Frank Joseph Soto

Frank Joseph Soto passed away peacefully in Oxnard, California on February 22, 2026, with his loving family by his side. During his 100 years, he was a beloved son, devoted husband, caring father, and adored grandfather. Frank was born in Hastings, Nebraska in 1925 to Jesus and Rosario Soto. He attended Lincoln School and Hastings Senior High School.

During World War II, at the age of 17, Frank enlisted in the United States Navy. One duty assignment he proudly spoke of was serving on the USS Sarasota during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, as an Electrician’s Mate Second Class. The USS Sarasota witnessed heavy Kamikaze attacks as they would travel to offload troops and cargo. On one such occasion, the Sarasota was part of a convoy to shield a battleship from being attacked when the call to “Battle Stations” sounded over the ship’s communication system. Frank immediately reported to his battle station which was the main electrical switchboard in the engine room below deck. The ship’s meters were rising and falling because the invasion boats were being lowered so that the troops could go over the side of the ship in a cargo net. However, because the load was so high Frank’s generators lost power and the ship was forced to leave the convoy. There was another ship ordered to take the place of the Sarasota in the convoy. Unfortunately, that ship was struck by an enemy torpedo as soon as it replaced the Sarasota. Once Frank put the generators back online, the Sarasota returned to the convoy to resume its position of shielding the battleship from attack.

In 1946, Frank was honorably discharged from the United States Navy and he enlisted in the United States Navy Reserves. During this time, he also worked hard farming corn and soybeans in Nebraska.

After meeting at a family dance in Iowa, and a short courtship, Frank married the love of his life Juanita in 1949. They settled in Shelton, Nebraska where Frank continued to farm and they started their family.

Frank reenlisted in the United States Navy in 1953. In addition to his service during World War II, he also served during the Korean War and Vietnam War, and participated in the Bay of Pigs Invasion.

After honorably serving his country for 30 years, Frank retired in May 1975 as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. Following retirement, Frank was employed as a civilian at the Naval Ship Missile Systems Engineering Station in Port Hueneme until January 1988.

Frank’s life was defined by his devotion to God, family, service, and an enduring love for his country. He was a decades long communicant of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Oxnard where he regularly attended mass and led the Rosary Prayer Group. Some of Frank’s favorite pastimes were hiking and camping with his wife Juanita. He also enjoyed vegetable gardening, with his last crop being harvested at the age of 99. Through the years, Frank participated in various activities at the South Oxnard Senior Center, including their annual Wii Bowling Tournament where he and his teammates competed against other senior centers in the county. He formed many lasting friendships at the senior center, some whom he was in contact with up to his final days. Frank was a huge football fan with his favorite team being the Nebraska Cornhuskers. If there was a game, he was sure to watch and cheer them on. GO BIG RED!

Frank is survived by his sons Mark (Cindy) Soto of Modesto and Raphael Soto of Oxnard; daughter Victoria (the late Edward Dennis) Clarke of Oxnard and Monica (Daniel) Arellano of Wilmington; brothers Robert (Linda) Soto and Richard (Virginia) Soto; and sister Juanita (Robert) Briseno; 15 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 68 years, Juanita; son Frank (Lisa) Soto Jr.; and grandson Frank Soto III; brothers Abraham Soto, Joseph Soto, and Louis Soto; sisters Guadalupe “Lupe” Aldana, Esperanza “Hope” DeLeon, Conception “Connie” DeLeon, and Consuelo “Comfort” DeLeon.

A viewing will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Funeraria del Angel, 401 W Channel Islands Blvd, Oxnard. Rosary will be said during the viewing at 6:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 10:00 am at St Anthony’s Catholic Church, 2511 S. C Street, Oxnard. Burial to follow at Santa Clara Cemetery & Mortuary.