Frank Borrego Banegas

Frank “Borrego” Banegas, 73, of Phoenix, was born to Salomon and Ruth Banegas. He had been battling pneumonia for the past 2½ months, along with multiple health challenges, and passed away on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.

Frank never married or had children of his own, but he was blessed with a large and loving family. He was the youngest of seven siblings – Ramon Clark of New Mexico, Lela Vargas of California, Genevieve Banegas, Jesse Banegas, Lucille Cano, David Banegas of Phoenix, and Daniel Banegas of Montana. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Salomon and Ruth, his sisters Lela and Genevieve, and his brothers Ramon and Jesse. He is survived by his sister Lucille Cano and his brothers David and Daniel Banegas, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews. Frank had a particularly special bond with his great-nephews Ducky, Bobbo, Turtle Lopez, and Sal Cano, especially during the years he lived with his sister Lucille and her husband Ernie.

During football season, Borrego could always be found at home watching the games—especially when cheering for his favorite team, the Washington Redskins. He also loved watching the Arizona Diamondbacks alongside his sister Lucille. Throughout his life, Frank worked in many roles, including as a bouncer, janitor, security guard, and in retail. He also helped his brothers found a Kung Fu school called Family of Many Dragons.

Together with his brothers Jesse and David, Frank co-founded the nonprofit Kung Fu school to provide discipline, self-defense, and mentorship to neighborhood children and young adults who might not otherwise have had the opportunity. Over the years, the school has positively impacted four to five generations, including his great-nephews Ducky, Bobbo, Turtle Lopez, and Sal Cano, who found in it an outlet, a sense of family, and valuable life skills.

A celebration of Frank’s life will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Greer-Wilson Funeral Home, 5921 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85033, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.