Frank J. Cristando

May 18, 1922 – September 11, 2021

Frank J. Cristando was born in Brooklyn, New York to parents Delfio and Lena Cristando on May 18, 1922. He passed away on September 11, 2021 in Fresno, California surrounded by family and loving care givers at Oakmont of Fresno. Frank graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in Queens and attended New York University for one year prior to being drafted in the U.S. military during World War II. He completed his basic training in Miami Beach, Florida, and was later transferred to Camp Pinedale in Fresno, California where he was certified as a cryptographic technician. While in Fresno, Frank met his future wife, Virginia Christa.

After serving a little over a year in state-side service, Frank was sent to the allied headquarters of the China Burma India theatre in Hastings Mill, Calcutta, India where he was promoted to sergeant and served as a cryptographer and communications center leader. He was discharged in January, 1946. Frank considered his service in WW II as one of the most important of his many achievements in life, and he wore his Veterans cap proudly.

In June 1946 he and Virginia were married in the First Presbyterian Church in Fresno. He attended Fresno State College and earned a BS degree in business. He spent 30 years in public service in the City of Fresno, most as a city planner. After his retirement he worked ten years as a planning consultant.

Frank was involved in the community and served as a member and leader in numerous organizations, including the Downtown Exchange Club, Salvation Army, the Fresno County Grand Jury, the Legion of Valor Museum, the Boy Scouts of America, and the First Presbyterian Church where he served as Elder and member of the regional Presbyterian Synod.

In his off-time Frank loved to travel, especially to New York and Italy; work in his fully equipped wood shop where he handcrafted furniture for family and friends; go deep sea fishing off the CA coast with his grandsons and their fathers; and putter in his garden and tend to his many fruit trees. He was an avid reader, photographer, poker player, and a martini barista extraordinaire. But most of all, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend who touched many lives with his joy for life, his faith and his vast repertoire of stories.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Virginia Cristando; son Frank J. Cristando, Jr.; daughter-in-law Merrell Cristando; and great-granddaughter Gracie Rae Calandra. He is survived by son, Ronald J. Cristando of Cambria, Ca; daughter Linda M. Calandra and her husband Dave of Fresno; daughter-in-law Anita F. Cristando of Margate, Fl; dear friend Ann Wiens of Reedley, Ca; brother John J. Cristando of South Lake Tahoe, CA; sister Sophie T. Salvo of Fresno; granddaughter Catherine Dunlap (Aron) of Fresno; grandsons Steven R. Calandra (Tanya) of Oahu, Hawaii; Joseph D. Cristando (Allison) of Granite Bay, CA; John R. Cristando (Camilla) of New York City; Aron Cristando (Yvette) of Coral Springs, FL and Jacob Gowdy of Mariposa, CA. He is also survived by 15 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Frank's life will be held on Friday October 22, 10:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church on Calaveras and M Street in Fresno, CA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Fresno, P.O. Box 16007, Fresno, CA 93755, or Valley Caregiver Resource Center, 5363 N. Fresno, Fresno CA. 93710.