Frank Seraphin Livacich

Dr. Frank Seraphin Livacich, 92, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025, in Riverside, California. Born on December 20, 1932, in San Bernardino to Croatian immigrant parents, Seraphin and Francis Livacich, Frank lived a life marked by service, dedication, and love.

A graduate of St. Bernardine’s High School, Class of 1950, Frank continued his education at San Bernardino Valley College before pursuing a career in optometry. He was accepted into the Southern California College of Optometry, where he graduated magna cum laude. After earning his license, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served as an optometrist in the Army Medical Corps in Lompoc, California, achieving the rank of First Lieutenant.

Following his military service, Frank joined Kaiser Fontana Medical Center as one of its first optometrists. He later opened his own private practice at 595 W. Highland Avenue in San Bernardino, where he served the community for 46 years, specializing in the fitting of hard contact lenses. He eventually partnered with Dr. Paul Kiyan, opening a second office on Business Center Drive in San Bernardino.

It was during his early years in practice that a patient brought her roommate, Gaynell Fraley, to an appointment a chance encounter that led Frank to the love of his life. Frank and Gaynell were married for 59 years, building a life filled with love, family, and shared purpose.

In addition to his medical career, Frank developed a strong interest in real estate and successfully invested in properties throughout California. He was a devout Roman Catholic, a longtime member of Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in San Bernardino, and later, St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church in Riverside. He was also active in the community through organizations such as the Lion’s Club and enjoyed dining at his favorite local spot, Tony Trozera’s “The Mug.”

From grade school through adulthood, Frank was part of a close-knit group of lifelong friends who affectionately called themselves 'The Big Six' Roger Harmon, Roy Breyer, Eddie Melendey, Jim Collette, Mathew Kearney, and Frank Livacich.

In the final years of his life, Frank faced a three-year battle with Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) with unwavering courage and strength. He fought valiantly until his body could no longer keep up with his spirit.

Frank will be remembered as a remarkably capable man with a kind and generous heart. He touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Gaynell Livacich, and their son, John A. Livacich of Loma Linda, CA. He also remained close to extended family throughout his life, including Joey, Teri, Marisa, and Luka Anticevich of Riverside; Lori, Art, and Lindsey Livacich Nigorizawa of Los Angeles; Pepi, Cathy, and Anastasia Catsouras of Phoenix, AZ; and Nancy LaMonk of Rancho Mirage, CA.

Frank was preceded in death by his sister, Katherine Livacich, and his brother, John R. Livacich.

Cremation has taken place, and his ashes will be interred at Riverside National Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Riverside, CA on Friday, June 27, 2025 at 11:30 AM with burial and reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to City of Hope, 320 W. 6th Street, Corona, CA 92882, or online at www.cityofhope.com.