Frank Delgado

Frank Delgado was a beloved husband, father, papa, friend, teacher, coach, mentor, and Raider fan. On March 8, 2021 he passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his two grandchildren and wife at the age of 79 years old.

Frank was a forgiving and selfless person that many loved and cherished. Being someone who would give a stranger the shirt off his back, Frank was someone who did things from his heart, never expecting anything in return. He kept his word and if he made a mistake, he apologized.

Born on August 10, 1941 in Sacramento, California to Francesca & Antonio Delgado. Frank was the youngest of 12 children. Living most of his childhood life in Gridley, California, he graduated from Gridley High School and then joined the United States Air Force for 4 years. During his time with the Air Force he represented them by playing on the basketball team and was able to travel to places such as Italy, France and Greece. Frank held many jobs which included being an ice man, grocery clerk and fire fighter. In 1967, Frank became a California Highway Patrolman stationed in Barstow, California before being transferred to Merced, CA where he would later retire.

A love story was created when he spotted Cynthia across campus at Yuba College. He looked at his friend and said, “I’m going to marry that girl.” Frank loved sharing that story. It was the football player and cheerleader who together created a lifetime of memories from dancing in the kitchen, traveling with the grandkids, cheering from the stands to relaxing and watching hours of ID. They married on February 20, 1965 in Marysville, California. Merced, CA became their home for close to 50 years. They had 2 children, Michelle (Richard), Frankie and 2 grandchildren, Ricky and Jessica. Papa is also missed by Buddy and Smalls especially at treat time.

Frank’s last career was becoming an elementary and middle school teacher. He taught at Chenoweth Elementary and Tenaya Middle School. He saw the importance of teaching life lessons and not your basic textbook lessons. Mr. D. wanted to see everyone of his students succeed in life. Throughout the years he would run into former students and they would fill him in on what they were doing in their lives and it often brought him to tears. Mr. D. was famous for using a ruler when he wrote, giving out treats to celebrate birthdays, his love of penguins, the red pen and “The Wall.”

His favorite title was “Papa” to his two grandchildren, who were his life. He was so proud of them in everything they did and loved them unconditionally. Many hours were spent together or on the phone trying to create a winning game plan for the Raiders or making sure you got into your car safely after working out late. Ricky and Jessica are blessed to have the best guardian angel protecting and watching over them.

Regardless of any challenge Frank faced, he loved his life and sought joy through his family, friends, and students. Many people know him because of the kindness and love he showed many. Many saw him walking, giving a wave and smiling.

Services will be held Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the Apostolic Tabernacle Church, 2745 East State Highway 140 in Merced, CA. A reception will be held at the church following the Service. Frank’s family would like to thank the community of Merced for taking care of us during this difficult time.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratfordevansfunerals.com for the Delgado family.