Frank J. Valenzuela “Frankie”, 72 of Ventura, CA, entered Heaven’s Gates on February 19, 2021. He was born in Ventura, CA, September 13 th , 1948 to Amelia and Frank Valenzuela who gave him the name “Sonny Boy”. He graduated from Ventura High School. Went on to serve in the United States Army from April 9, 1968 to April 8, 1974. During his time of service in the United States Army he received a National Defense Service Medal. He then went on to work for the Ventura Fair Grounds for 44 years. He started in 1976 and retired in 2010, however loved the Ventura Fair so much he continued to work each year after until 2019.
He was a beloved son, father, grandpa, great grandpa & brother.
Frankie will be remembered and cherished by his sister Gladys Obiols, Daughter; Tina Ortiz Hernandez, Son in Law Robert Hernandez, Grandchildren; Shantel Ortiz, Rudy Ortiz III, Aliya Hernandez “mommy”, Desiree Hernandez, Jon Cesario and his nine great grandchildren; Z.J. Foster, Anthony “Goobie” Cesario, Aubrey Cesario, Rudy Ortiz IV, Alynna Ortiz, Elena Ortiz, Aubrey Ortiz, Amelia Ortiz, Jon Cesario jr. and The Ventura Fair Grounds Family. He is preceded in death by parents, Amelia and Frank Valenzuela, sisters Dorothy Weatherspoon, Pauline Beauchene, Barbara Corsetto, brother Tony “Buster” Alliano, and his best friend Richard Booker.
Frankie loved driving the tractor to level out the ground for the Ventura Fair. He would often brag that he was the best one for the job. He knew exactly how to maneuver the tractor and exactly how long it would take to do the job. Frankie had a big heart and always had a smile on his face. His smile and presence would light up a room. Frankie’s gift was unique in that those who met him, even briefly were changed for life. His passion was creating memories with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. In fact, he would let his great grandchildren be mean teachers and he would be the student that often got in trouble. He loved food, well let us just say every type of food. Frankie especially loved Virginia’s homemade cooking. Frankie will be remembered for blasting his oldies music while driving, for being a jokester, giving kids money and always bringing donuts from Foster’s Donuts and for always helping those in need. All those special relationships he had, the one most important was his relationship with God which allowed him to be the special dad and grandpa he was.
Everyone Told Me He Was Going To Be Okay, Not thinking of the worst, only hoping for the best, sitting in the corner, imagining the day he gets out, seeing the smile on his face, seeing the tears and unhappiness of someone you love so dear. It hurts inside like someone is stabbing you in the heart, Everyone told me he was going to be okay, never picturing him out of my life, hard to let go of someone you love so dear, Feeling the emptiness inside, Sometimes you want to break down and cry, wanting to give up on life, wishing you went with him, If only I can see and talk to him one more time, Holding on to the dreams, never letting go of the memories, Always and forever my father and grandpa will have a place in my heart. Everyone told me he was going to be okay but in a different place they didn’t say.
Funeral Services will be held at JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE on March 4, 2021 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm for viewing. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, March 5, 2021 at Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 757 E. Main St, Ventura, CA 93001. Burial will be held at Ivy Lawn on Friday, March 5, 2021 at 1:00pm, 5400 Valentine Rd. Ventura, CA 93003.