Jarvis Mar 10, 2022 at 11:08 pm

    A fair man, good principal, and friend in later years. He led a full life. My condolences to his family.

  13. Nora Ostrander Mar 11, 2022 at 12:09 pm

    Sincere condolences to Ann and all of Frank’s family. He was a wonderful man and a great principal who supported the children and staff at Cole Elementary. We carry fond memories of him and will miss him. He left his mark on so many. Godspeed Frank!

  14. Amy Semmons Mar 11, 2022 at 2:31 pm

    Many good memories of visiting with Franklyn and Annette in Washington. Fred and Carol Valentine always enjoyed their company. We wish all the extended family happy memories and love.

  15. Kathie Meredith Mar 11, 2022 at 3:59 pm

    Uncle Pinky was always kind and ready for a good laugh.

  16. Gail Mar 11, 2022 at 4:32 pm

    He was a good principal. RIP

  17. Joyce Wisner Mar 11, 2022 at 8:07 pm

    I was on the secretarial staff at Central Square school hired by Frank. He was very fair.
    My sincere thoughts and prayers to Ann and his family.

    Joyce Baxter Wisner

  18. Ralph Gazda Mar 12, 2022 at 7:21 am

    “Frank” and I got to know each other fairly well during my time under his (sometime very close) supervision. Although we did not always see eye to eye, I believe we developed a mutual respect. I never lied to him, he was always straight with me. He was consistently fair. I can pay him no greater compliment. My condolences to his family .
    Requiescet in pace.

  19. Barb Amedro Mar 12, 2022 at 9:41 am

    Frank was a good leader, educator and friend. Many wonderful memories from school and skiing. My hopes are wonderful memories comfort Ann and the family through this difficult time.

  20. Ed and Claire Sullivan Mar 12, 2022 at 9:43 am

    So sorry to hear of Frank’s passing We have many fond memories of Frank, Ann, and the kids in Central Square. He will be missed.

  21. Jimmy born Mar 12, 2022 at 12:01 pm

    Greatest principle ever I thank God he never gave up on me. RIP pinkie save a spot for me in your office on the other side

  22. James Perfield Mar 12, 2022 at 12:16 pm

    I remember Mr Dunham’s ability to keep order just by being present and zeroing in on inappropriate behavior with a simple stare without comment. Reading his obit I was impressed how much he enjoyed family and simple things. My condolences to family and friends. May his memory be eternal.

  23. Paul Cardinali Mar 13, 2022 at 7:19 am

    I am sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. He was a special person with a wonderful sense of humor tempered by deep wisdom and compassion. I was privileged not only to work with Frank but also with his entire family with whom I have many wonderful memories.

  24. Mike Brill Mar 13, 2022 at 7:31 am

    Mr. Dunham was the GOAT school administrators and I am thankful to have been at PV Moore when he was there. A fair and widely respected man whom I admired. I had a few of his admonishments in school but I learned much more from him than I think he even knew. Thank you Mr Dunham for your service to our. country and to the public school system.

  25. Alice Mar 13, 2022 at 11:04 am

    I was so sorry to hear of Frank’s passing..Some of us share many fond memories of his leadership at A. A. Cole. My condolences to the family.

  26. Sharon St John Mar 13, 2022 at 1:52 pm

    Holly, I’m sorry for your loss. You are the kind of daughter that must have made your dad so proud and so happy to see your success in life. I know he must have been a kind, intelligent and compassionate man to have had a child like you. I’m certain his absence in your family will be profound. I send my condolences to your entire family.
    Hugs, Sharon

  27. Frank Molinari Mar 13, 2022 at 2:59 pm

    I was fortunate to have worked with Frank for a number of years. I considered him to be a kind and gentle man. Spent time skiing and fly fishing with him and always enjoyed and valued his friendship. Our deepest sympathy to Ann and family. May he Rest In Peace.

  28. Belinda Smith-Blanck Mar 13, 2022 at 6:58 pm

    To the Dunham family, condolences on the passing of your beloved father. Sallie was my classmate at Central Square. Hoping your love and memories bring you comfort of this good man fondly remembered by many in Central Square.

  29. Debi VanSlyke Mar 13, 2022 at 7:24 pm

    Mr Dunham was a great principal and vice principal and we had had several conversations about Robert Frost who was one of my favorite poets and also his I will cherish those memories and remember them may he rest in peace and to the family you are in our thoughts and prayers

  30. Colleen Sheedy Kilcoyne Mar 19, 2022 at 5:58 pm

    Marty, your father was an amazing man. I really liked him in High School. He always made me and others feel good about themselves. I am so very sorry for your loss.

  31. Michael Keib Mar 23, 2022 at 2:46 pm

    Long is the reach of an educator. Deep is the influence of an effective mentor. Mr. Dunham had a positive influence upon many of us. Fair, kind, intelligent & at times humorous.

    I recall a day in junior high school I was in your office (for some homework or assignments that I probably didn’t do.) You didn’t see a lazy kid but rather a kid who wasn’t challenged and you told me something quite unexpected. School is different for all of us, “Follow my dream in life, but know that your future often depends on what you do today.” I’ll never forget that day.

    Thank you for your non-confrontational advice, your service to our country and your dedication our community.

  32. Fern M. Lewis Apr 29, 2022 at 9:23 am

    Frank was my principal at A.A. Cole. He was a truly wonderful man who loved people and especially children. I remember spending the last day of a school year at his house for picnic and good by to staff. At the end of afternoon his dog delivered us our final paychecks of the year. Another time he was observing in my room and in the middle of my lesson some kid pulled the fire alarm and we all had to leave the building. When we returned, he just sat down and I continued with the lesson. I remember he commented how he enjoyed how I got everyone back on track. Think it was the best evaluation I ever got thanks to the kid who pulled the alarm. So many happy memories of Frank. Thank you my dear friend for always being there with laughter and joy.

  33. Sue (and Bill) Bradley Aug 19, 2022 at 11:32 am

    Frank’s birthday popped up on my Facebook and I saw that he had passed this year. Frank (and Ann!) were dear friends that we skied with on many trips! Such a wonderful man! ❤️ So sorry for your loss!

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