October 4, 1931 - August 19, 2016

Frank Prieto passed away peacefully at PIH Downey Hospital on Friday, August 19, 2016 in the morning surrounded by family and close friends. Frank is survived by Josephine, his beloved wife of 63 years, five daughters, three brothers, five sisters, three son-in-laws, seven grandchildren, two step grandchildren, five great grandchildren, six step great grandchildren, and numerous Godchildren.

Born on October 4, 1931 in Bellflower, Calif, Frank attended elementary and middle schools in Norwalk and graduated from Excelsior High School in Norwalk, Calif. Upon Frank’s high school graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Frank was a crew member at the original McDonald’s in Downey, a drafting instructor at Cerritos College and an industrial engineer in the aerospace industry. In Frank’s later years, he worked at Able Industrial Products in its sales and development division and was employed by Sears & Roebuck as a retail associate in the hardware department.

Frank and his wife Josephine purchased their Downey home in 1956 where he resided until his death. Frank loved to keep active; over the years, he gave his time and energy to many organizations, including the American Red Cross, City of Downey’s planning commission and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States.

Upon his early retirement from the working sector at Boeing (formally known as Rockwell International), Frank traveled the U.S. and abroad with his wife and family aboard cruise ships. His many hobbies included flying planes, gardening, tinkering in his garage, photography, and making carousel horses for his grandchildren. Frank also loved the University of Southern California and was an avid football fan. One of Frank’s fondest memories was being surprised by members of the USC Trojan Marching Band at his 75th birthday party.

Frank was laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Los Angeles on August 26, 2016 followed by a reception held at the Embassy Suites in Downey.

An amazing and beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, Frank will truly be missed by all who knew him.