Francisco Frank
Lopez passed away peacefully at his home in Whittier, CA on Thursday, November 9, 2017. He was the eldest son of Jose and Trinidad Lopez of Los Angeles, CA and brother to Luis Lopez. He was a proud graduate of the Class of 1957 from Cathedral High School in Los Angeles. Frank then attended Saint Mary’s College of California in Moraga where he met many life-long friends and graduated with a Liberal Arts Degree in 1961. After college, Frank joined the United States Navy and headed east to attend Officer Candidate School in Newport, R.I. In 1962 he graduated and was commissioned an ensign. His first assignment was aboard the U.S.S. Piedmont out of San Diego and over the next 4 years he made 2 tours to the Far East.
In 1964, he married his high school friend, Bertha Canales, whom he had reconnected with and eventually proposed to during a visit to Tokyo, Japan. After leaving the Navy in 1965, Frank continued his studies by earning his teaching credential. What he didn’t know at the time was this would be the beginning of a life-long passion of teaching. In addition to his studies, Frank and Bertha started a family with Christopher being born in December 1965 only to be followed by Kevin, Kenneth and Christine. Even as an engaged teacher, he still made plenty of time to be an amazing husband and father. His first Spanish teaching job would come in 1968 at Monte Vista High School in Whittier. After the school’s closing, he moved to Pioneer High School where he would spend the next 22 years teaching generations of students. Frank was passionate about teaching and had a real interest in connecting with his students. He challenged them every day, helping so many young students to recognize their own potential. He would spend 31 years in total teaching high school Spanish which lead to never being able to go out in the community or even around the world without hearing the familiar words of Hey, Senor Lopez! Do you remember me? I was one of your students.
By 2000, Frank decided to start a new chapter in his life by retiring from teaching. He wanted to slow down his pace so he could enjoy the good life. He has since traveled all over the U.S. and Europe, seeing fantastic destinations such as the Greek Islands, the Baltic capitals and the Panama Canal. In addition to his travels, he was an active member of St. Bruno’s Parish for almost 50 years. Plus now he needed more time as he was an active grandfather to 7 grandchildren who adored their Grandpa Frank.
Frank is survived by his wife of 53 years, Bertha Canales Lopez, his son Christopher and daughter-in-law Connie, his son Kevin and daughter-in-law Cami, his son Kenneth and daughter-in-law Shannon, daughter Christine and son-in-law Alan. He is also survived by his 7 beautiful grandchildren: Riley, Ian, Sydney, Thomas, Maya, Joseph and Nathan.
A public viewing will take place on Thursday November 16th at St. Bruno’s Catholic Church, 15740 Citrustree Road, Whittier, CA from 6-7PM with a Rosary commencing at 7PM. A funeral mass will be celebrated also at St. Bruno’s Catholic Church on Friday, November 17th at 10:30AM.
Frank's last contact info:, 8250 Ocean View Avenue, Whittier, CA 90602 fandblopez@yahoo.com 562-693-0553 cell: 562-338-9116