Frank Becerra Sanchez

Respected longtime Atascadero resident, Frank Sanchez, passed away peacefully on the evening of May 9th, 2026. Frank was born “Jose Francisco” in Los Angeles on September 3, 1928 to Francisco and Escolastica Sanchez, the 9th of 11 children. When Frank was 1 years old, the family moved to Rancho Sespe, and lived in a community with other migrant workers who picked local crops. Frank was in second grade when the family moved to Santa Paula and remained there until the citrus strike in the early forties. In 1942, when Frank was in high school, the family moved again, this time to Sanger, and leased a forty-acre vineyard ranch. In 1950, the family moved once again, to Fresno, where the family owned and operated a Mexican food restaurant. It was there, on a weekend pass from the Army, Frank met his future bride, the love of his life, Mary Torrez. They were married on September 29, 1956.

Frank inherited an appreciation for the arts while growing up in a household filled with art, music, song and dance. Frank was also a talented singer, artist, and piano player, but dance was his first love. He trained as a ballroom dancer in the 1950’s, and became a ballroom dance Master instructor. He continued his passion for dance throughout the decades as both a choreographer and a director. Frank danced professionally on television, frequently partnering with his talented sister, Lola. He also directed local fundraisers in Fresno.

While in the Army, he was stationed at Camp Roberts and discovered the beauty of Atascadero and Paso Robles. In 1959, Frank left Fresno to accept a position with the Atascadero Savings and Loan, where he eventually became Executive Vice President. He often designed the winning floats for Colony Days and other parades in the county.

Frank and Mary raised their four children in Atascadero. After 25 years in banking, desiring a change, he had a second career as a successful real estate agent. He received many community awards, including “Atascadero’s Realtor of the Year” as well as “Citizen of the Month”.

In 1959, as a member of the Lions Club, he directed his first Lions Club fundraising show in Atascadero. Frank made many connections through the next several years within the artistic community, and enjoyed pulling together local talent. He became a founding member of the Pioneer Players theater group in 1965.

Frank was Pioneer Players resident choreographer, and worked on every single show for the next 20 years, working onstage and offstage as well. In addition to choreography, Frank worked in many capacities: he painted sets, sang in the chorus, appeared in supporting roles, and worked his way up to leading roles and show director. He also served on the Pioneer Players Board of Directors as President. Many of Frank’s most cherished friendships were made through his involvement in Pioneer Players.

It was important to Frank to use his creative skills for purpose. He volunteered his directing and choreography talents to community events, award shows, and countless fundraisers throughout the county, helping raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity in the process. While Frank enjoyed all of his artistic endeavors, in his later years, he had a special fondness for his “Dancing With Our Stars” family. He truly cherished the lasting friendships that he made through that experience. Frank led his life with artistry and passion. Dancing with Frank, be it a backyard barbeque or the Madonna Inn Ballroom, is a beautiful memory that many of us share and will cherish forever.

Among Frank’s many highlights:

*Member of the Screen Actors Guild and appearances in television and in Hollywood films.

* Director & Choreographer for “Atascadero’s Dancing With Our Stars” 2015-2018 Shows

*Crowned Atascadero’s Colony Days King 2016.

*Mercer-Sanchez Dance Scholarship Fund, a non-profit community organization through North County Dance & Performing Arts Foundation, which encouraged young male dancers to develop their dance skills.

Frank was an extraordinary gentleman, a true “Classic”. The epitome of honor, integrity, loyalty and kindness. Frank was a respected and lifelong community leader and mentor. And, he always dressed the part, with elegance and style.

But above all, Frank was a devoted family man. Despite his busy work schedule, and creative endeavors, he always put his family first. He was a wonderful husband to his beloved late wife, Mary. Frank was a phenomenal father, and continued to be an inspirational role model to his children and grandchildren, handing down his artistic and musical influence to them.

One of our family’s favorite quotes from our father is,

“You have to plan your entrance and exit, and you try to make a showstopper routine!”.

This particular quote from Frank rings true, not only in show business, but also in life. He was beloved and respected by all who had the good fortune of knowing him. And, in turn, he deeply loved his family and many friends.

Frank will leave a legacy that will last well beyond his lifetime.

Frank will be forever remembered by his loving children, Doriana, Dana, Steven, Mara (son-in-law, Brian), his bonus children Andy & Cricket, and his grandchildren, Mikaela (husband Christian), Mia (husband Taylor), and James Francisco. Frank also has three great-granddaughters, Camila, Niah and Kira. He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Mary.

Our gratitude to Central Coast Health and French Hospital for their compassionate care. A private family service will take place, with a celebration of life to follow in the coming months.

In lieu of flowers, the Sanchez family asks that you celebrate our father by doing his favorite things: dancing, singing, playing music, creating art, sharing a special meal with your family & friends, enjoying the outdoors and feeling the sun on your face, in his honor.