Frank
Navarrete Lucero, a dedicated and accomplished individual, passed away at the
age of 93.
From: Frank Lucero Obituary - Westminster, CA (dignitymemorial.com)
Frank
Navarrete Lucero, a dedicated and accomplished individual, passed away at the
age of 93.
Frank was born in Santa Ana, California, as a fourth-generation Californian to Frank Duarte Lucero and Dolores Navarrete Lucero. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ysabell (Liz) Lucero, son Frank Lucero III, daughter Vikki Lucero Coughlin, the late Robert Jimenez Jr, stepdaughter and son-in-law, Joseph and Desiree Cimino, and grandchildren Gabriela and Giovanna Cimino.
He attended Seal Beach Elementary, Willard Junior School, Santa Ana High School, and Santa Ana Junior College. His early years were filled with a passion for classical piano, performing for local service organizations. He also assisted his parents in farming in Seal Beach and Santa Ana.
Frank was an enlisted member of the U.S. Air Force between 1951 and 1955 during the Korean War and was an aircraft mechanic. His working career was distinguished by four years in the military service, one year at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, and forty-four years at the Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC), Edwards Air Force Base, CA. His total work in the federal government was 48 years.
He later earned a Bachelor's Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. His passion for aviation led to a 44-year career at the Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC), Edwards Air Force Base, where he served as a civilian flight test engineer, engineering supervisor, strategic planning manager and Deputy Director.
Frank received numerous awards for his work, including meritorious and civilian-of-the-year honors. He earned a master's degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California and was a member of several professional organizations. He authored numerous technical reports and papers, contributing to the field of aerospace engineering.
After retiring in 2004, Frank returned to Fountain Valley, where he remained active in the community. He was a member of the Fountain Valley Police Department Retired Senior Volunteer Program, USC Trojan Club, Los Caballeros Sports Club, Orange County Wine Society, and Fountain Valley Historical Society. Frank's interests included aviation, piano, reading, travel, good food and wine, and the USC Trojans.
Frank will be remembered for his loyalty, intelligence, and dedication to mentoring others. He was a patriot who believed deeply in the military, and he valued hard work, honesty, and fairness. Above all, he was a devoted family man who cherished his roots and his loved ones. Frank’s legacy will live on in the memories of those who knew him and in the contributions he made to his country.Frank & Liz at 2019 Edwards Reunion
