Frank Ronald Carraro

1938 - 2026

Frank Ronald Carraro
04/12/1938 - 01/19/2026
Frank Ronald Carraro, 87, passed away peacefully on January 19th in San Mateo CA after courageously battling peripheral neuropathy for 40 years.
Frank was born on April 12,1938 in San Francisco, CA, son to Frank and Lena (DeLucchi) Carraro. He grew up in the Portola District of San Francisco, where he developed a deep family bond and a strong work ethic. After attending Riordan High School, Frank graduated from Santa Clara University and pursued Civil Engineering. He spent his early years working for the State of California as a part of the engineering team for the Coronado Bridge, as well as serving on several other bridge projects. He then joined the family business, Portola Building, alongside his father. Together they built homes and improved many communities in San Francisco, Daly City, Colma and Healdsburg. They were known for their high quality construction. In Frank's later years he managed the family's vineyards. With everything Frank did, quality was the most important. He took an aging ranch of prunes and grapes and turned it into a modern, premium vineyard.
A loving husband to his wife Nancy Carraro for 62 years, Frank was a pillar of strength and support for his family. Together they raised 2 children, Deanne (Doug) Clarke and Craig (Jill) Carraro. He was a devoted father, who was always there to provide guidance, love and wry humor. Frank cherished every moment he had with his 7 grandchildren, Emily Clarke, Kelly Clarke, Andy Clarke, Abigail Carraro, Ryan Carraro, Beau Carraro, and Brandon Carraro. He adored spending time with them and passing on his wisdom and experience. Frank was often seen and well known around his neighborhood for his daily walks with his dog, Lily.
Before health conditions began to hamper his mobility, Frank and Nancy enjoyed traveling together with groups of wonderful friends. So many memories were shared of their trips to Hawaii, the Caribbean, cruises and many Club Meds. Frequent trips to the ranch in Healdsburg were enjoyed by all. Frank loved to teach others how to farm, hunt, drive tractors, fix equipment, and he instilled in others the hard work and dedication it took to run a ranch. True family fun time was when his family gathered in Lake Tahoe. Here is where he took the opportunity to teach his children to water and snow ski. Frank's patience and wisdom were always present during his many trips with his children to gymnastics meets and tennis tournaments. He always provided post game insights and wisdom from his parental vantage point, which were keen and caring. He was always trying to help people improve at anything they were doing.
Our family would like to extend our deepest gratitude and thanks to all of Frank's at home caregivers, as well as the nurses and physicians at Peninsula Hospital that provided his treatments and care over the many years.
Friends and family are invited to attend Frank's Celebration of Life on Friday, February 13th at 11:00am at Our Lady of Angels Church, 1721 Hillside Drive, Burlingame, CA and reception to follow at the Peninsula Golf and Country Club, 701 Madera Drive, San Mateo CA.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Mills-Peninsula Hospital, Peninsula Humane Society, or Tunnel to Towers.