Raul Franco

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, was born on September 2, 1940, in Tijuana, Baja California. He was a man who cherished family, simple pleasures, and the memories made along the way.

Growing up in Tijuana, Raul enjoyed going to the local horse races, a pastime that brought him much joy throughout his younger years. It was also in his beloved home country of Mexico where he met the love of his life, Maria de los Angeles. Together, they began their life as husband and wife and eventually moved to San Diego in 1975.

In San Diego, Raul worked as a farmworker, furniture maker and ship sandblaster. He dedicated many years to providing for and caring for the family he loved so deeply. Raul and Maria became proud parents to three children: Ana, Raul, and Raquel. In time, his greatest joy grew to include four grandchildren—Alex, Sofia, Roman, and Olivia—who lovingly called him “Tata.” Being their Tata was a role he cherished, and his grandchildren held a very special place in his heart.

Raul was a fisherman at heart. When the family was young, all school breaks and vacations were spent driving down to Baja California where they would camp along the beach. They would spend the days fishing and then enjoying meals with what was caught that day. These trips continued as he got older and became an annual tradition he shared with his son and nephews. This annual fishing trip was the highlight of the year for him. He recalled many trips and all of

these were always retold by starting with the weather. He loved the clouds and the rain and could recall in great detail the weather conditions for the trips.

Music was another part of Raul's everyday life. He especially loved listening to groups such as Los Panchos and Los Tres Aces. Every morning, his little radio was right there with him on the outside patio as he enjoyed his morning cafecito and pan. These quiet mornings watching the clouds and listening to music became one of the many simple routines that brought him happiness.

Raul also had a green thumb and took great pride in his garden. One of his last meaningful projects was an avocado tree that he grew from seed and cared for and nurtured for eight years. With patience and love, he watched it grow into something beautiful. Today, that tree stands as a lasting reminder of Raul—a symbol of the time, care, and love he gave so freely to the things and people that mattered most to him.

For his last birthday, Raul wanted a “big” party surrounded by his family and loved ones. It brought him great happiness to celebrate

together with the people he cherished most. He was especially happy to wear his favorite yellow button-down shirt, a shirt his family knew he loved and that they will now forever associate with him.

Raul leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, family, laughter, traditions, and countless memories. His family will remember him not only for the years he shared with them, but for the little things that made him uniquely Raul—the music playing from his little radio, the morning cafecito and pan, the fishing trips, the beach, his garden, his avocado tree, and the joy he found in simply being surrounded by the people he loved.

Though he will be deeply missed, Raul's love will continue to live on through his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and all those fortunate enough to have known him.

His family will carry his memory in their hearts, and his avocado tree will continue to grow as a beautiful reminder that a life rooted in love leaves something lasting behind.