The online garage of the Gabby Cabby!

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a beloved and iconic figure, Peter Eston Franklin, widely known as “The Gabby Cabby.” Peter departed this world on Thursday, November 28, 2023, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of those who had the privilege of knowing him personally and remotely via a variety of communication channels (newspapers, magazines, radio broadcasts, television, internet-based video, social media, and his website).

Peter Franklin, “The Gabby Cabby,” was the original world-renowned New York City (NYC) taxicab driver loved for his big personality, engaging conversation, friendly demeanor, thirst for knowledge, and light-hearted perspective on current events. For decades, he was a fixture in NYC, driving his yellow cab, which he affectionately referred to as the “yellow mobile conveyance lounge”. He loved striking up conversations with passengers.

Peter Franklin was not just a cab driver; he was a storyteller, a friend, and a cherished member of our global community. Peter’s life journey was marked by a deep passion for connecting with people and sharing their stories. The distinctive yellow cab, a familiar sight on the bustling streets of New York City, was a symbol of his warm personality and genuine love for all passengers and the city he loved. Known for his witty commentary and infectious laughter, Peter turned ordinary cab rides and city tours into memorable adventures. His ability to engage with people from all walks of life, coupled with an innate sense of humor, made every trip with The Gabby Cabby a unique and delightful experience.

During the summer of 1986, during another taxi adventure, his talkative nature opened a world of opportunity. A reporter got in with an associate and asked to be taken to Brooklyn, New York. Peter’s reply was, “Do bagels have holes?” The reporter asked Peter if he could interview him for radio. Peter said of course. During the conversation, Peter said, “Yea, I’m the last English-speaking cabdriver in New York City!” Later, he discovered that the interview was for the BBC World Service. A few days later, News Talk Radio contacted Peter, and then an independent London Radio Station called to say they heard him on the BBC and would like to speak with him about New York City.

The Gabby Cabby was up and running! It was the start of a 37-year career in broadcast media (radio, television and online). Peter faxed many radio stations to offer his services and almost all accepted his offer. The Gabby Cabby’s “True Tales” were born! The Keeler in the Morning Show (Your News, Talk and Sports Leader) on WIBX 950 AM, 106.9 FM, described True Tales as being a special feature where, “New York’s most famous cab driver talks to radio stations around the world with his take on actual stories that happen in the Big Apple. Listen to Peter on the Keeler Show.”

Peter’s True Tales highlighted the local happenings in New York City, and it reached far beyond the major world events occurring in distant lands. In the 1990’s, London’s Biggest Conversation (LBC) radio show was hosted and presented by Douglas Cameron. He invited Peter to be a guest each Sunday for 5-minute spots. Peter was also invited to speak on Radio 702, an “in touch, in tune, and independent,” radio station heard in Johannesburg, South Africa during the fall of apartheid in the early 1990s. He was a guest on Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) for many years during its transition from British rule to Chinese control in the mid-1990s. During the late 1990s, Peter was invited to speak on several radio stations in both Ireland and Northern Ireland during their civil “Troubles”. When trouble came to U.S. soil on September 11, 2001, Peter was there. The BBC contacted Peter, describing him as “New York’s biggest fan” and “the ambassador for New York”. Even as Peter had his own personal troubles, he shared his experiences publicly so that others could benefit. Correspondent, Randall Pinkston, of CBS News (Channel 2, KDKA.com) broadcast a special on how Peter managed his heart disease by being intentional about his diet, lifestyle, and medication. In 2019, the Keeler Show on WIBX welcomed him back Peter to the show after he had back surgery. On April 19, 2020, Peter shared his experience, “living under quarantine” with WIBX listeners. The following week’s show notes records “The Gabby Cabby of NYC, Peter Franklin,” gave positive and light hearted news even during the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic. Even when circumstances were not idyllic, Peter had a knack for bringing smiles to our faces. and hearts.

Peter was not limited to radio and television. He utilized the internet as an effective tool to communicate with the world via his website and social media accounts (Vimeo, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter). He authored the “Gabby Cabby” book, which provided the inside scoop from New York City’s friendly cabdriver. Peter was the voice talent for his audiobook recording, which makes listening so enjoyable that listeners might feel that they are having a private conversation with him. Peter was a writer for several publications, including the Susquehanna Transcript, The New Yorker, Aer Lingus In-Flight Entertainment, Marie Claire (SA), plus many others.


Beyond his contributions to the transportation industry, Peter Franklin was an advocate for New York City long before 42nd Street became a family-friendly destination. He was also passionate about community engagement. Peter was a philanthropist who frequently used his international platform to raise awareness of important topics. He enjoyed uplifting residents and visitors alike and often had positive impacts on the lives of others. Take for example the time Peter and the love of his life, Lalina, were invited by Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus to attend their show as honored guests. The Franklins were invited backstage and got dolled up in clown costumes before going on stage during the show. Although they were quite literally in the spotlight, the true highlight of their evening occurred before the show when wide-eyed children were delighted to be photographed with Peter and Lalina.


Eventually, Peter acknowledged the presence of Parkinson’s Disease, but it did not prevent him from being a featured guest on BBC World News. The international conglomerate invited him to discuss the 2023 FIFA World Cup, which is the most prestigious international men’s soccer tournament in the world (held every four years since 1930). The family rallied together to be supportive and encouraging. They learned several important things worth sharing briefly. If solid oral medications become challenging for someone to consume, request have a compounding pharmacy or Walgreens provide a liquid prescription for easier ingesting. Also, they learned that drinking water is more readily absorbed and bioavailable when consumed with a sunflower seed-sized portion of natural Celtic or Himalayan Sea Salt, which typically contain 82-84 different types of trace minerals essential to helping water penetrate cell walls.

Peter had an exceptional caregiver, his loving wife of 48 years, Mrs. Lalina Franklin. She prepared the most delicious and exquisite cuisine that also met his dietary requirements (low sodium, low fat, low sugar, dairy-free, and gluten-free) from the original recipes she creates and shares on her blog “Mrs. Gabby’s Kitchen”. His favorite cuisine was Italian he loved good ole spaghetti and meatballs (but he also loved Sri Lankan cuisine, food from Lalina’s birth land).  In contrast, he did not care for fatty meats nor eggplants. Lalina knew his preferences, such as stonewashed relaxed fit Levi’s paired with tee shirts, the color blue, and Andrea Bocelli’s version of “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You”.

Peter’s passing leaves a void that cannot be easily filled. He leaves behind a host of family, friends, passengers, listeners, and admirers who will forever cherish the moments spent with him. Preceding him in death are his parents, Phil and Mollie Franklin, his brother Leonard his wife Debbie, and their daughter Suzanna. Left to mourn are his brother Leonard’s son, Danny, brother Jerry and his wife Judy and their sons David and Shai. Peter’s wife, Lalina Franklin, and their children, Nicholas, Catharine, Alexi and their grandchildren, Torrence, and Molly. Friends, family, and those who shared a cab ride and a story with Peter are invited to join in remembering and honoring this extraordinary individual.

As we bid farewell to The Gabby Cabby, let us remember the joy he brought into our lives and the countless smiles he shared with us along the way. Peter Franklin’s legacy will live on in the stories he told through media, the laughter he inspired, and the warmth he brought to the city he called home. May he rest in peace, forever cruising the streets of our memories.