Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Franklin Zia Obituary
Aug 31, 1949 - Nov 24, 2019
On Sunday, November 24, 2019, Franklin Cheng-Meng Zia, loving husband, brother, uncle, and step-father, passed peacefully at home in San Anselmo, CA at 3:33am at the age of 70, in the presence of loving family and friends.Frank was born on August 31, 1949 in Mumbai, India to Zung Jai Zia and Mary Hsu-Chin Zia. He and his family arrived in the United States on March 1, 1950 aboard the ocean liner Queen Mary. The family began their new life in New York City in the borough of Queens. He graduated from East Brunswick (NJ) High School and went on to receive a degree in Art History from Columbia University in 1971. Following graduation he migrated west, settling in San Francisco in 1974. After resettling in California, Frank owned and operated Shigoto-Ya, a custom cabinetry business in Pt. Richmond, CA for over 30 years, specializing in asian-style design. On August 25, 2012, he married Teri Horn.
Frank was a steadfast friend, whose love and generosity was felt deeply among those fortunate enough to know him. His infectious grin and disarming sense of humor made new acquaintances feel like lifetime friends, which they frequently became.
Frank will be remembered for his creative spirit, eschewing store-bought gifts for beautifully handmade wood crafts. An avid sports fan, Frank loved skiing, golfing and could be found each spring cheering for the San Francisco Giants in his season ticket seats along the first base line at AT&T Park.
Frank was preceded in death by his father, Zung Jai Zia, and his mother, Mary Hsu-Chin Zia. He is survived by his wife Teri, his step-son Matthew, daughter-in-law Ashley, his sister Julia, brother William, his niece Lena and his nephews Adam, Ryan, Brian, & Randall. Frank's family would also like to extend their profound gratitude to Karen & Craig Volpe, who selflessly gave their time, care & love to Frank & Teri during Frank's final months.
A funeral service will be held in December for close friends & family and a celebration of life will be held in the spring, date TBD. In lieu of flowers, Frank's family requests that you contribute to Hospice by the Bay or Everytown for Gun Safety.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Franklin Zia
5 Entries
Bobbie
December 1, 2021
We miss you, Frankie.
Thomas Mitchell
February 7, 2020
This is sad news. I just learned about it yesterday.
Frank and I met in 1974 while waiting in line at the Great American Music Hall for a Jerry Garcia Band show.
Frank was a very talented, smart person. I had not seen him in years.
Tom Mitchell
other108 at burlingtontelecom dot net
David Janes
January 5, 2020
You will be sorely missed Frank...You were so much fun to be with and we share many great adventures together with Teri by your side. Your fun nature and great attitude will never be forgotten. Thanks for the fond memories. Will reach out to Teri and insure she is carrying forward. RIP.
David & Jeri Janes
Bobbie Miller
December 12, 2019
Frankie - wow. What a guy. So lucky to have been able to spend so much fun time with him. Love to Teri and Matthew.
Doug Orr
December 8, 2019
Frank was my sophomore year roommate and he and I spent the summer of 1971 traveling across the country hiking and climbing mountains. I have been trying to locate him for several years and it saddens me that I had to find him this way. I live in Berkeley and I did cabinetry work while I was in graduate school in Boulder. We always did have a lot in common. My condolences to Teri, who I never met, and to Julia, who I did have the opportunity to meet.
Doug Orr
[email protected]
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in Franklin Zia's name
Memorial Events
for Franklin Zia
How to support Franklin's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Franklin Zia's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
