Frank C. Urias

Frank Urias, 88, a distinguished attorney and cherished family man, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2024 surrounded by his family. A lifetime Ventura County resident, Frank was born  in Santa Paula, CA.  He was one of nine children, born of migrant parents. His family followed the crops: lemons in Southern California, grapes in Northern California, and even though his parents frequently pulled him out of school to move to the next harvest, he graduated from Santa Paula High School with honors.  His senior year he served as the ASB President, the first Mexican American to hold the title.  He accepted a scholarship to Saint Mary’s College. After college, Frank served in the US Army for two years, stationed in France. Later he worked as a program controller at McClellan Air Force Base, where he met and married the love of his life, Eva.  He continued his education and earned his Juris Doctor degree at McGeorge School of Law.

As a self-employed Workman’s comp and social security/disability attorney, Frank devoted his career to advocating for justice and equality. His passion for empowering marginalized communities led him to be a founding member of the Mexican American Bar Association of Ventura County.  His contributions to the legal field and the community will be remembered with gratitude and respect.

Frank's life was as rich and varied as the passions he pursued. His love for his Ojai ranch was matched only by his dedication to gardening, where he found solace in being outdoors and working the earth, riding his tractor, and cultivating his favorite plants. His culinary skills shined through in his love of bread baking, filling his home with the comforting aroma of freshly baked loaves, empanadas, and calzones.

Frank enjoyed traveling, his interest sparked by almost a year long road trip with friends in a VW van to South America, driving solo on the return trip.  His favorite trips included Hawaii, Mexico, Tahiti, camping, fishing, and occasional weekends in Las Vegas.

Music was another cherished aspect of Frank’s life. Whether strumming his guitar, playing his harmonica for family and friends or singing the corridos he cherished so much, Frank’s musical talents were a testament to his vibrant spirit. His picnics with family were treasured moments of joy, where laughter and love were shared under the open sky.

A devoted sports enthusiast, Frank had a special place in his heart for Saint Mary’s basketball. While enrolled as a student there, he was the team manager and throughout his life he actively cheered on the Gaels hoping first to beat Gonzaga and second, to make it into the Big Dance in March. His unwavering support for the team was a reflection of his passionate and enthusiastic nature. 

Frank made life-long friends throughout the years. From grade school to high school, through college, the army, his colleagues, and neighbors, with whom he kept in touch until his passing.

More than anything, Frank deeply loved and cherished his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Evangeline Urias; children Noelle Urias, Michelle (Carey) Lopez, Michael (Renee) Urias, and Raymond (Melissa) Urias; grandchildren Joseph Zaragoza, Isaac Lopez, Marissa Lopez, Dyana Urias, Andrew Urias, Layla Urias, Austin Urias; great-grandson Noah Moreira; and many nieces and nephews.  They will remember him for his unwavering kindness and unconditional love, his dedication to his work and community, and the countless moments of joy he brought into their lives.  His legacy of compassion, service, and love will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents Donaciano and Anita Urias; and siblings Alfonso Urias, Celia Jimenez, Eleanor Ramirez, Ofelia DeLaTorre, Ramona Chavez, Rita L Mendoza, Patsy Avilez, and Candelaria Pardo.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Sunday, September 15 at Reardon Funeral Home, 511 North A St., Oxnard. Rosary will begin at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 16 at Santa Clara Church, 323 South E St., Oxnard.  Interment will follow at Santa Clara Cemetery, Oxnard.

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