LEWISTON – Franklin H. Tapley, 77, of 37 South Boulevard, Norway, passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, Feb. 11, at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center.

He was born on Feb. 13, 1929, in Milo, a son of the late Henry and Irene Tapley. He attended Lewiston schools and served in the Army National Guard and Reserves of Auburn for 36 years. He worked and retired as a firefighter for the Lewiston Fire Department Local 785. He also worked for Allied Medical Ambulance Services and Ace Ambulance Services, Luiggies Pizzeria in Lewiston, a school bus driver for the Lewiston and Auburn school districts, as well as for Maine Oxy in Auburn.

He was a member of St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Norway, the American Legion Post 150 of Mechanic Falls and Post 153 of New Auburn. He enjoyed playing bingo, camping and traveling. For many years he loved spreading Christmas cheer as Santa’s helper.

He is survived by his five children and their spouses, daughters, Lisa Brooks, and husband, Keith, of Auburn and Linda Turmenne, and husband, Marcel, of Lisbon Falls; sons, Kenneth Tapley, and wife, Elaina, of Evington, Va., Gary Tapley, and wife, Patti, of Auburn and Steven Tapley, and companion, Annette Dolbeare, of Bennington, N.H.; his 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; his sisters, Susan Tapley of New York, Joan Breslin of Nevada and Dorothy; and brothers, George Tapley of Florida and David Waring of Florida.

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Virginia (MacDonald) Tapley in 1998, they married in Auburn on July 4, 1974; his parents; a sister, Carol Botteroli; and a brother, Ralph Seavey.

He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. The family wishes to thank the wonderful nursing staff at St. Mary’s Hospital and the doctors, Linda Gifford and Douglas Smith, who helped us through these rough times.