Franklin "Don Franklin" "Papa" R. Verduga

Franklin "Don Franklin" "Papa" R. Verduga, age 83, of Grove City, Ohio passed away on March 12, 2026. Don Franklin was born on July 1, 1942 in Guayaquil, Ecuador to the late Diogenes and Laura Verduga. In Ecuador, he spent his early years surrounded by family and friends who adored him. As a young man, he loved playing the guitar, spending time with those he cared about, and enjoying life with his many friends. Known for his charm and warm personality, his light green eyes, and combed back hair, he was often described as a “ladies’ man.” To his family, however, he was something even greater: the favorite son, the favorite brother, and affectionately known as “the king” of the family.

In 1974, Franklin sadly left his family in Ecuador to seek new opportunities and a new life, immigrating to Brooklyn, New York. It was there that he met the love of his life, Geoconda, and her two infant daughters, Vilma and Ana; together they began building their family. While living in New York, Franklin worked many jobs, most notably as a taxicab driver. He enjoyed simple pleasures, sharing a beer with friends, working on cars, and spending time with those around him.

In 1991, Franklin moved with his children, his daughters Ana and Vilma, and his sons Moises and Josh to Ohio to begin a new chapter of life. There, he began what would become a long and dedicated career at the Embassy Suites Hotel, where he worked for 30 years. Franklin took great pride in his work and quickly became known for his reliability, kindness, and unmatched work ethic. He earned the title of Employee of the Year so many times that the hotel eventually stopped awarding it to him simply because he had already won it repeatedly. Instead, he was nominated for the Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association Associate of the Year, an honor he proudly received in 2001, presented by then-Mayor Michael B. Coleman of Columbus.

After retiring, Franklin devoted his time to what mattered most, his family. He loved visiting his daughter Vilma’s home for family dinners. He was completely obsessed with his granddaughter Sofia when she was little, carrying her everywhere all day. Franklin was always fixing things, building gadgets, cleaning, and making everything just right. His family jokingly called him their “Butler” because he loved helping.

When it came to his family, no accomplishment was too small. Franklin would frame it, tell his friends, and cheer for them all. He especially loved telling everyone how strong his granddaughter Rosie was with wrestling, especially the time she easily picked him up after he fell once.

Franklin had a heart that knew no hatred. He loved deeply and openly, and anyone who met him quickly became a friend. There truly was not a person who crossed his path who did not grow to love him. He was known as everyone’s favorite, the favorite uncle, the favorite grandfather, the favorite brother, and the favorite friend. His kindness, humor, and joyful spirit left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.

He shared a special bond with his beloved sister Rosa, who called him daily, often several times a day, to check in and make sure he was doing well. Their closeness reflected the deep love that existed throughout Franklin’s family.

Don Franklin will always be remembered as a man of joy, warmth, generosity, and unwavering love. He was known for his extreme American patriotism and love of country, which afforded his family so many opportunities. To those who knew him, he was more than just a family member or a friend…he was everyone’s favorite.

He is lovingly survived by his children, Moises (Angelica) Verduga, Vilma (Victor) Espinoza, Ana (Edariz) Castilla, Josh (Diana) Verduga, Franklin A. Verduga, Lorena Verduga, Jorge Verduga, Aldo Verduga, siblings, Rosa, Lupe, Leti, Ana, Antonio, grandchildren, Denise, Tatiana, Elijah, Myles, Anthony, Claire, Cholito, Rosie, Jonathan, Sofia, great-grandchildren, Arya, Ace, many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He will be deeply missed.

Family and friends may call on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at Newcomer NE Chapel, 3047 E. Dublin-Granville Rd. Columbus, Ohio 43231for calling hours from 4pm - 6pm with a Christian Funeral Service starting at 6pm.

