John Franklin, a longtime Lakewood Township resident who has dedicated more than half his life to public service, is set to retire.

Franklin, 88, moved to Lakewood when he was a young child, and joined a mason business by age 12. Just a few years later, he already had his own business.

About three years in, he answered the call of duty, and joined the Marines, serving the Country for approximately three years, before returning to the construction field.

He began his public service career in Lakewood in 1965, when he joined the Lakewood School Board.

Just two years later, he joined the Township Committee, on which he served for approximately 25 years, including five years as Mayor.

Franklin during those years also served on the Planning Board and Police Commissioner, and eventually became the Director of Public Works. He retired from the DPW in 2010.

After his retirement from the DPW, he was called back to join on the Planning Board.

The next Planning Board meeting, will be his last.

“I hope the decisions I made were rights,” says Franklin, who helped construct both the current Municipal Building, and the current Public Works buildings – which was given the name the “John Franklin Complex”.

“It’s been an honor to stay that long,” Franklin says, with his wife of approximately 65 years at his side.

Lakewood Mayor Ray Coles says it’s hard to see him leave.

“I was hoping I could talk him out of it,” the Mayor told TLS. “There are no words to express our appreciation – he represents everything about Lakewood that I love.”

Watch the exclusive interview below.