Ben Franklin's cracked gravestone repaired in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA – Repairs are complete on Benjamin Franklin's damaged gravestone in Philadelphia.

KYW-TV reports Christ Church will hold an unveiling Tuesday of the repairs on the grave that holds Franklin and his wife, Deborah.

Caretaker John Hopkins says a crack that had developed in the marble slab was pinned and sealed and the granite base fixed to prevent more damage.

The $80,000 repair was paid for largely with grants, a GoFundMe page and pennies visitors have tossed on the grave for years. The coins are a tribute to the adage "A penny saved, is a penny earned," which is often erroneously attributed to Franklin.

Rocker Jon Bon Jovi and his wife donated $5,000 to help fund the repairs.

Franklin, who died in 1790, is one of seven signers of the Declaration of Independence buried across from Independence Mall.

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This story has been corrected to show that Franklin did not coin the adage "A penny saved, is a penny earned" but that it is often erroneously attributed to him.

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Information from: KYW-TV, http://www.kywtv.com