Mr. Frank Leo Asaro

Frank Leo Asaro led a robust life centered on his dedication to his family. He will be forever remembered for his honesty, integrity and high moral value, demonstrated through both his personal and professional pursuits, as well as his endless loyalty to his family, friends and companions. A native San Diegan, Frank L. Asaro was born on February 9, 1932. He was the eldest of two sons of Andrew and Katie Asaro, first generation Italian immigrants from Sicily. The family resided on India St. which is now known as the “Little Italy” district of San Diego. Frank attended Washington Elementary, Roosevelt Junior High and while attending San Diego High, he met his soul mate and future wife, Sharon Lorene Lewis. Upon his high school graduation in 1949, Frank followed in his father’s footsteps and became a tuna fisherman on the boat Mary Barbara. In 1951, as a result of the Korean War, Frank enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard. At the conclusion of boot camp, 19 year old Frank married 17 year old Sharon on October 27, 1951 at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in San Diego. Shortly after their marriage, Frank’s first Coast Guard orders sent him to a ship in Alaska. Sharon joined him in Ketchikan Alaska in 1952, and their first son, Frank L. Asaro Jr., was born in Ketchikan in 1953, Upon his discharge from the Coast Guard in 1954, Frank and his family returned to San Diego, and rather than return to fishing, Frank decided to attend college and enrolled at San Diego State University. Determined to support his family and pay for his education, Frank worked various jobs, including that of a car repossessor! Following his graduation from SDSU in 1958 with a BA in Economics, Frank attended University of San Diego Law School, taking evening classes while working for the San Diego County as an Administrative Assistant. Frank obtained his JD from USD Law School in June of 1962 and then served as Deputy County Counsel until 1966. By this time, Frank and Sharon’s family had grown to 4 children, adding Lori (1957), Guy (1961) and Michael (1964). Frank was founding and senior partner of his private practice, Asaro & Keagy(1966), and led a distinguished and long career focused on real estate law. He was admitted to practice in all California Courts, the Federal District Court and Court of Appeal, and the United States Supreme Court. Some of Frank’s career highlights include negotiating the purchase of land for the subdivision now known as Scripps Ranch, and prevailing on an ensuing lawsuit to allow the development, and creating home owner associations for dozens of major subdivisions throughout San Diego County including La Jolla Colony. Recognized as preeminent in his field by the many land developers and builders that he represented throughout the County, Frank was appointed General Counsel to the San Diego County Building Industry Association in 1995 and served the Association through 2006. Frank’s life motto was “Family is Everything” and he walked the talk throughout his lifetime. While Frank was still in school, Frank and Sharon bought their first brand new home in Paradise Hills, then moved to Scripps Ranch where they lived until 1998. While their children were growing up, Asaro family vacations included RV trips throughout the West and Canada, with stops along many national monuments and historic points of interest. As an avid reader and history lover, Frank was well prepared throughout the family’s travel and provided more travel content than the best tour guide known! There were many family trips and celebrations at their Mammoth Mountain second home, and even Sunday sailing events on their boat “Andiamo.” As the children left home and Frank’s retirement neared, Frank and Sharon started their empty- nester life with a move to Valley Center in 1998. They loved their new 5 acre parcel with stunning views of Palomar Mountain. Their architect son Michael, and developer son Guy, designed and built a fabulous home centered around accommodating family get-togethers. The enormous dining room needed to seat the now 18 family members for traditional ravioli Christmas dinner, Easter brunch and Thanksgiving meals, and the great room allowed for the traditional huge Christmas day gathering. Frank immediately took full control of his new “gentleman farmer” role, joining the Farm Bureau and becoming an expert at growing his newly planted avocado grove. The home also included a separate shop space where Frank continued with his life-long hobby of wood working, custom crafting all of the cabinets for their new home with his own hands. During their retirement years, Frank and Sharon took several trips to Europe, went on cruises and returned to Alaska on several occasions. But the family, complete with 8 grandchildren, remained their focus, attending dance and piano recitals, sporting events, graduations and birthday celebrations at every turn. In 2008, Frank lost his beloved wife of 57 years Sharon, “Blondie.” Heartbroken but committed to family traditions, Frank stoically continued on as family leader, amidst his grief. In 2015 Frank fulfilled one of Sharon’s much desired wishes by hosting the entire family on a cruise to Alaska, the place where they began their life together. It was a fabulous trip, with memories to last a lifetime. Frank was generous with his time and contributions. He was instrumental in the formation of the Little League Organization “Twin Hills” in Paradise Hills while living in the area, was a member of the Boys and Girls Club, served on the San Diego County Parks and Recreation Board, and was a lecturer and educator through UCSD and USD extension programs. From 1998 to 2004, Frank served as a member of the Board of the Deer Springs Fire Protection District where he initiated a master plan guide to improvements in providing enhanced fire and emergency services for the area. Most recently, Frank also served for many years as a volunteer on the Continuing Education Center at Rancho Bernardo (CEC at RB) and sat on its Board of Directors and Academic Affairs Committee. He also gave a popular series of lectures on the history of the U.S. Supreme Court, its pivotal cases and most influential Justices, and the U. S. Constitution. Frank was lucky enough to find two great companionships after Sharon’s passing. He enjoyed the friendship of Mrs. Shirley Price (2013), and Mrs. Phyllis Healy with whom he shared many interests such as concerts, plays at the Old Globe and the San Diego Opera. Frank, also known as Dad, Daddio, and Pops, will be sorely missed by the ever grateful loved ones left behind. He is survived by son Frank Jr. (Mina), daughter Lori, son Guy (Chelsea), son Michael (Laurie), grandchildren Jamie Warburton, Anthony, Sean, Jennifer, Joseph, Nicholas, Katherine and Grace, and brother Andrew. We will forever honor his motto and aspire to achieve his level of character. Family and friends are invited to attend services in Frank’s honor. Viewing: Tuesday October 18, 2016 4:00 – 8:00 pm El Camino Memorial Park, 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92121 858-453-2121. Mass: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 9:00 am. Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 1629 Columbia St, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 234-4820, Celebration/Reception Immediately Following Mass: Wednesday, October 19, 2016. 11:00am -2:00pm Top of the Market -750 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 232-3474