Franklin G. Hovey II of Danville passed away Monday, Sept. 20, 2010, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center of complications from a sudden health condition. He was born in St. Johnsbury on May 13, 1949, one of two children born to Franklin and Genevieve Piper Hovey. His mother passed away in 2003, his father in 1972. Franklin graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy with the class of 1968. He went on to attend Bentley College and Lyndon State College. Franklin worked with his father as a Realtor at Hovey Real Estate, Inc. and was a director with Citizens Savings Bank & Trust Co./Union Bank. He was also a proud member of the Elk's club. His greatest loves were his family and Danville. He and Donna were able to build their dream home two years ago and recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Franklin enjoyed traveling with his family and friends. He was a proud father of four: a son who owns a contracting business, a son who recently graduated from college studying both locally and abroad, a step-daughter who is married and works in the travel and insurance industry, and a step-son who is married, works in finance and gave Franklin his first grandchild. Franklin was a unique character with a "wicked" sense of humor and he loved telling stories. He was pragmatic and known for not mincing words. He had a passion for skiing, kayaking, trivia and gardening. He loved driving the back roads and haying with family, and had a small farming operation. He enjoyed cooking, especially with his new pizza oven. As a young man he got his pilot's license and flew with Larry McGraw. Franklin also enjoyed the times he flew with Peter Crosby and Abel Toll to Block Island and the times he and Howard Crawford had in Howard's houseboat. Franklin was fortunate to have many friends, including his lifelong friends David Coburn, Denison Amidon and Dana Kallahan. He enjoyed playing poker with his Thursday night poker buddies and cards with friends. Frank frequently stopped by Kate Beattie's kitchen for coffee and Tim's Deli for breakfast and conversation. Franklin is survived by his wife, Donna, of Danville; four children, Franklin G. Hovey III of Danville, Matthew Hovey of Montreal, Jennifer Lewis Monahan and husband Frank of St. Augustine, Fla., Christopher Lewis and wife Michelle of South Burlington; one granddaughter Kathryn Powers Lewis; his sister Susan Mercia and husband Bill of Hinesburg and their three sons; Donna's four brothers and sisters and their families: Terry and Annie Powers of Joe's Pond and Philadelphia, Sandy and Mark Grenier of St. Johnsbury, Susan and Mike Bedard of Palmyra, Pa., and Judy and David Lavely of Danville. Memorial services will be held in St. Johnsbury this Saturday, Sept. 25 at 2 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church (located 36 Central St.). A reception will follow at the Elks where "Franklin" stories will be shared. Given his love for Danville, memorial contributions could be directed to Danville Rescue, 379 Brainerd St., Danville, VT 05828.