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Frank Menacho Obituary
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Santa Cruz, for Frank Menacho on Monday, August 23, 2010 at Holy Cross Catholic Church 126 High Street, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Immediately following the mass, will be a reception where Frank's life will continue to be celebrated at the Holy Cross Hall.
Frank passed away peacefully at home with his loving family at his side, after losing a courageous battle with stomach cancer. He was 78.
Frank was born in Mt. View, CA, the son of Frank & Fanny Menacho. He grew up in San Jose where he was a member of the first graduating class of James Lick High School. He also attended San Jose State and Santa Clara University.
Frank retired at age 51, after working 30 years at the Ford Motor Assembly Plant in Milpitas, one of his many positions was as superintendent of body, paint & trim in the truck department. After retiring the family moved to Santa Cruz, Ca. in 1981.
He looked forward to playing golf at the Pajaro Valley Golf Club with all his friends in the Baldwin Bangers, and was fortunate to have made 3 holes in one, throughout his golfing days.
One of Frank's greatest pleasures was being a member of the Sons in Retirement of Watsonville Branch #89 where he was named an honorary life member in 2006. He served at Big Sir in 2001 & 2004 and currently in the Little Sir.
Frank also looked forward to helping the Grey Bears of Santa Cruz package food for the seniors.
Two of his favorite hobbies were hunting, fishing at Eagle Lake, and also joining his buddies to ocean fish from the Santa Cruz & Monterey Bay. He was known as the Cruise Director for the Old Man's Fishing Club!
Frank's greatest gift was the love and concern he devoted to all his family & friends. They were of paramount importance to him, and the lifelong friendships he made will forever be cherished.
Frank was a loving husband to his wife of 57 years Betty J. Menacho of Santa Cruz, a loving father to his son Frank Menacho, Jr. and daughter in law Martha Menacho of Paso Robles, and daughter Christy Azevedo and son in law Roger Azevedo of Santa Cruz, loving grandfather to Natalie Menacho of San Francisco, Jennifer & Nicholas Menacho of Los Gatos, Breanna, Alexis and Anthony Azevedo of Santa Cruz. A sister, Florence Andreoli of San Jose and a brother Philip Menacho of Vancouver, Wa.
Special Thank You to Matt for his love, care and guidance. Thank you to Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, a tuition gift may be made to further the education of Anthony Azevedo, C/O Holy Cross School, 150 Emmet St., Santa Cruz, 95060 Or; Alexis Azevedo, C/O St. Francis Central Coast Catholic School, 2400 E. Lake Ave. Watsonville, CA 95076. Please write on your check memo: Anthony Azevedo or Alexis Azevedo.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frank Menacho
Breanna Azevedo
August 18, 2011
Papa,
It's been about a year since you left us to sit with the angels. Not a day passes where I don't think of your warm smile, or feel your presence. You were an amazing man with a HUGE heart. You were the best papa I could have ever asked for and I miss you so much! Don't worry about us down here. We are all doing okay especially since we know you're up there in your lazy boy watching over us.
I LOVE YOU PAPA!
123
Breanna
Marti Menacho
August 16, 2011
Frank,
You left a loving family and friends who miss your daily physical presence, but you are present in all our hearts and thoughts.
Love,
Marti 123
August 15, 2011
My dearest & wonderful Frank, It has been a year since you left us, I still fill the sadness as I did then. I know you told me not to cry but not a day goes by that I can't help but cry for the want of your presence. You will always have a special place in my heart. I know you are happy & in a good place. I look forward to the day we can be together again. I love you so very much 123 Betty
Christy Azevedo
August 14, 2011
Menach, I can't believe it has been a year, and a year it has been. Thank you for all the times you have come to me to give me stregnth when I needed it. To feel a brush or see a squirrel and know you were there for me, gets me thru the day even sometimes the next minute. Thank you for watching over the kids, I know you were there for every one of Tony's Allstar Games and helped Lexie get back in to St Francis. I know you ride with Bre when she goes over 17 and watch over all of us as we are together. I carry you with me everyday and know in my heart you carry me too. I love and miss you soooo much. Thank you for loving me the way you did, unconditinally. You were a dad anyone could turn to and we were so lucky to have you in our lives. I still talk to you daily and know you hear me. I love and miss you. 123 Christy
Joe & Darlene Campagna
August 25, 2010
Hi Betty, Frankie, & Christy - So sorry to hear of Frank's passing away. We were unable to attend his service but you all were and are in our hearts. May your memories of such a special man give you great comfort.
