Frank George Senn Jr.

Frank G. Senn Jr., of La Mirada, California, passed away on August 5, 2021, at the age of 61 years, and is survived by the love of his life: Mrs. Suezanne Panama Senn. He was her supportive and loving Honeybuns for 25 years, living 23 of those years together in La Mirada. The two shared a mutual interest in family, exploring new restaurants for southern cuisine and BBQ, walks on the beach, watching movies, and “some” music.

Frank was also a loving and supportive father to his surviving children, Frank George Senn III and Autumn Senn. They meant the world to him and he would do anything for them. Whether it was through long phone calls with his son, or going for boba trips at night with his daughter, his strong bond with his children showed itself in every interaction. Not only that, but Frank was very giving of his time and counsel, and would often brag about his children as he was always endearingly proud of them. Furthermore, his paternal nature placed him as a father figure for Robert Cedeno-Davis, Ryan Castillo-Senn, and Jasper Collins. Frank is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Kara Sutherlin-Senn, who took loving care of him during his stay in the hospital. She went in on her days off making homemade broth for him, keeping him comfortable, and getting him what he needed.

With being famous for his dad jokes, witty remarks, and playful personality, Frank was often popular with kids. Such traits led him to be known as a wonderful grandpa and uncle. His surviving grandchildren, Alec, Collin, and Audrey Senn, especially adored him.

Frank was the second eldest child raised by loving parents, Frank George Senn Sr. and Barbara Senn, who are both deceased. He is survived by his big sis and “buddy” Diann Senn, along with his four younger brothers, Dave Senn, Arthur Senn, Roger Senn, and Steven Senn. Frank was often looked up to by his younger brothers as he was loving, responsible, and benevolent, setting an example of a great big brother. He also shared a close and unique bond with his elder sister Diann, especially since they were born on the same day one year apart. As sister would jokingly say,

“I got a brother as a present for my first birthday, but I could not return him. Then I realized that he was the best gift ever”.

They have always lived close to each other since childhood.

During his teens, Frank attended South Gate High School and graduated in 1978. He developed a huge love and interest in sports like baseball, basketball, football, and bowling throughout his whole life. Even to the point of memorizing the stats of baseball players, collecting baseball cards, and being a part of a fantasy baseball league for years. His favorite teams were his home teams from Los Angeles: LA Dodgers, LA Lakers, and LA Rams. Other than being known for his love of baseball, Frank was also recognized for being a great bowler. He participated in bowling leagues and had a special trick where he threw the bowling ball from behind and between his legs. That scored him a strike every time.

In regards to work, Frank started working at a very young age through a paper route and helping with his dad’s gardening business. With the money he saved, he was able to buy his first car, a used Plymouth Duster. As he got older and experienced different job opportunities, one of his favorite “real” jobs was being a fabricator at a fire truck manufacturing company in South Gate, CA. Eventually, he moved on to his next job that kick-started his career: being a filler for Airco Specialty Gases in City of Industry, CA during 1985. He filled high-purity gases and specialty gas mixtures.

In the early days of his career, Frank was part of a hazardous material response team as a volunteer. He and his team were experts on handling emergency responses to leaks pertaining to any poisons, flammable gases, and nonflammable gases. As of 2021, Frank celebrated 36 years in the packaged gas industry, working the last 27 years with the liquid helium division by filling liquid helium and bulk trailers. The company has gone through many acquisitions throughout the years, but it is currently known today as The Messer Group. Due to his excellent work ethic and taking pride in any work he performed, even down to perfect tape-lining on the floors, he earned promotions into management. Frank did not care about position or status, however, and passed such promotions to be with his loved ones. Family meant everything to him, so he made sure not to miss any practices, games, or special events for his children, grandkids, and family.

Overall, those who got the chance to sit with Frank Senn Jr. and just chat were the lucky ones. He was quiet and soft-spoken, but a great storyteller. If you were one of the “lucky ones”, he would definitely talk your ear off!

In addition to the previously mentioned surviving family members, Frank is also survived by his:

Brothers-in-law: Faatui Panama, John Panama, Luis Vera, Mativa Lemanu, Manny Lemanu, James Tuimauga, Chris Wood, Kevin Goodall, Shawn Goodall and Gabriel Noa Goodall.

Sisters-in-law: Hope Goodall, Alicia Goodall, Denise Senn, Virginia Tuimauga, Leilua Panama, Mary Panama, Lani Young, and Emelita Panama.

Nieces and nephews: Amanda Senn, Gregory Senn, Travis Senn, Ryan Senn, Devon Senn, Hailee Fa’amoemoe Kaimimoku, Seth Panama, Joel Panama Cool, Robert Panama Cool, Dominic Vera, Damien Vera.

Plus many more nieces, nephews, cousins, and family members not mentioned above.

When I am gone, release me, let me go.

I have so many things to see and do,

You mustn’t tie yourself to me with too many tears,

But be thankful we had so many good years.”

I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed – Psalm 34:4-5