Frank Vincent Bavaro

Frank Vincent Bavaro, 86, left this world peacefully, Friday, December 22,2017, from heart failure. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Arroyo Grande and is in heaven today with his mother and father. He leaves his loving wife of 56 years, Ellen; his 1st son, Vince and family, Valerie, Michael, Nicholas, Alyssa; his daughter Stephanie and family, Jim, Nicole, Victor, Marie; his 2nd son Vito and family, Beth, Anthony, Eric, Camille; his sisters Mary Lou, Angela, and Flora, and many close and dear friends and extended family. Born and raised in Chicago, the oldest son of Vito and Francis Bavaro, Frank and his brother Nick learned about work ethic and pride in their Italian heritage from their father, and, well, ... "street smarts" from the street. The family moved to Modesto, California in 1947 where they became longtime residents of the community. Frank enthusiastically enrolled in the Air Force in 1952 and was a proud veteran of the Korean War. Following his military service, Frank earned a Mechanical Engineering degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1958, and had an illustrious career with Aerojet, the Postal Service, the Army Corp of Engineers, and the Dept. of Defense. Frank retired to Arroyo Grande in 1995, where he and Ellen were active community leaders in the Lions Club and the Knights of Columbus. Frank believed in giving back to the community and he role-modeled his favorite saying, "Nice gets Nice" and "Save your Money". Frank is remembered for how he could light up a room, his endearing sense of humor, and how he always took time for family. Frank leaves behind a legacy of engineers and medical professionals through his children. He was very proud of them. He leaves a legacy of boldness, grit, and "belts and suspenders" . A celebration of life will be held on January 6,2018 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church at 11 a.m.