Much Love & Peace - Joe & Darlene Campagna
Dick Warnecke
August 25, 2010
Dear Betty: I was so saddened to hear of Frank's passing. Although I haven't seen Frank since our Ford Motor Company days, I will always remember how much he was respected and liked by everyone. So many memories remain. God Bless you and the Menacho Family.
Dick and Bev Warnecke, Grass Valley, California
Breanna Azevedo
August 24, 2010
Papa,
Today was your service and boy did you draw a crowd. It was so nice to see all your friends and family come together to celebrate the wonderful man you were. It was all perfect, only one thing was missing. You. But I know you were up there in your lazy boy with a glass of red wine in your hand watching all of us recall our terrific memories. I know I sure have a lot. I will NEVER forget sitting on your lap in the living room and you singing to me, “Oh Papa, Oh Papa” and letting me dip my fingers in your wine. Or when you would pick me up from school and hum the whole way home. Oh how I will miss that calming voice. And that smile. That smile will forever be imprinted in my memory. Today Father told us to think of a memory of you and see it as a picture. He told us that those pictures make up the photo album of our hearts. I believe that is true. And when I look back at the photo album of my heart I am happy to say you are in a lot of the pictures. For a long time I was being selfish. I wanted you to stay with us. I didn’t want to let you go. But now looking back, I realized I don’t have to let you go. You will be with us always. Every holiday at the head of the table, at everyone of your Tony’s games, and always always with each and every one of us in our hearts. Although I won’t be able to see that smile every day, or feel your glassed press against my cheek every time I kissed you, I know that you are never far. Thank you for being an amazing man and the BEST Papa. I love you sooo much!
1-2-3,
Breanna
P.S. Remember what you told me when I was sitting at the end of bed with you? Well your secret is safe with me.
Lindsay Cellona
August 23, 2010
I'm sorry I am unable to make his service. I did however write something for him. I would like to share it with you. Here it is:
I knew you.
Merely days.
Merely minutes, just moments of time.
You were my favorite smile.
Your love, care and devotion for the love of your life was the kind of love you see nowdays only in movies.
You had it. You still have it.
I will always remember your smile, your love, your hugs.
I'll never forget the day you told me, with a smile upon your face
The devastating news.
I'll never forget you telling me to keep smiling.
Your warm eyes, your whole nature was so contagious, so heart-warming.
I'm so lucky to have had you in my life.
Surely it was a brief amount of time, but the impact you had on me was ever so great.
I will remember you for as long as I live as my honorary Grandfather.
You treated me like one of your own and I am so grateful for that.
You will be missed by many. I will miss you so much.
I hope you're some place beautiful. I hope you're happy.
You deserve peace. You deserve greatness. I will remember you.
Thank you for showing me love.
I love you, Frank.
I hope you're doing as okay as you can during this difficult time. I love you Betty.
All my love,
Lindsay
John Radov
August 23, 2010
I wish you peace and healing.
I would like to share a little story of how Frank helped me on two ooccasions.
After not playing golf for more then thirty years I started playing again four or five years ago at the small 9 hole course on Casserly Rd. in Watsonville. After a few months of playing there, I signed up to try to play "real golf" on an 18 hole course and was given an 8:15 starting time. I didn't know any of the SIR'S golfers. I had to ask around to find the Pajaro Valley GC. I got there early, hit a few practice shots at the driving range, putted on the practice green, and got directions to the 10th hole where I was to start with three other golfers.
I arrived at the hole ten minutes early. Not knowing any of the group of six or seven men who were gathered around the teeing area, I introduced myself to two of the gentlemen there, and let them know that I was assigned to the 8:15 group. They laughed and chided me saying I was late, and that my group was already playing the 11th hole. Another person added his sarcastic remark which made me feel like turning away and heading to my car in the parking lot.
Frank walked forward to me, stuck out his hand and welcomed me immediately. He added that there were only three in his group, and he would like me to become the fourth with his threesome. We played eighteen holes of golf as though I was just another regular guy enjoying the day, the company, and the game. .
