Felipe Franco Jr.

On Wednesday, January 21, Felipe G. Franco, Jr. went to be with the Lord. Felipe was a lifetime native of Corpus Christi, born to Felipe Sr. & Lucia Garza Franco. He was the eldest of 13 brothers and sisters and a graduate of Roy Miller High School, Del Mar College, & Corpus Christi State University.

Felipe’s journey into the electronic field began as a young boy when he mail ordered an electronic kit that catapulted his knowledge in television/radio repair. With that knowledge, he opened his own repair shop out of high school. He enhanced his skill set with the education he received at both Del Mar College & CCSU and began his 26-year tenure at Del Mar College where he served as Department Chairperson of Technical Education with separate terms as Department Chairperson of Radio TV & Marine Communication and Dean of Electronics. Felipe initiated the Marine Communication discipline, procured funding for the entire department and created a partnership with Motorola promoting degree programs with employment opportunities for graduating students. With Felipe's expertise in electronics and the advent of satellite systems, his skill set and expertise were in high demand particularly with local television stations. He started his own business which lead him to become Chief Engineer at KORO Univision and Broadcast Engineer at KZTV. Felipe was innovative in computer science, electrical engineering and broadcast technologies receiving multiple certifications for each discipline.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years Maria Yanez Franco, great grandchild Felipe Armando Thomas Franco V and is survived by his children Gracie (Harold) Brundidge, Mary Alice (Gilbert) Gatica, Phillip (Melve) Franco, Tom (Paula) Franco, Grandchildren Katrina (Marcus) Sanchez, Raymond (Meghan Coats) Guerra, Phillip (Jacqueline) Franco, Gilbert (Micaela) Gatica, Joe Oliva, Jeremy (John) Oliva, Austin (Briauna) Ardion, Miranda Franco, Kaitlyn Franco, Kaylee Franco and Great Grandchildren Trae Sanchez, Cody Ardion, Parker Guerra, Alessandra Franco, and Addie Ardion.

As a devout Catholic, he was steadfast and unwavering in his faith. His life was guided by prayer, humility, and a deep trust in God which he lived out daily and passed on through quiet example. Felipe was a loving son, brother, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was a generous giving man with a beautiful spirit.

Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort that Felipe’s kindness and love will live on in the countless lives he touched. May we honor his memory by living with the same grace and compassion he shared with us and know that we will see him again.