Franklin Matters: Franklin TV: Ken Norman

Sunday, December 7, 2025

Franklin TV: Ken Norman - In Memoriam

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 12/07/2025

2012. A lovely ‘greening’ day in April. A good day to show off the best of any town. Ken drove me (the new guy) all around Franklin. Nothing desultory about his pitch. I had just been hired as the Executive Director for what would become Franklin.TV. Although I hadn’t officially started yet, I was up for the tour. Ken didn’t disappoint. As Board President of FCCA, Inc., dba Franklin.TV, Ken was all about getting me settled in and fully engaged. He brought enthusiasm for the Town and lots of rich detail and backstory to help me know the community firsthand – to welcome me. Yes, I felt welcomed. Vested. Sold!

A week later. Tuesday. My second ‘official’ day on the job. Ken came to our studio at 13 Main that morning to see if I was okay. He instinctively knew that I had a hill to climb. Humbly, sheepishly, he asked. ‘Did I mind him stopping by? He didn’t want to intrude – get in the way or disrupt anything.’

“Are you kiddin’ me? Gladaseeya! Gladahavya! Anytime. Stop by all you want. Whenever. Sit. Let’s talk.” I welcomed him. He felt welcomed. Vested. Sold.

Thus, a deep abiding partnership was born. Partners in crime. Brothers in arms. Call it what you will, but Ken signed on to the ‘grand vision’ – all of it. Truth be told, he owns as much of any ‘grand vision’ as I do. That Summer we stumped around town looking for a new studio home. We visited other PEG studios. We discussed all manner of issues, opportunities, goals. We cobbled plans. Ken came by 3-4 times every week. Gabfests. More plans. More progress. More vision. More victories.

Ken Norman getting recognized for his services
by State Rep Jeff Roy at the Town Council Mtg 12/20/2023

This was our normal – right up until COVID, when our studio was closed – for 2 years. Together, we adapted. We soldiered on. COVID had its hidden costs for many of us. By 2023 Ken was no longer as spry. Getting around town became more challenging. Over time, I saw less of my partner in crime.

There are many business books on managing, but few on leadership. Visionary leadership is rare. There is leadership – and there is cheerleadership. Ken was a cheerleader – for me, for us, for Franklin. Every vision needs a spark. Ken passed away peacefully on Friday afternoon at The Maples in Wrentham. I miss his spark.

And – as always –