Frank Charles Giardina Jr.

Dr. Frank Charles Giardina Jr. passed away peacefully on May 17th, 2025. He was born in Wilbraham, Massachusetts, November 2nd, 1941 to Frank Senior and Stella Giardina. He grew up in Massachusetts till the age of eight years old. They then moved here to Chula Vista when Frank Senior got a job offer to work at Rohr. Frank attended Chula Vista High School from 1956 to 1959. A gifted musician, he was a valued member of the Spartan Blue and White Marching band who played at Friday night football games and participated in band contests across the state. He continued his music career as a member of the Marching Aztec Band at San Diego State. In 1963, Frank graduated with a bachelor’s Degree and Life Diplomas in General Elementary School, Junior High School, and General Secondary.

Frank returned to school and earned his Master’s Degree of Education in 1965 and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration in 1974, both from Arizona State University. Always the consummate “educator,” Frank has focused his attention on students. He began by teaching Social Studies at National City Junior High School and then Hilltop Junior High School. After hours, he helped his young students by coaching the 7th and 8th grade basketball teams. His efforts did not go unnoticed. He was nominated for the National City Junior Chamber of Commerce and received the Outstanding Young Educator Award in 1970.

In 1975, Frank left the classroom to become the Dean of Student Activities at the new Southwest High School. In 1977, he accepted the position as Assistant Dean of Student Activities at Southwestern College. A year later he was appointed to the new position of Dean of Physical Education and Athletics. As always, he continued to be a leader, Frank mentored a number of talented faculty members who became Athletic Directors under his tutelage. Although the workload was demanding, the coaches and personnel he worked with made Frank’s job as dean rewarding, challenging, and fun. Dr. Frank Giardina was recognized for his many contributions to the School of Health, Physical Education and Athletics, It was a special honor for him to be inducted into the 2008-2009 Southwestern College Hall of Fame.

Frank highly enjoyed learning, and one of his dreams was to pilot a plane. He accomplished this goal by attending flight school at Brown Field, where he received his pilot's license. Due to Frank’s love for learning, he will be remembered for his immense contributions to the educational community. He was also a prominent member of the church of Saint Rosa Lima as an usher.

Frank Jr. is survived by his aunt Julie Driscoll, his cousins Peggy Paquette and Annie Boldoc, along with many great-nieces and nephews, all residing in Massachusetts. He is also survived by his nephew Lyell Giardina from Las Vegas, NV, his niece Michelle Giardina and husband Josh Camacho, as well as his great niece, who’s his pride and joy, Kaitlyn Reifschneider, all from Chula Vista, CA. Dr. Frank Charles Giardina Jr. will forever be remembered for his compassion and empathy towards all, gaining him love and support from many. Rather than sending flowers, please donate to the Frank Giardina scholarship fund at Southwestern College. We want to commemorate him by helping others as he would want, in the things that were his life's work.

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