Obituary of Franklin Stephen Cumberbatch

Franklin S. Cumberbatch, Sr., known to many as “Frankie”, 77, passed away on April 24, 2020 at 5:45 sunset, at St. Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ, due to complications from COVID 19. Franklin is survived by his wife of 51 years, Ruby Cumberbatch, brother, Mitland Cumberbatch, sons Franklin Jr. and Fernando, in-laws David Hoffman and Sol-ana Martinez, nephew Antonio Cumberbatch and grandson Julian Cumberbatch and countless family members. He is predeceased by his mother and father, Mitland “Fred” Cumberbatch and Hermina Cumberbatch, sister, Marva Dudley, nieces Antonietta Dudley-Sartor and Thyria Caldwell, as well as numerous aunts and uncles. Franklin Cumberbatch, Sr. was born on July 12, 1942, in the Panama Canal Zone. He attended and graduated from Instituto Technologico Rodolfo, a technical high school in Panama. Early on, he was a well-known member of a Batutero team (baton twirling) that competed all over. He was also member of a traveling bowling team, in which he later continued to pursue as a hobby. Like his father, Franklin worked on the Canal Zone in Panama. He then followed his brother and other family members in migrating to the United States in November, 1980, where he looked forward to furthering his skills with better opportunities, later bringing over his wife and two boys. Franklin eventually settled in Highland Park, NJ, where he raised his family, later on becoming an active member in the Youth Facilities within the town. Early on, he worked for Mattel, Continental Cans and Revlon as a Machine Technician. Later, he continued to use his various skills in other fields, such as an auto mechanic, and even a chef at the then Marriot Hotel in Somerset, NJ. When Franklin wasn’t working, and spending time with his family, he was bowling. Bowling was a love and passion of his. After retirement, he continued to participate in bowling leagues at the previously known Brunswick Zone in North Brunswick, NJ, in which he was also part time security. Franklin will be remembered by his large family, extended family and friends – for his warm, welcoming manner, yet stern approach towards pushing others to be their best selves. He will always be remembered for his laughter and charisma at family outings – showing off his dance moves to calypso – and of course his competitive trash talk (winning or losing) during Dominoes. A private memorial service for the immediate family will be held at Plinton-Curry Funeral Home in Somerset, NJ on Monday, May 11 th , 2020 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers the family ask that you make donations in his honor to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. alzfdn.org.