Frank Guarnera

Our wonderful brother, Frank, passed away peacefully June 6th in a Hemet care home after a long illness. He was surrounded by loved ones just days before his passing. Frank was born in Los Angeles, California - the eldest of five children (likely enjoying his first 2 years blissfully as an only child!). He grew up in Whittier, graduating from California High School in 1962. In his youth he enjoyed playing league baseball and was a star pitcher for his team. Mom observed a couple seated nearby saying..."Oh great, we're going to win today, Guarnera is pitching!" During his high school years and beyond Frank followed his love of surfing the beautiful Southern California coastline every chance he got heading out to catch the waves with friends. He later attended Rio Hondo Community College while working part-time at Nixon's Family restaurant in Whittier. He also worked for Standard Oil Company in the drafting department. He then attended California State Fullerton where he pursued his interest in civics and political science. This explains his lifelong interest in politics and world affairs. He was near completion of his 4 years schooling when lured away with union pay to become a professional driver of buses, trucks and eventually cement-mixers. As the Vietnam War raged in the 60's Frank relocated twice to live in San Francisco in order to change his address after receiving his first draft notice. A clever way to avoid a war he believed was wrong. Eventually a co-worker suggested he join the Army Reserves. As the eldest in our family and with our mother Mary working full-time, Frank, as well as Terese, were often in charge of managing their siblings on a daily basis. They oversaw much of our household from crowd control during outings to staying home from school to attend to someone's chicken pox. He was a compassionate, thoughtful big brother with a terrific sense of humor. He set a positive and caring tone for the rest of the family. There are wonderful memories of many family Christmas' and summer gatherings at our mother's retirement home at Lake Tahoe. The tales are many of memorable times from his seven nieces and nephews (Nicole, Ian, Andy, Dawn, Marisa, Vanessa and Matt) and 4 siblings as we all enjoyed celebrating as a family together. There were charades, board games, snowball fights, sledding, skiing, swimming and, of course, gambling. Frank was a master blackjack player. Frank's personality was his greatest attribute. He will forever be remembered for his sharp wit and easy-going nature. Friends, co-workers, family and fellow residents in his recent assisted living residence enjoyed his affable manner and warm welcoming nature. Frank is predeceased by our mother Mary O'Halloran Miller and survived by his sister's Terese Tubbs, Laure Nation and brothers Joe and Pat Guarnera, as well as his companion Janice Gately. We shall cherish the memories of our wonderful brother Frank and his heart of gold. A celebration of his life will be planned for the near future. Funeral Home: Pacific Cremation Society 22772 Centre Drive, Suite 130 Lake Forest, CA 92630