Francis Anthony Avila Sr.

Francis was born on August 15, 1930 in Merced Falls, CA. He was the son of Frank C. Avila and Mary (Medeiros) Avila. He earned his high school diploma from Hughson High School in Hughson, CA in 1948, and then attended and graduated from Modesto Junior College. There he met the love of his life, Patricia. They wed in 1951, and for 63 years their union was inseparable.

For many years, Francis worked in installation and service for the heating and air conditioning business of Wayne R. Hampton. He later co-owned and operated Design Air in Modesto for over 20 years, providing residential and commercial heating and air conditioning services in the Stanislaus County area. He was past President of the Air Conditioning Trade Association (ACTA). He was an active parent at Central Catholic High School (CCHS), serving as past board member of CCHS and as a long time member of the CCHS Boosters Club. Francis was a lifelong, observant Catholic and a parishioner of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Modesto. He was known for many passionate and well-developed interests which he pursued at great lengths, especially photography, genealogy, history, aviation, music, and the art of cuisine. As for the latter, his love of cooking and culinary expertise were family hallmarks. He was social, funny, ready for any adventure or to help others. All who experienced his company and friendship have many Francis Avila stories to tell. These frequently reveal a wickedly mischievous sense of humor that was uniquely his own.

Mostly, Francis will be remembered for his enduring love of family. His devotion to his wife Patricia was legendary, and throughout many life and health hardships, this only deepened. They were invariably described as being "joined at the hip," as a unit, or like being one person. He greatly loved his children and extended family, and their well-being was always a paramount concern to him. His life was all about family. From his pleasure in serving an artfully prepared meal to them, to his strong and steady presence during a family crisis, and up until his last moments on Earth, his love was truly palpable.

Francis is preceded in death by his parents and sister Elizabeth Field. He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia, and children Francis Avila, Jr. and wife Candy, Philip Avila and wife Geeta, Cynthia Schmidt and husband Jim, Vicki Campbell and husband Patrick, and Danny Avila. He leaves behind 11 grandchildren: Spencer Avila, Ishan Avila, Jyoti Avila, Brian Schmidt, Megan Schmidt, Garrett Schmidt, Jenna Barrale, Michael Barrale, Jaime Avila, Melissa Avila, and Daniel Avila, and 2 great-grandchildren: James Hood and Elliott Hood. He is also survived by his sister, Genevieve Peterschick of Hughson, CA, brother Dan Avila and wife Myrna of Lincoln, CA, and sister Vivian Chorley and husband Paul of Sacramento, CA, as well as numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces.

The family wishes to express its great appreciation to the nurses and doctors of Memorial Medical Center, whose exemplary skill and compassion in the care of Francis will not be forgotten.

Donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas, 66675, or to a charity of choice.

Visitation will be on Monday, April 7, 2014 from 4pm - 8pm with a Rosary at 6pm, at Lakewood Funeral Home, Riverside Chapel, in Hughson. Funeral Service and Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at 10am at St. Anthony's Church in Hughson.