Francisco "Frank" Verde, Jr.

Francisco Verde Jr. passed away on December 21, 2018. He was born in Harlingen, Texas to Tomasa and Francisco Verde. He graduated from East Bakersfield High School and attended CSU, Sacramento on both academic and wrestling scholarships. During college he received the prestigious Hall of Fame for wrestling at Sacramento State. Frank began his teaching career with the Bakersfield City School District after completing his coursework for his teaching credential. After he taught for a few years he was honored with a fellowship and went on to attend CSU, Chico State and CSU, Bakersfield where he graduated with two masters and a degree in educational administration. On May 19, 1973, he married the love of his life, Rita Arambula. In 1979 they moved to Visalia to work for the Tulare County Office of Education. Together, they have two children, Rosalinda and Gabriel. Frank had a diverse background working in many jobs other than in education. As a young man before entering college, he worked as a firefighter for the city of Keene near Tehachapi. During summers when he wasn't teaching, he worked as a beekeeper. After working for the Tulare County Office of Education, Frank worked in the positions as Vice Principal and Principal, respectively for the Parlier and Delano School Districts. He left education for eleven years and worked as an insurance salesman for Farmers Insurance. He returned to education and worked for the Pixley Union Elementary School District as a Parent Educator. He loved working with parents and teaching them to love the art of reading to their children. One of his passions was working as a wrestling referee for the Kings-Tulare Wrestling Association for 37 years. He also worked as a baseball umpire for the Diesel Dogs organization. After retiring from education, he became a Denny's aficionado, meeting with a group of men that became his very best friends. Frank was an amazing storyteller. His life intersected with many people. He knew no stranger and he affected so many individuals with his laughter, endless supply of jokes, and generosity. He has been described as a "larger than life" type personality; and a person who gave the best hugs. His presence will definitely be missed. Frank served as the President of the Friends of Scicon, a volunteer Gleaner and was recently dubbed an area host at Visalia First Assembly. His special interests and hobbies included listening to music, reading, watching tv on his many television sets, woodworking, metal work, welding, building furniture, planting avocado trees, working in his beloved yard; and scouring Offer Up. Some of his favorite pastimes were watching his nieces and nephews play sports, and taking care of his two acre spread. Of course his most favorite past time was his family. He loved his children deeply, often telling them that he loved them to the moon and back plus infinity. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Rita Verde, his daughter Rosalinda Verde-Alexander (Tyler Alexander) and son Gabriel, sisters Dr. Lupe Rivas, Olga Zamora (Overlin), Hilda Amaya (Marcos), Yolanda Avalos (Robert), Marisela Hernandez (Omar) and brothers Fernando Verde, and Javier Verde (Aurora). Frank comes from a large family of Verdes that consist of many beautiful nieces, nephews, and godchildren. He loved each one and made them feel extra special. The family asks for prayers and to talk of Frank often and fondly. Viewing will be held on Friday, Jan. 4th at Salser Dillard Funeral Chapel from 4pm-7pm-127 E. Caldwell Avenue, Visalia; Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 5th at Visalia First Assembly of God at 10am- 3737 S. Akers, Visalia. Please check the following website for updates: www.salseranddillard.com . Condolences can be made to www.salseranddillard.com

Francisco "Frank" Verde, Jr.

November 3, 1950 - December 21, 2018