Frank Anthony Valesh

Scottsdale - Frank Anthony Valesh, affectionately known as "Bud" or "Buddy" to his friends, was born on May 21st, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois. Frank and his soon-to-be bride, Inez, met at a wedding shortly before Frank was drafted into the Army. Trading multiple football scholarships for fatigues and a footlocker, Frank was stationed in Germany and France. Inez wrote to him the whole time he was away, showering him with love and pepperoni care packages. The distance only made their bond stronger, and they married in 1956, embarking on a 70-year love story.

Though his athletic career was sidelined, Frank's thirst for knowledge wasn't. He enrolled at Arizona State University at 28, graduating five years later with a degree in mechanical engineering. He then began a successful career at Motorola Aerospace, later leveraging his talents to become a licensed professional engineer (PE).

In 1970, Frank wasn't just keeping pace with technology; he was shaping it. He launched Frank A. Valesh & Associates, where he created "Fortran," a groundbreaking software program for the first generation of personal computers. A decade later, he pioneered the first Computer-Aided Design and Drafting System (CADD).

Frank officially retired at the impressive age of 85, but his zest for life never dimmed. In his later years, he could be found on the dance floor with Inez or regaling everyone with his signature humor, a delightful mix of classic jokes and "dirty grandpa" wit.

Frank is survived by his wife, Inez Valesh; his daughter Christy and her husband, Frederic; and his two grandchildren, Alex and Maxim. He was so beloved that five family and friends chose him to be the godfather of their children.

He now joins his much loved, departed daughter Theresa.

When asked what he would want his departing words to be he declared,

"Saying goodbye is such sweet sorrow,".

While his passing marks a goodbye for now, Frank's legacy of love, laughter, and innovation lives on.