Franklin Delano Colinco

In the early 1970s, sunny Hollywood, California, welcomed a young immigrant from Bacolod City, Philippines, who would spend the next five decades defining what it meant to live with style, wit, and an unshakeable sense of self. Franklin Delano Colinco, a quintessential "Original Gen X’er" and honors graduate of the Eagle Rock High School Class of 1984, passed away on January 14, 2026, in Chesapeake, Virginia, at the age of 60. He didn't just listen to the soundtrack of his life; he lived it with the kind of vibrant, high-fidelity energy that defined a generation, leaving behind a legacy as colorful and eclectic as a vintage vinyl collection.

Born on December 11, 1965, in Bacolod City, Philippines, Franklin’s rock-and-roll spirit was evident from the jump. Before he even reached school age, he was already finding his harmony, famously belting out the Beatles’ "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da" with his sibling—a joyful, rhythmic preview of the personality that would eventually light up every room he entered.

His formative years were spent navigating Hollywood, California, with his band of “Square Peg” friends. At Eagle Rock High School in the early '80s, he had fully come into his own. He wasn't just a student; he was a presence—a sharp-witted honors graduate of the Class of 1984 who moved through the halls with a blend of fashion and effortless cool. To those who knew him, he was a walking archive of pop culture, always ready with a witty remark or a colorful story.

Franklin’s pursuit of life was characterized by a "vibrant personality" and a "colorful pursuit of living for the day." He moved through the world with the curiosity of an artist and the intellect of a scholar, leaving an impression on colleagues and friends who described him as "a joy to be around."

He is survived by a family that mirrors his own strength and heritage: his parents, Elfren Ramirez Colinco, Sr. and Leticia Delano Colinco, and his brothers, Elfren Junior Colinco and Jason Lee Colinco.

Franklin Delano Colinco was full of wit, style, and a deep musical soul. He remains a testament to the grit and creativity of the Los Angeles immigrant experience—a man who took the "life goes on" philosophy of his favorite childhood song and turned it into a masterclass in living authentically.

He was a joy to be around and, as those close to him have noted, "will be greatly missed by us all." The needle may have reached the end of the record, but the melody Franklin created will play on in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

Franklin is in the care of Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens. While no services are currently scheduled, friends and family are invited to share a memory or light a candle in his honor.