Franklin James Espinola

Born in San Luis Obispo, CA, Frank was raised in Chowchilla, CA. He attended local schools and graduated from Chowchilla Union High School in 1997. School came easy for Frank; he was a good student and excelled at math. He also was a pitcher and a third baseman on the high school baseball team, where he won the league championship in 1994 and 1995. He threw right-handed and batted left-handed. He formed a lifelong friendship with his varsity coach, Ronnie Seals. Ronnie had a major impact on Frank's formation as a young man and was a great mentor to Frank. He loved the game of baseball and played on several travel teams in the Air Force. He had an extensive baseball card collection, and his favorite Major League player was Will Clark of the San Francisco Giants.

On April 22, 1998, Frank decided to join the United States Air Force to serve our country and to make a successful life for himself. He was 18 years old and had just graduated from high school. After Basic Training, Frank was stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base (AFB) in Bossier City, LA, where he trained to be a mechanic for B-52 Stratofortress bombers. He completed his training and earned the title of Aircraft Maintenance Craftsman - or, as most airmen call them, Crew Chief. During his tenure in the Air Force, he was stationed in multiple regions around the world, including Spain, Turkey, Hawaii, and England. He attained the highest rank for an enlisted man in the Air Force as Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt). Lt. Colonel Nathan Bump, USAF and a classmate of Frank's from Chowchilla, noted Frank's friendship and accomplishments: "Frank was a longtime friend, and it was awesome tracking his career as a Chief Master Sergeant. Less than 1% of those who serve attain the rank Frank did, and he did it at a speed that was even rarer . . . a testament to his leadership, talent, and ability." Frank would eventually return to Barksdale AFB, where he was hired at Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) to lead the B-52 Weapons System Team (WST). Frank and his team were responsible for the health of the entire B-52 fleet, encompassing 76 aircraft. After a successful career of 23 years and 2 months in the Air Force, he decided to retire and was honorably discharged on August 31, 2021. The Air Force had a significantly positive influence on Frank's life. It allowed him to travel the world (which he loved); become financially independent; and make new, wonderful friends along the way. Many of his Air Force friends made the sacrifice to fly in from all over the country to be with Frank during his final days. (The family thanks you and salutes you!)

After retiring from the Air Force, Frank bought a ten-acre home in Hallsville, TX. He had many plans for his new place, including restoring his Uncle John's 1961 T-Bird and his Uncle Steve's classic ski boat in his shop. He also enjoyed traveling, either driving or flying to visit friends and family. His trips included stops to California to visit his mother, grandmother, friends, Pessagno cousins, and other family members; Colorado with his buddy, Denny; Pennsylvania to see his car buddy, Mark; Thailand to visit his cousin, Jason; and San Antonio to see one of his favorite punk bands, Pennywise, with his buddy Cory. He had a huge heart and showed it by wanting to see everyone he loved. He also showed his love for his friends and family by buying them surprise gifts at any time of the year (it did not have to be a holiday). And his Texas home was a great gathering place where friends and family could visit him, relax on his patio while looking out at the forest, drink beers, eat cheeseburgers from the local corner store, and joke well into the night. He truly is missed by all.

He is preceded in death by his grandfather, George Espinola of Salinas; his uncle, George Espinola Jr. of Santa Clara; and his aunt and uncle, Janet and Steve Pessagno of Salinas. He is survived by his mother, Joanne Espinola of Chowchilla; his half-brother, Ira Stiggins (Christina) of Chowchilla; his nephews, Ira and Joshua Stiggins; his niece, Victoria Stiggins of Chowchilla; his Grandmother, Alice Espinola of Salinas; his uncle, Doug Espinola (Christin) of Front Royal, VA; his uncle, John Espinola (Theresa) of Los Gatos; his uncle, Stephen Espinola of Sunnyvale; and his aunt, Edith Espinola of Santa Clara. He is also survived by his cousins, Anthony, Stephen (Kendal), Robert, and John Pessagno, Joseph (Brenda) and Michael Espinola, Jason Green, and Emily Pott (Sean).

Graveside Service to be held on June, 12, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.

Chowchilla District Cemetery, 23359 Rd. 14 1/2, Chowchilla, CA

Funeral reception to follow at O'Laughlin Hall, South 3rd and Orange St. Chowchilla

A separate Memorial/Party in honor of Frank will be held Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 1pm at Frank's home in Texas: 9777 FM 449, Hallsville, TX 75650