Frank Borba, 85, a resident of Chowchilla since 1948 passed away on Friday, August 8, 2014. Frank was diagnosed with Parkinsons in 2007 and with the loving care of his daughter Joyce Borba and granddaughter Jolie Borba he was able to remain at home even in the midst of declining health. Frank was born in Dixieland, CA to Joseph Cardoza Borba and Telvena Mary Alves-Borba. He was the third of eight children, Joe Borba, Evelyn Robinson, Mary Borba, Inez Lovelace, Elvera Garrison, Telvina Chumbley, and Albert Borba. He was raised on a dairy and attended school in Dixieland.
Frank retired in 1993 following a 35-year career as a chemist with Anderson & Clayton Cottonseed Refinery in Chowchilla. Frank was actively involved in the San Joaquin Valley Fire Association, the SFA Portuguese Society, the Chowchilla Little League, and the American Heart Association. He joined the Chowchilla Volunteer Fire Department in 1950 at the age of 21. Frank served the department for 64 years, currently the most years of service by any one volunteer in the department's history, and was Fire Chief for 19 of those years.
Frank, a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather is preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Peggy Borba of Chowchilla, and his son John Borba of Oakhurst CA. Frank is survived in death by his children Janice Wilder of Modesto CA, Joyce Borba of Merced CA, and Jane Carr and her husband Gary of Lake Arrowhead CA. He had 13 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
A funeral service celebrating Frank's life will be Saturday, August 16 at 9:00 AM at Cornerstone Community Church, 208 Fig Tree Road in Chowchilla. Interment will follow at the Chowchilla District Cemetery and a reception will be held at the SFA Portuguese Hall, 800 South 3rd Street in Chowchilla.
In honor of Frank the family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made directly to the Chowchilla Volunteer Fire Department.