Early this year at a SIR luncheon, I told that story to Frank. I told him how I was very anxious that first morning as I walked to the 10th tee. I was the new kid (67 years old) on the block. I was a poor golfer who was just starting back, but he seemed to sense that I could really use a friendly word, a smile, and encouragement. I finished playing my first 18 hole round with Frank and his friends, and felt so glad that I had made the decision get back playing on a "real golf courses" again. I concluded the story saying "Frank, you really made my day."
We shook hands, and he said, "You know John, you just made my day!" That's what a guy with a lot of love in his heart said to me. There's no way I will ever forget such a touching wonderful memories. I'm sure you and your family could tell many many such stories. I just wanted to share my thoughts with you.
I remain, "the olde woodworker"
John Radov
Pat Walsh
August 23, 2010
I have many fond memories of Frank and Frank Jr. joining us for neighborhood baseball games at the local school. I remember thinking that little Frank was lucky to have such a good man for a father. He was always pleasant and upbeat. He always had something positive to say to all the kids gathered to play. It was clear that being a good father was important to him.
Years later I coached his Frank Jr. while he was at St. John Vianney. Frank was just as positive and friendly then. I haven't seen him in years, but he was certainly one of those neighborhood Dad's that made an impression on me.
Allen Nencescue
August 23, 2010
Sorry to hear the sad news! Frank, I haven't seen you for a long time but I will always remember your great happy smile and personality. God bless your soul.
Elizabeth Menacho
August 23, 2010
My dearest Frank, today is your memorial you are in my heart now and for always, thank you for the beautiful life & precious love we have shared for over 57 years. I know I am in your heart. 123 I love you.
Elizabeth
Shelly Campagna-Caron
August 23, 2010
Mrs. Menacho and family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Mr. Menacho was always a kind man. I have fond memories of all of the fun times we had together at SJV and in Santa Cruz. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all during this difficult time.
Flo "Chris" Andreoli
August 22, 2010
My dear brother,
The fond memories I will hold are numerous. Our childhood when you would tell stories and jokes that had us in stitches, and when you and Phil would help me sneak out to be with John. Our trips to Eagle Lake. We missed you the past couple of years, and we will miss you in the trips to come.
I am thankful to have spent your precious last days with you. Thank you for your final gift, a memory I will hold forever close to my heart.... a smile, a gentle squeeze of my hand. I love you brother.
Christy Azevedo
August 22, 2010
Menach, I can't believe it has been one week. Mom and I sat together this morning and thought of you at 11:55. I will cherish the time we had together forever. We laughed and we cried but nothing was left unsaid between us. I know how much you loved me just as you knew how much I loved you. I would not trade one minute of our time together for anything. Thank you for being the father you were to me and setting the standard for which I wanted for my kids. You are always in my thoughts...I love and miss you very much. 1,2,3 Christy
Johnny Andreoli
August 22, 2010
Uncle Frank, My last wild pheasant hunt was on a trip with you in Escalon. The club birds don’t fly near as swift. You were a great shot and, I have heard many hunters remark.
I remember the story told by your brother (my Uncle Phil); you dropped a dove with a single .22 shot while it flew adjacent to the jeep you were riding in.
My wife Debbie said to me "you lived life to the fullest", I believe that with all my heart.
I love you Uncle Frank your nephew Johnny
Chris and Blanca Mathias
August 22, 2010
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Bill and Carol Suggs
Carol Suggs
August 22, 2010
I was so sad to hear the news of Uncle Frank's passing. He was a wonderful person and will be missed. I am only sorry that it had been a long time since I had seen him. Prayers go out to the family as they make this transition of saying goodbye. All our Love, Carol (great niece) and Bill Suggs
August 22, 2010
Dearest Betty,
I am so saddened by your news. What a great guy Frank was and how lucky we all were to get to see him in '07. We are so grateful for all the wonderful cabin memories and I will send this news to Laura and Wilbur so dad can see it. Bless you and your wonderful kids. WE love you.
Carol
Carol Menke-Clark and Frank at dad's 90.5.
