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Philadelphia Ben Franklin reenactor Ralph Archbold, 75, dies

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FILE – In this Jan. 17, 2008, file photo, re-enactor Ralph Archbold, portraying Benjamin Franklin, cheers during a ceremony to mark the 302nd anniversary of Franklin\'s birth on Jan. 17, 1706, at Franklin\'s grave at Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia. Archbold, who portrayed Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia for more than 40 years, died Saturday, March 25, 2017, at age 75, according to the Alleva Funeral Home in Paoli, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

PHILADELPHIA – A popular reenactor who portrayed Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia for more than 40 years and married a woman who portrays Betsy Ross has died.

The Alleva Funeral Home in Paoli (pay-OH’-lee) confirms that Ralph Archbold died on March 25. He had turned 75 on January 17th, a birthday he shared with Franklin.

Archbold was a frequent fixture in the city’s historic area and took his homage to Franklin to events around the world.

He and Linda Wilde married in costume at Independence Hall on July 3, 2008.

A family statement lists two sons, two daughters and a stepdaughter among his other survivors.

A funeral home spokesman says the services held for Archbold were private.

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Abbey Westbury

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