Franklin Harrison

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our father & grandfather, Franklin Harrison. Franklin passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 8, 2025, at the age of 88. It was his wish to pass in this way. God is good.

Franklin “Frank” Harrison was born on November 7, 1936, in Los Angeles, California, to Lloyd Harrison and Jessie Byron Barkman. The youngest of three boys, Frank’s childhood was marked by hardship and upheaval: his parents’ separation (then considered quite scandalous), the Great Depression, World War II, the Korean War (in which both of his brothers served—one in the Navy, the other in the Army), the Vietnam War, and the Civil Rights Movement.

Frank was a devoted champion of women, always honoring their dignity and standing up for their respect. If anyone spoke ill of a woman in his presence, Frank would quietly—but firmly—set them straight.

After his parents’ divorce, Frank and his brothers went to live with their maternal grandparents in Riverside’s Rubidoux neighborhood. He slept on a screened in porch, sharing a bed with his brother. Though money was scarce, Frank later recalled, “Everyone in my neighborhood was poor. We didn’t know any different, but we had what we needed.”

A lifelong sense of adventure was kindled by his friend Don Madariaga’s family, owners of Flabob Airport in Rubidoux. Frank treasured those early flights and remained close to his childhood circle—Don Madariaga, Cois Byrd, James Coy Hayes, LeRoy Smith, and the daughters of his late best friend Les Robertson. Les’s passing at a young age left an indelible mark on Frank’s heart. He also kept in contact with his paternal cousin, Jackie Newman.

Frank’s mother later married Andrew Anagnostopolous of Greece, who became a father figure to Frank. Andrew would have his brothers over to the house and they would all speak in Greek. Andrew would tease the family saying, “You people speak Greek and you don’t even know it!” In his honor, Frank gave both of his sons Greek variations of the name Andrew as their middle names: Andrais and Andres.

Educated at West Elementary in “Belltown” (today’s Jurupa Valley), Jurupa Junior High, and Poly High School, Frank excelled as a sprinter—holding the 100 meter record for decades. As a young man, he helped Andrew prepare taxes, an early testament to his dependable generosity.

In 1960, through his brother Jim, Frank met Carolyn “Sue” Cole. They married on April 29, 1961, in Las Vegas, Nevada. They built a warm, loving home. Proud parents of four children—Tracy Andrais, Carol Marie, Dana Marie, and Ryan Andres—they later raised two grandchildren, Cameron Franklin “Frankie” and Gabriella Alyce “Gabby” Harrison, with the same devotion. Frank is survived by 4 children, Tracy, Carol, Dana, and Ryan, and 9 grandchildren: Logan Harrison, Katrina Harrison, Sophia Harrison, Cameron & Gabriella Harrison, Benjamin, Alexander, Victoria & Jonathan Slawsby. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Joanna Chapman.

Early in their careers, Frank and Sue owned three picture galleries, where Frank specialized in custom framing for some of Hollywood’s biggest names and pursued his own artistry. In the 1960s, he joined Toro Irrigation Company as Operations Manager for over 20 years, then moved on to Pacific Equipment & Irrigation before retiring.

The final two decades of Frank’s life were devoted to Sue and their grandchildren. Even after Sue’s passing, he remained fiercely independent—navigating his home with a walker, making meals, feeding the birds, doing laundry, and keeping his house in order. He never sought help for anything he could do himself—that quiet self reliance defined him.

After Sue passed on January 11, 2024, Frank told his children, “I’m giving you guys a year and then I’m going to meet mom.” We are thankful for the time he gave us. He was in daily agony over the loss of Sue. He held on in large part to be sure Gabby graduated college and she did just that this past December. It was his last gift of selflessness.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather, his brothers Jim and Jayde Harrison, his grandsons Miles and Dylan Harrison, and his beloved wife, Sue. Though he requested no fanfare at his funeral, his family and friends will always celebrate a life marked by kindness, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion.

Frank Harrison will be deeply missed—but his legacy lives on in every life he touched.

A graveside service for Franklin will be held Tuesday, April 22, 2025 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Olivewood Memorial Park, 3300 Central Ave, Riverside, CA 92506.