J. Scott Franks

J. SCOTT FRANKS, age 68, of Downingtown, a prominent Philadelphia advertising executive, passed away on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 after battling complications following a severe stroke.

Born in Danville, PA on April 6, 1952, Mr. Franks grew up with his parents Clifton and Nancy, and his brother Mark, in Harrisburg PA.  He was a star track athlete at Central Dauphin High School and subsequently earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from West Chester University in 1974. In 1975, he married Maureen Diane Franks (nee Loweree).  The two met during their studies at West Chester and quickly fell in love.  He proposed right after graduation.

Mr. Franks began his career at the Chamber of Commerce in Valley Forge, PA.  He quickly proved his unique ability to build trusted professional and personal relationships. In 1985, he joined Ketchum Communications where he found his passion for advertising that would guide the rest of his career.  He moved on to become the President of Ketchum, followed by Executive Vice President of Earle Palmer Brown in 1994.

In 1996, he joined Tierney Communications in Philadelphia where he ultimately assumed the role of CEO/Chairman. Mr. Franks had exceptional public speaking and communication skills.  Whenever he told a story, people would light up and still to listen. In his 20+ years of executive marketing experience, Mr. Franks launched or restaged over 100 regional, national and global brands, including Dupont, Commerce Bank, ABC Sports, Pizza Hut, Blue Cross/Blue Shield Association, and Unisys. He was adept at building world class teams and award-winning marketing programs.

In 2006, he launched an entrepreneurial career path as COO of Azuna 3D Media Company, a technology driven 3D start up company, and took on various consulting roles in the Philadelphia area.

Mr. Franks loved playing golf, sporting clays and spending time with his family.  He was an active member of the Downingtown Country Club where he enjoyed golfing with his friends.  Mr. Franks was always a loyal Philadelphia sports fan and would not miss an Eagles game. He had a fantastic sense of humor and always kept a positive outlook in life.

Above all else, he was a devoted, loving father to his two girls.  He is survived by his two daughters, Suzanne and Nancy, as well as his brother Mark.  He is also survived by his new grandson, Jonathan Scott.  Mr. Franks was predeceased by his father, Clifton H. Franks and his mother, Nancy Franks (nee Hippensteel), as well as his beloved wife Maureen who passed away in 2012 after battling an aggressive form of lung cancer.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit the family Saturday, March 6, 2021 from 12:30-2:30 PM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 366 West Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, PA  (610) 989-9600 and to his Prayer Service at 2:30 PM.  Interment private.

Masks are to be worn when visiting the family and to the Prayer Service.  Social distancing is to be observed.

To view Mr. Franks' obituary in the Philadelphia Inquirer - https://www.inquirer.com/obituaries/j-scott-franks-advertising-executive-obit-obituary-20210224.html