Francisco D. Salas

A Native of Chula Vista, Francisco D. Salas was born on Feb. 6, 1935 and passed away on March 1, 2012; he was seventy seven years old. He attended “F” Street Primary School, Lillian J. Rice Elementary for 5th & 6th grade, Chula Vista Junior High School and Chula Vista Senior High School, graduating in 1954. He lived the majority of his life in Chula Vista.

Frank started playing organized sports at Chula Vista Junior High School being part of the football and softball teams. He attended Chula Vista Senior High School where he was a three year varsity football player specializing in punting. He played one year on the Jr. Varsity and two year on the Varsity baseball teams.

His senior year the Varsity football team was undefeated. Both the football and baseball teams won the Metropolitan League and SCIF championships. Frank had the highest batting average (.407) in Metro League. Frank received a “gold Baseball”, signifying the baseball league championship from the Chula Vista Rotary Club. He also received a special patch consisting of a football with two baseball bats symbolizing members who were on both the Varsity football and Varsity baseball teams.

Frank’s United States Government career began on July 28, 1954 when he joined the United States Air Force, Squadron 3723, Flight 759. He learned to be an air craft electrician. He continued playing baseball during his time in the Air Force and then after playing Rohr Industries International baseball.

He received an honorable discharge in December 1957 from the Air Force. He continued as a member of the United State Air Force Reserve and received an Honorable Discharge on July 27, 1962.

During his time in the Air Force he met Dorothy Morsberger, of Catonsville Md. The two hit it off and were married prior to his discharge. They moved to Chula Vista after being married then settled down in San Diego California after Michael (first child) was born. The twins April and Paul were born and then Frank the last of their children. The family moved from San Diego to Lemon Grove in 1967/68. All four Frank’s children played sports during their youth up through high school where they all graduated from Chula Vista High School.

Frank and Dorothy loved to go out dancing and attend numerous dances at the El Cortez Hotel. The family attended many formal functions and would dress the kids in suits and dresses even as small children. Holidays were always festive with the children dressing up in their Sunday best attending church or a social function.

Frank coached Little League and Pony League baseball with his sons as they grew older. He loved sharing his knowledge and love of the game. When his kids attended Chula Vista High School he would make every practice and game. From football, basketball, wrestling to track and field Frank was there enjoying his kids become athletes.

His Civil Service Government career started in September 1961 when he reported to the Overhaul and Repair Department, Naval Air Station, North Island, San Diego, California as an Aircraft Electrical Equipment Installer. Through promotions he attained the position of Electrical Equipment Repairer.

He contributed toward the accomplishment of the total mission of the Naval Aviation Depot, North Island, San Diego, California and received over fifteen awards during his thirty two years there.

His contribution to the efficiency of the United States Government is one of which he can be justly proud. He received the appreciation and gratitude of R. E. Hall, Capt. USN, Commanding Officer, and the United States Navy for his valuable contribution in the defense of his county. Frank retired from the United States Civil Service on February 9, 1990; he had a combined 37 years of service to the United States Government.

After retiring he was a VIP, Volunteer in Policing, for the San Diego Police Department for one year, where his son Paul was and is still a member. After that he worked in window tinting, as a handy man, and court summons, he did this for about ten years what he called his “Lazy years.” He said the best things in life besides his four children, three boys and a girl were his seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. His favorite past time was dancing every weekend.

Frank is survived by his four sisters, Margaret Carrera, Sesaria Fuentes, Angela Salas and Julia Welch. Children, Michael Salas & wife Rochelle, April Leake & husband Michael, Paul H. Salas & wife Jamie, and Frank Salas &wife Lillian. Grandchildren, Adrienne, Ashley, Crissy, Michelle, Sabrina, Hailey, and Ryan. Great Grandchildren, Malakai and Yazmin.

Services will be held on March 13, 2012 at 11:00 am at the “Church of the Most Precious Blood,” located at 1245 4th Avenue, Chula Vista CA 91911. (619) 422-2100.

In lieu of flowers, Frank asks that you give a donation to the

American Heart Association, http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/ or

American Diabetes Association, http://www.diabetes.org/?loc=logo.

Funeral Arrangement are under the care of Funeraria Del Angel Humphrey