It's with a profound sense of loss we announce the passing of Franklyn "Dave" Rastley, a compassionate soul known for his humility, dedication, and ambition. Born on the 7th of July 1940 in Gouverneur, Franklyn lived a life that exemplified love, grit, and a commitment to his family and work.
Franklyn was a successful dairy farmer, spending 51 dedicated years in the profession he loved. His ambitious spirit and relentless drive led him to earn prestigious awards for milk production and service as a Director of the Gouverneur Co-Op. His ability to balance hard work with joy was evident in his love for his Pleasant Lake camp, motorcycle rides, and snowmobile adventures in his younger years. He was a man of his word, honest as the day is long, and his greatest joy came from his love for his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Franklyn leaves behind an enriched legacy, survived by his loving wife Shirley of 64 years, they were married August 5, 1961, and his cherished daughters Janet Boyd, Shelley Bush and companion Joe Besaw, Kimberly (Larry) Fuller, Diane (Edwin) Easton, and April (Kenneth) Bonham, a son, David (Ann) Rastley, 12 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Franklyn is preceded in death by his parents Leo and Edna Rastley, his siblings John, George, Eleanor, Jean, Leo Jr., Donald, and Viola, and his son-in-law Franklin Boyd.
As we mourn Franklyn's loss, let's remember the words of the Bible that comfort us in times of sorrow: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Franklyn on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 10:00am at St. James Catholic Church, located at 164 East Main Street, Gouverneur, New York, 13642. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday May 5, 2026 from 3 PM to 6 PM at Frary Funeral Home, 33 Park Street, Gouverneur.
As we honor Franklyn's life, we invite you to share your cherished memories and upload photos of him on the memorial page at www.fraryfuneralhome.com. Let's celebrate a life well-lived, and remember Franklyn for the compassionate, humble, ambitious, and dedicated man he was.
Memorial donations in Franklyn's memory may be made to the St. Joseph's Home in Ogdensburg or to St. James Church in Gouverneur or to the American Heart Association.