Franklin “Don Franklin” “Papá” R. Verduga, de 83 años, de Grove City, Ohio, falleció el 12 de marzo de 2026. Don Franklin nació el 1 de julio de 1942 en Guayaquil, Ecuador, hijo de los difuntos Diógenes y Laura Verduga. En Ecuador pasó sus primeros años rodeado de familiares y amigos que lo adoraban. De joven, le encantaba tocar la guitarra, pasar tiempo con las personas que quería y disfrutar la vida con sus muchos amigos. Conocido por su encanto y su cálida personalidad, sus ojos verdes claros y su cabello peinado hacia atrás, a menudo era descrito bien “carismatico con las chicas.” Para su familia, sin embargo, era algo aún más grande: el hijo favorito, el hermano favorito y cariñosamente conocido como “el rey” de la familia.

En 1974, Franklin dejó con tristeza a su familia en Ecuador para buscar nuevas oportunidades y una nueva vida, emigrando a Brooklyn, Nueva York. Fue allí donde conoció al amor de su vida, Geoconda, y a sus dos pequeñas hijas, Vilma y Ana; juntos comenzaron a formar su familia. Mientras vivía en Nueva York, Franklin tuvo muchos trabajos, pero fue más conocido como conductor de taxi. Disfrutaba de los placeres sencillos de la vida: compartir una cerveza con amigos, trabajar en autos y pasar tiempo con quienes lo rodeaban.

Después de jubilarse, Franklin dedicó su tiempo a lo que más le importaba: su familia. Le encantaba visitar la casa de su hija Vilma para las cenas familiares. Estaba completamente obsesionado con su nieta Sofia cuando era pequeña, cargándola a todas partes durante todo el día. Franklin siempre estaba arreglando cosas, construyendo pequeños aparatos, limpiando y asegurándose de que todo estuviera en orden. Su familia bromeaba diciendo que era “nuestro mayordomo,” porque siempre estaba buscando cómo ayudar.

Cuando se trataba de su familia, ningún logro era demasiado pequeño. Franklin lo enmarcaba, se lo contaba a sus amigos y era el mayor animador de todos. Le encantaba especialmente contarle a todos lo fuerte que era su nieta Rosie en la lucha, sobre todo la vez que ella lo levantó fácilmente después de que él se cayó.

Franklin tenía un corazón que no conocía el odio. Amaba profundamente y de manera abierta, y cualquiera que lo conociera rápidamente se convertía en su amigo. Realmente no hubo una persona que se cruzara en su camino que no llegara a quererlo. Era conocido como el favorito de todos: el tío favorito, el abuelo favorito, el hermano favorito y el amigo favorito. Su amabilidad, su sentido del humor y su espíritu alegre dejaron una huella duradera en todos los que lo conocieron.

Compartía un vínculo muy especial con su querida hermana Rosa, quien lo llamaba todos los días, muchas veces varias veces al día, para asegurarse de que estuviera bien. Su cercanía reflejaba el profundo amor que existía en toda la familia de Franklin.

Don Franklin siempre será recordado como un hombre lleno de alegría, calidez, generosidad y amor inquebrantable. Era conocido por su profundo patriotismo estadounidense y su amor por este país, el cual brindó tantas oportunidades a su familia. Para quienes lo conocieron, fue más que un familiar o un amigo… era el favorito de todos.

Le sobreviven con mucho amor sus hijos: Moises (Angelica) Verduga, Vilma (Victor) Espinoza, Ana (Edariz) Castilla, Josh (Diana) Verduga, Franklin A. Verduga, Lorena Verduga, Jorge Verduga y Aldo Verduga; sus hermanos: Rosa, Lupe, Leti, Ana y Antonio; sus nietos: Denise, Tatiana, Elijah, Myles, Anthony, Claire, Cholito, Rosie, Jonathan y Sofia; sus bisnietos: Arya y Ace; además de muchos sobrinos, sobrinas, familiares extendidos y amigos.

Será profundamente extrañado.

Familiares y amigos podrán acompañarnos el miércoles 18 de marzo de 2026 en Newcomer NE Chapel, 3047 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43231, durante las horas de visita de 4:00 p.m. a 6:00 p.m., seguidas por un Servicio Cristiano de Funeral que comenzará a las 6:00 p.m..