* Franklin C. Price; Controller, Longtime Musician

Musician Franklin C. Price, who also worked as a controller, died Dec. 16 at his home in Santa Paula. He was 73.

He was born April 8, 1927, in Chicago to Chester and Mildred Price.

He grew up and went to school in the Chicago area and joined the Navy in 1945, serving aboard the destroyer Hollister.

In 1948, he married Mairiam Unterberg and worked for Benjamin Moore Paint. Music was his passion and he played drums, vibes, trumpet and flute at clubs throughout the Chicago area.

Ten years later, he moved to Santa Barbara and then in 1960 to San Francisco, where he played at Big Al’s Gas House at Candlestick Park. He also played at several other clubs in the Bay Area. While living in the Bay Area he worked as a controller for Argonaut Insurance.

After suffering a stroke in 1976, he moved back to Santa Barbara for rehabilitation and enjoyed a new passion playing golf. Recently he had renewed his ability to play the drums.

Price is survived by Billie Radcliffe of Santa Paula, his companion for 19 years; daughters Pamela Dunford of Santa Barbara, Janice Ridgley of Heron, Mont., and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by brothers Chester and Don Price and a sister, Frances Murphy.

A memorial service is scheduled at noon Jan. 7 at Hillview Estates, 15711 W. Telegraph Road, Santa Paula.

Memorial donations may be made to Santa Clara Valley Hospice, P.O. Box 365 Santa Paula, CA 93060 or to the Channel Cities Jazz Society, P.O. Box 51333 Oxnard, CA 93031.

Arrangements are under the direction of Pierce Bros. Stetler Mortuary in Santa Paula.