Lifetime Of Experiences For 98-Year-Old Long Island Woman

LAWRENCE, NY — Bea Franklin has walked through history for a century. The 98-year-old has lived in the same Lawrence home since 1958.

Her late husband wanted to sell the property since it was an empty nest of just two of them, for a step down to an apartment.

"'If you go before I do, I'm going to be carried out of the house,'" Franklin said.

Franklin grew up in Philadelphia and previously lived in Jamaica Estates before venturing east.

While she is not as physically able today, her mind and memory have not failed her.

Franklin is the daughter of one of the Pep Boys' founders, Jack, and the niece of Moe. The automotive service chain is famous for its large three-headed logo.

In the 40s, Franklin went back to school and got a Masters degree in Library Science.

"I worked in local schools, and not so local schools, as a permanent substitute librarian," she told Patch.

She worked in libraries for a decade and would have an active role at her synagogue.

Years earlier, Franklin was a college student at New York University when victory was declared in Japan during World War II in 1945.

The day would be remembered for an iconic photo of a sailor kissing a woman in Times Square.

"I was fortunate enough to be practically in front of them," she said.

She was also "in front" of fame, most notably former heavyweight champion Rocky Graziano, who her husband knew well.

"He was a very good friend," she recalled. "He supplied us with a lot of laughs."

Franklin relayed a story of the personable pugilist, who swapped tires with her car when a hubcap fell off.

Another time Graziano was visiting the Franklins and told a story laced with profanity.

"Rocky, if you don't stop it, I'm asking you to leave," Franklin chuckled.

If there's a secret for Franklin's longevity, it would be: "think positively. Negative thoughts are not part of my life."

She said: "I feel great, despite certain limitations."

Being a nonagenarian allows her extended time with her family, including her three sons, two of whom live in Lawrence; three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.