Franklin Paul Shiner

Franklin Paul Shiner, 79, of Montpelier, VT passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at Woodridge Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

Franklin was born in Burlington, VT on April 16, 1945, to parents Edward Shiner and Dorothy (Fiske) Shiner. Following his graduation from the New York Institute for the Education of the Blind, Franklin attended Ithaca College and Emerson College, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech and Mass Communications in 1971.

Franklin was a fierce advocate for people with disabilities. In the 1980s, he produced his radio program "Sound Service" that advocated for people in the blind community. He has served as the president of the Vermont affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind, was on the board of directors for the Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights, and worked for the Vermont Center for Independent Living. He was also involved in voter accessibility and legislation. Franklin had many interests including beer tasting, going for long walks, and playing the guitar. He was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church in Montpelier and enjoyed singing in the choir. He was a lifelong dog lover, coffee drinker, and Red Sox fan.

Franklin is survived by his loving daughters Esther (Richard) Falbo, of Frederick, MD, and Judy (Aaron) Whited of Parkersburg, WV. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Jackson, Owen, August, Phoenix, and Bella.

Arrangements are in the care of Guare and Sons Funeral Home of Montpelier, VT.

A service to remember Franklin Paul Shiner will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church at 64 State St, Montpelier, VT. A reception will follow. Burial will be held privately at Green Mount Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Christ Episcopal Church of Montpelier, VT, at https://sites.google.com/view/christchurchvt/home (select donate to our Parish) or the National Federation of the Blind at https://nfb.org/contribute/give.

Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com.