AIA West Jersey Loses a Past President

Ronald D. Franke, AIA, of Medford, NJ, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at the age of 84, surrounded by the love of his family.  Ron is survived by his beloved wife Sandra (nee Eibye), two stepdaughters Debra DeTitto (Louis) and Lynda Wertz (David), and granddaughter Jenna Trizano (William).  Dear brother of Joyce Walters, cherished uncle of Kevin Walters (Susan), Keith Walters (Claire), Robert Naylor (Sally) and Cheryl Harris (Fred).  Ron is also remembered by his many cousins, extended family and friends.  He was predeceased in death by parents, and his sister Carol Naylor.

Ron was born in Camden, NJ on August 28, 1940.  He was the son of Augustus and Gertrude (Schoenfeld) Franke.  He attended Moorestown High School in Moorestown, NJ and Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. 

He served in the US Army from 1961 to 1964.

Ron was a self-employed architect.  He owned and operated Architectural Management, Inc. in Medford, NJ for over 45 years.  He was an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) West Jersey, serving as Secretary (1988), Treasurer (1989), and President (1992 & 2000).   He was the recipient of the AIA West Jersey Louis Goettleman Award in 1997 and 2004.  Ron supported his community by doing pro bono work for many affected by the floods in Medford, NJ.

Ron was an avid lover of golf.  He enjoyed playing many courses in NJ and FL, especially Ramblewood and Golden Pheasant Country Clubs.  He participated in many golf leagues and relished recounting tournament exploits to friends and family.  He watched every televised PGA tournament and attended many PGA and LPGA tournaments played in the area. 

Ron was drawn to the excitement of the casinos.  He enjoyed playing the tables and slot machines in Atlantic City and Las Vegas.  Ron was also a member of the English Setter Club in Medford, NJ and loved hunting pheasants with his trusted dogs Missy and Tippy.Time spent with family and friends was very important to Ron.  He treasured the various holidays, birthdays, weddings and other events which kept him close to those he loved, including his many rounds of golf with friends, the Saturday lunches with family at the Moorestown Mall food court and the monthly luncheons with his high school football teammates and coaches.

Ron loved his country music, and often sang the refrain of his favorite songs to family and friends.  He enjoyed attending concerts of his favorite artists and was known to enjoy country dancing at the local fire halls in his younger days.  Ron enjoyed his life to the end, watching countless Westerns in his final years.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the services to celebrate Ron’s life on Saturday, December 7th at Bradley & Stow Funeral Home, 127 Medford-Mt. Holly Road, Medford, NJ 08055.  The visitation will be held from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, followed by a Memorial Service. 

In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Medford Fire & EMS, Station 251, 1 Firehouse Lane, Medford, NJ 08055.

Ron’s life was filled with love, happiness and joy, and he touched many with his generosity and love of life.  His passing will be deeply felt by his family and all who knew and loved him.