FRANK VERGARA

Frank Vergara
April 14, 1939 - April 3, 2010
Frank Vergara, beloved husband and father, passed away on April 3 at his home in Atwater, California. Frank was born in Fresno on April 14, 1939 to Rosie (Vergara) Magnone. He graduated from Merced High School in 1957 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. where he served his Country from 1958-1960. After he was honorably discharged, he was employed in the Marshall Islands where he continued to serve his Country as a radio operator on the Nike Missile Project.
In 1964, Frank returned to Merced, and met his wife Nancy Degregori of Los Banos. It was love at first sight. They were happily married for 44 years and raised a loving daughter.
While living in Merced, Frank was a founding member of the local Pop Warner Football League and volunteered in the Youth Ministry Program for the Catholic Church. He mentored and inspired many throughout the years with his upbeat attitude, and "never say can't" attitude. Professionally, Frank worked for Sierra Beverage for over 30 years, most recently as an inventory manager before his retirement in 2005. Frank and his family moved from Merced to Atwater in 1993 where Frank's passion for gardening really blossomed. His yard was the envy of the neighborhood. After finishing his chores, he even found time to give his neighbors a helping hand. He used the time he spent in his yard to pray and to thank God for his blessings, including his family and friends. Frank was kind and generous, and always put the needs of others before his own.
In recent years, Frank especially enjoyed his Wednesday breakfasts with his dear friends John and Carmen at Granny's Pantry in Atwater, his day trips with his niece Katie and nephew Neil, and watching his nephews, Ronnie and Justin excel at football. Frank was a sports enthusiast his entire life. One of his most memorable moments was successfully completing the Central California Marathon in 1980 in less than 3 1/2 hours.
Frank is survived by his loving wife, Nancy, and their daughter Karin Murabito and her husband Tony of San Jose. In addition, Frank leaves behind his brother Fermin (Arlene) Vergara, and sisters Vera Clark-Jones and Caroline (Ron) Carter and his nieces and nephews Kristi Johnson, Mike (Jennifer) Vergara, JoAnn, Warren, and MaryAnn Clark, Rebecca Carter, Heather (Levi) Dukes, Vanessa (Tommy) Dowell, and Ronnie and Justin Carter, and great nephews and nieces Kyle and J.J. Johnson, Joshua and Marina Vergara, Daniel and Frankie Favier, Jordann Rose and Colton Dukes, and Colby Dowell. Frank is also survived by his sister in law Janet (Albert) Indart, and his nieces and nephews Katie (Neil) Taylor, Jean (Bernadette) Indart, and Christine (Paul) Wagner, and great nephews Cristian and Gratien Indart and James Wagner.
Frank was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend and he will be missed by everyone who knew him. In loving memory of Frank a donation can be made in his name to Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School, 1625 Center Avenue, Los Banos, CA 93635, St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 1799 Winton Way, Atwater, CA 95301, or a charity of donor's choice.
Visitation at Whitehurst Funeral Chapel in Los Banos Wednesday, April 14, 2010 5-7 p.m., rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. April 15, 2010, Mass at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Los Banos @ 10:00 a.m.; burial will follow at the Los Banos District Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Whitehurst Funeral Chapel, Los Banos,