FRANCIS ELSON LOONAM Jr.

Loonam, Francis Elson Jr., passed away peacefully in the early morning on Wednesday, October 13, 2010. He was 82 years of age. Frank was born in 1928, in Tacoma, Washington, where he grew up. He attended Bellarmine College Preparatory School where he played football and was active in student government. During his senior year Frank was elected class president. Over the course of his life, Frank kept in touch with many of the dear friends he met while attending Bellarmine. After high school, Frank attended Seattle University where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Upon college graduation he served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy during the Korean War, on the aircraft carrier USS Valley Forge. Over the course of his life, Frank fascinated his friends and family with dramatic "true" stories which took place on the bridge of the Valley Forge where Frank worked frequently as the Officer of the Deck. Upon leaving the Navy, Frank found work in the engineering field. A position in San Francisco allowed him to become reacquainted with Eileen Lee whom he had initially met while attending Seattle University. Frank and Eileen were married in San Francisco in 1960. Frank and Eileen eventually settled in Santa Ana, California in the early 1960's where they raised their four children. Frank was active in his church parish, St. Cecilia, and kept his family at the center of his life. He will be most remembered as a generous and warm husband and father. He had the enviable ability strike up a conversation with anybody and was always quick with a joke. Frank was preceded in death by his father, Francis, and his mother, Theresa. He is survived by his wife, Eileen; his four children, Mary, Stephen, Erin and Edward; and his brother, James. Frank also leaves ten grandchildren, Alissa, Katie, Megan, Molly, Danny, Emilee, Michelle, Kendall, Corey and Jimmy. A rosary and memorial service celebrating Frank's life will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 19th, at St. Cecilia Church in Tustin, Ca. A reception will be held in the Parish Hall immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to "St. Cecilia Mission" at 1301 Sycamore Avenue, Tustin, Ca, 92780. Frank will be missed by all his family and friends.