Hector "Lalo" Franco

Our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend Hector "Lalo" Franco passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on November 5, 2024 in Fresno, CA at the age of 70. Lalo grew up in Fresno's Chinatown District and was raised to be hardworking, respectful, and disciplined. He attended Columbia Elementary, Irwin Junior High, and Edison High School in West Fresno. Lalo served in the United States Marine Corps in the 1st Marine Division based at Camp Pendleton, CA from 1974 to 1976. After his military service, Lalo began a spiritual journey which led him to reconnecting with relatives at the Tule River Indian Reservation and learning from Elders and Spiritual Leaders that helped guide him. In 1984, he married Darlene Tapleras and relocated to Visalia, CA to start his family. Guided by the resilience and leadership of his mother-in-law Martha "Yaynicut' Wilcox Tapleras, Lalo and Darlene were instrumental in revitalizing many traditions including the traditional naming and coming of age ceremonies. Lalo was dedicated to the protection of sacred sites and frequently worked with local, state, and federal agencies, universities, and museums to protect cultural resources, burial grounds, and stopping the destruction of our mother earth. He was instrumental in the implementation of NAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection Repatriation Act), ensuring that our ancestors and sacred objects were returned to their homelands. Lalo focused on teaching his children and family members to be respectful of Mother Earth, honor traditional teachings, songs, and dances, and continue passing on oral histories through storytelling. He is preceded in death by his parents Leo and Maria Torres Franco, brothers Ricardo, Manny, and Ramon, and sisters Rosa and Evelina. He is survived by his wife Darlene, children Priscilla, Lahoci and his wife Genna, Yaynicut, Kowonash, and sisters Socorro and Magdalena. Celebration of Life Services will be held on November 15, 2024, at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave, Visalia, CA. Viewing is 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and the Funeral Ceremony will begin at 5:00 PM. Reception to follow at the Life Event Center. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Hector "Lalo" Franco

February 14, 1954 - November 5, 2024