Frank A Alvelais

Francisco “Frank” Aguilar Alvelais was born on May 20, 1933 in El Paso Texas to Guadalupe Aguilar and Francisco Murillo Alvelais. He lived in Texas until he was three years old when the family migrated to Los Angeles. In California, the family grew as Guadalupe gave birth to Franks’ brother and sister, Peter and Gloria.

Frank’s strong work ethic was evident early on when he got a job at the tender age of six sweeping at a local market. He was known for being dependable and strong willed and would continue to work throughout his life with jobs at a bakery, in the military and in public service.

After high school, Frank attended East Los Angeles college, but his college days were interrupted by the Korean War. Frank enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kearsarge. While in the navy, his determination was evident when he joined the swim team even though he had not previously known how to swim. He was honorably discharged on November 16, 1956.

After the Navy, Frank met the love of his life, Lucia Joan Valdez, through his brother Peters’ girlfriend, Delmy, who eventually married Peter. Frank and Joan married on April 20, 1963 and had four children: Lucia Victoria (Tori), Francisco, John who passed away at four months, and Peter.

Frank was first and foremost a family man but also had a strong sense of duty. He spent his life in public service having worked for the Los Angeles County Marshall’s Office. When the Marshall’s service was dissolved, he went on to a career with the Los Angeles County Department of Weights and Measures. Known as being resolute and hard-working, Frank rose to the rank of “inspector”. Upon retiring from the county, Frank embarked on a second career with the State of California Department of Agriculture where he was well respected, and after many years of service, also retired as an inspector. Throughout his career, Frank always put his family first, sending all three of his children through college.

In the last years of his life, as Frank’s health was declining, he never lost that stubbornness or will to fight that had served him so well. Though he was hospitalized many times, he always displayed a “never give up” attitude which earned him the nickname “The Comeback Kid” from his children. Frank always expressed his great love for his wife, children and grandchildren throughout his life and will be greatly missed by anyone who was fortunate to know him.