April 2021 Gallup Journey Magazine

Dr. Franklin Zecca

By Joanna Baker Dr. Franklin B. Zecca was born and raised in Gallup, where he remained a life-long resident until his death in November of 2020. His father Guido Zecca immigrated from Cosio, Italy and after World War I he settled in Gallup to raise his family. Franklin was the youngest of 4 children, he had 2 brothers and 1 sister. Joe, Aida, and Guido Jr. Franklin was a well-known dentist in town and very active in the Gallup business community, serving as the president of the Gallup Country Club, the Kiwanis Club, the Quarterback Club and was a member of the Homeowners Association in Mesa, AZ were he and his wife, Jerry Lee also have a home. He was also a former chairman of the Gallup Airport Commission, a member of the New Mexico Game Commission and was involved in the Pee Wee Reese baseball league as a coach for 8 years.

Dr. Zecca graduated from the University of MissouriKansas City School of Dentistry in 1966. Prior to his death he was a member of the NMDA since 1967, Northwest Dental Society and West Central District Dental Society. He served as the President of the New Mexico Dental Association in 1986. He also served as a UMKC School of Dentistry member of the Board of Regents and at one point served as chairman of the New Mexico Legislative Council and was a fellow of the International College of Dentistry.

Dr. Zecca is survived by his wife Jerry Lee, they were married for 61 years, she too was born and raised in Gallup. Her grandfather, Dee W. Roberts was the sheriff for McKinley county in the 1930’s and her father Jerome (Jerry) Hurta was a conductor on the railroad.

Together Franklin and Jerry Lee raised 5 children. He is survived by his wife Jerry Lee and 4 of their children, Carol Lee, Glen, Julie, and John, 4 grandchildren and 2 great granddaughters. He is preceded in death by their son Alan in 2007 and his parents Guido and Valentina Zecca. The family enjoyed a long and storied life full of adventure; travel, group and family activities, picnics, fishing hunting trips, and especially bocce ball at home on his own court he built himself.

Franklin and Jerry Lee purchased their current home and land in 1988 so they could raise horses and cattle.

Although they no longer have cattle, Jerry Lee still owns and tends their horses.

Dr. Franklin B. Zecca was born on April 11, 1937 and died from COVID pneumonia on November 27, 2020. A celebration of his life will begin on April 17,, 2021, 10:30 am at the St. Francis church in Gallup.

On behalf of herself and her entire family, Jerry Lee would like to thank everyone for their condolences, graciousness, gifts and love during this difficult time.

The family of Dr. Zecca looks forward to seeing everyone who can join us on April 17th. 2021.

56 April 2021