Manuel "Frank" Francisco Melo

The world was blessed by Frank when he was born in Furnas, São Miguel Açores to a large family. Frank was 4th eldest sibling in a family of 7 brothers and 4 sisters. Frank was the adventurous type and at the age of 14, 'Francisco' traveled to Terceira in search of a new job. There he landed a job at Hotel Terra Nostra as a receptionist. He transferred in the same position to Santa Maria, where he stayed until joining the Air Force in the prestigious rank of a Paratrooper. At the age of 25, 'Melo' decided it was time to settle down after finding the love of his life, Leonor. They married a year later, in 1966, and started their adventure together by moving to Montreal, Quebec, where they lived for 11 years and became a Father to Marguerite and Patrick Reis. At this time, 'Melo' worked hard to support the family as a Wine Room Manager at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel for the first few years and then served as the Airport Ramp Planner for Canadian Airlines. In 1977, the family embarked on another adventure and drove from Montreal to Redwood City, California in search of nicer weather (and happened to have some family in the area). They settled in Redwood City, CA where Frank worked in the electronic field as a QC Inspector and Senior Technician for Raychem. He worked there for 30 years and was surrounded by several friends and family members. In 1983 the family moved to Newark, to their final destination as a family. His home was always open to friends and family. Frank was always passionate about his presence in the community, especially in the Portuguese Community. He was a prominent member of the Newark Portuguese Sports Club where he served as the President of the General Assembly and Treasurer. He also belonged to the Filarmonica Recreio do Emigrante Portuguese (F.R.E.P) and was an honorary member of the P.F.S.A Newark Holy Ghost as a result of his donation of beautiful Holy Ghost doves for the local festivals. After retiring from Raychem, he dedicated himself to his beautiful birds and garden. Frank was a proud fisherman, photographer, joke teller, singer of 'cantigas ao desafio', spoke 4 different languages, and loved dancing. He was a loving and caring Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle and Friend. He leaves his legacy through his family and the friendships he formed, and the optimism and positivity that shone through his beautiful smile. A memorial service will take place at 3 PM on June 30th at Chapel of the Angels 40842 Fremont Blvd, followed by a celebration of his life at the Portuguese Pavilion on Thornton Ave in Newark at 5PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Stanford Hospital.