Franklin D. Wakefield

Franklin D. Wakefield, 89, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2024 at his home.

He was born on June 26, 1934 in Emory Gap, TN to Sim Wakefield and Bertie (Isham) Wakefield.

Frank was a legendary bluegrass musician and the most innovative mandolinist of his generation.  Besides his great bluegrass playing, Frank developed a unique picking style he used for playing his many original beautiful and intricate classical style mandolin solos. Frank loved performing and was known for his infectious smile, his liveliness and zany humor on stage and for his “backing talkwards”.

Frank and his mandolin were inseparable. He played his mandolin for hours every day just for the sheer joy of playing.  Frank started playing the mandolin when he was sixteen and he never lost his youthful enthusiasm. One of Frank’s favorite sayings was “When I get to be my age, I want to play the mandolin good as me.”

Frank also enjoyed pitching windmill fast pitch softball.   Frank had many mandolin students over the years. He often would have his students catch his pitching after their mandolin lesson.

Frank was truly a unique personality.  There will never be another Frank Wakefield.

Frank is survived by his companion Marsha Sprintz, a son Frank (Greg) Wakefield, a grandson Joseph Wakefield; a sister Susie Norton and many friends who will miss him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, daughters, Karen, Pam and Patty, brother, Ralph Wakefield, sisters Jean, Barbara, Evelyn, Marlene, Opal, Ruth and Margie.

A graveside service will be held at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at Greenridge Cemetery, 17 Greenridge Pl. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com

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