Frank Goulart

Frank Goulart, a life-long Visalia resident, passed away on October 10, 2023 at the age of 88. He was born November 27, 1934 to Azorean immigrants Augustine and Mariana Goulart. He spent his entire life living on the same family farm where he was born.

From his early years Frank learned from his parents the value of hard work. He helped with the farm responsibilities such as waking early to milk the cows. Throughout his life he would get up before sunrise to start his day.

Near the end of his freshman year at Visalia Senior High School, Frank was asked by classmate Janell Mitchell to join her for a picnic with friends at Mooney Grove Park. The high school romance led to a marriage in 1956. After a 2-day trek to Los Angeles, Frank and Janell honeymooned at Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm. Their trip was cut short when Frank’s father requested that he return home to help on the family farm and that they could finish their honeymoon at a later time.

Following his graduation from high school in 1954, he assumed responsibility for the family dairy and transitioned it into a farm growing cotton and alfalfa. With the help of his wife and children he would spend his days managing the fields and farm business, operating equipment, and irrigating the crops.

In 1966, Frank began working at the University of California Lindcove Field Station (now called the University of California Lindcove Research and Extension Center). He worked 25 years at the Lindcove Field Station while simultaneously operating the family farm at night and on weekends.

He and Janell frequented Northern California and the Pacific Northwest coast, where they enjoyed fish dinners, walking through antique shops, and tailgate lunches overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Frank also enjoyed time at his second home in Pismo Beach. While on the Central Coast, he would visit the Pismo Fish and Chips restaurant to enjoy a fish dinner, insisting it was better than other restaurants. He also enjoyed walks on the Pismo Beach pier, and sitting at the beach house watching as people went by. On all of their trips, they would make a point to visit family and friends who had moved to those areas.

Family and friends were important to Frank. He and his former classmates would often meet for meals to discuss what was happening in their lives and laugh about old times. He was involved with the Visalia Senior High School Class of 1954 reunion committee. It was important to him to reconnect with as many classmates as possible and encourage them to attend the reunions. Frank loved catching up with classmates at the reunions or just calling an old friend. He would sometimes just strike up a conversation with a stranger while sharing a bench somewhere looking at the ocean or at the boats in a harbor. Frank will always be remembered for his ability to lighten the mood with his great sense of humor.

Frank and Janell shared a wonderful 66 years of marriage, raising 3 successful children who cherished their time with their parents. When asked how the marriage lasted so long, Frank would share that he “got a good one” and they were just “a perfect fit”.

Frank was preceded in death by his wife Janell, his sister Margaret Haider, and his parents Augustine and Mariana Goulart.

Frank is survived by his children Robert Goulart (Marie) of Clovis, CA, Frank A. Goulart (Colleen McGuire) of Visalia, CA, and Sharon Holahan (Tom) of Visalia, CA. He is also survived by his grandchildren Taylor Holahan (Danielle) of Rancho Cucamonga, CA and Conor Holahan (Kaylee Metzger) of Carmichael, CA and his great-grandchild Jack Holahan. Survivors also include his niece Carol Meyer of Visalia, CA and nephew Mike Haider of Clovis, CA. He will be missed by his faithful companion dogs Cookie and Peanut.

“Frank and Janell. Reunited Forever.”

In lieu of flowers, if desired the family suggests donations be made in Frank’s name to the Tulare County 4-H Leader’s Council at 4437 S. Laspina Suite B, Tulare, CA 93274.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.millerchapel.com for the Goulart family.