August 22, 2010
with Sally Yost at Russ' 90.5 birthday at the Menke cabin
August 22, 2010
Michael Menacho
August 20, 2010
Uncle Frank, some of my favorite memories with you are our days at Martin’s beach in Half Moon Bay. Those were long, lazy, fog shrouded days filled with Lucky Lager, horseshoes, stripers, and smelt. On one particular day, you decided to teach me, the brash teenager, how to wrestle. While I was wrestling, you were ‘wraslin’. Experience trumped youth that day and I still have a pain in my groin and a scar on my head from that experience. I did learn something that day—don’t underestimate the thin, wiry guy. I have used that same move a few times as I’ve gotten older. I’ll see you down the road on a high mountain, sunlit lake. Michael
Terri Tillinger
August 20, 2010
You will be dearly missed...I always have looked up to you and Betty alllll of my life...I met you when I was 14 yrs old...and have TRUELY admired everything about you...I will forever MISS YOU!!!!XOXOX Terri Tillinger
Cidalia Azevedo
August 19, 2010
Your smile and friendly manner will always be remembered. You left a legacy of love and dedication towards your family. We are glad that you crossed our lives and left a beautiful imprint. You'll be missed at all the family gatherings. We love you Frank and will always remember you.
John and Cid Azevedo
Stephanie Greenberg
August 19, 2010
We will miss you Uncle Frank. Thank you for all the great memories of Christmas. Dave and I always remember your words at turkey time, "Come take a look at this bird". Love and miss you.
- Your neice and goddaughter, Stephanie Greenberg - Fresno CA
Sandi Locatelli
August 19, 2010
All the family is in our thoughts and prayers. We know that you have many fond memories to keep him alive in your hearts. Sorry that Claudio and I will be unable to attend the services as we are in Italy. We will be thinking of you all.
Our love. Sandi and family
August 19, 2010
Uncle Frank,Though I haven't seen you for many years, you have always been in my thoughts. Say hi to my dad "Don" for me.
Your Niece, Diane Bickers (Souza)Gilbert,Az
Phil Souza
August 18, 2010
Uncle Frank,
Though I haven't seen you for a while, you were always in my thoughts. I will always remember the get togethers at your home over the years.
I will remember you always.
Say hello to Dad in Heaven.
Love, your nephew Phil Souza
Phil Souza
August 18, 2010
Uncle Frank, I haven't seen you for a while, but you were always thought of. I remember many good times at your home over the years. You will forever be missed. Say hello to Dad in Heaven.
Your Nephew Phil Souza
Adilia Azevedo
August 18, 2010
Frank, you will be greatly missed. I remember all the times that we spent at your house with Roger & Christy and all of the gang, hanging out playing pool, having good laughs, good food and some good drinks. It was a great time and I will never forget those days. I'm sorry that we didn't get to see you before you passed, but we believed in respecting your wishes. You've now gone to a much better place I trully believe. You've had a rough time fighting this horrible disease and it finally took it's toll. May you rest in peace dear friend. If you happen to see Silva tell him we love him and miss him very much. You'll always be in our hearts.
Mary Bolton
August 18, 2010
I know how difficult the death of a parent/grandparent can be. My prayers and sympathy are with you. Big hugs to your whole family. Knowing you is a reflection on the wonderful guy Frank must have been! I am sorry for your loss. God bless.
August 18, 2010
My Dear Frank. You mean a great deal to Gunnar and I. Every fishing trip, growing tomato's, a great glass of wine, fantastic fish dinner, after a great day at sea will forever be in your honor. I will place a rag on your rod holder to save your spot for you! ( we always did that for each other :) I love you my friend. I promised I will look after the cats. Anything Betty should ever need, we're here for her. I Love you Frank! Bless you and your entire family. xoxoxoxoox
Mary, Gunnar, Emma Lou, Lola Bean too xoxooxox
Ivo Miller
August 18, 2010
Frank, you will be greatly missed. I wish we had spent a bit more time on the course or sharing a glass of wine. Our round at Pasatiempo is a memory that will be with me for the rest of my days. Rest in peace my friend and if you have a chance up there, hit'em long and straight !
June/Don Maiwald
August 18, 2010
Frank was a good friend and our entire family enjoyed him so much. He was sorely missed the last few years at Eagle Lake. Our friendship goes back many years. Our condolences to his family.
Gunnar Schweitzer
August 18, 2010
Frank was a great friend and I will miss him dearly. He will always be in my thoughts when I fish the Monterey Bay. My prayers go out to all his family and friends. All my love Gunnar
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