Jose “Francisco” Vasquez
Known to some as Pancho, born September 4, 1930, passed away December 8, 2021, with family and loved ones by his side. Francisco was born in Abasolo, Guanajuato, Mexico, to parents Francisco Vasquez and Maria Zaragoza. Pancho was at the young age of 14, when he and his older brother Margarito would soon make the long journey to what was the start of a better life. Francisco would find his way to the United States, searching for any work along the way. Francisco traveled through Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas and worked hard to bring who would become his future wife, Aurora Juarez Vasquez, to the United States. It was not an easy journey for the two, with little means and their family growing. Francisco never gave up; he knew the benefits of working hard and saving every penny he had. Francisco and Aurora would make their way into California, traveling from Watts to Wasco, Richgrove, Delano and in 1957, finally settling in Porterville. The hard work and savings would pay off, Francisco and Aurora would soon purchase their first piece of land at 955 E. Orange St. Subsequent purchases of land would soon follow for a total of 7 owned properties around Orange and Maurer streets. These properties were one of the most significant accomplishments, along with him and Aurora becoming permanent United States Residents in 1957. In 1977, he purchased his final property on the west side of town; this home would become the staple point for the family to come together for birthdays and holidays.
Francisco is preceded in death by his parents, wife Aurora, sons Mario and Vincent Vasquez, daughters Angelica and Gloria Vasquez. Son in Law Esteban Aranda. Grandson's Vincent Vasquez, Vincent Ramirez. Granddaughters Rita Vargas and Rachel "Becca" Vasquez and Great-grandson Sergio Vasquez III.
Francisco is survived by his children, Napolion Vasquez and wife Flora Vasquez, Esteban Vasquez and wife Lidia Vasquez, Carlos Vasquez and wife Alisa Vasquez, Irma Vasquez and partner Felix Mercado, Yolanda Vasquez, Sergio Vasquez and wife Lisa Mercado. Adopted son Paul and wife Annette Duron. Along with 20 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren.
Pop's and grandpa, known to him by his family, will be greatly missed. Francisco leaves a great legacy in his children, grandchildren, and future Vasquez generations. The family will forever cherish the dedication of hard work and perseverance it took to come to the United States to make a better life for himself and his family.
A viewing will be held at Porterville Funeral & Cremation Center on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, from 2:00 pm to 7 pm. A Rosary will be held at Porterville Funeral & Cremation Center on Tuesday, December 21, at 6:00 pm. The following morning Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. Funeral Services will be held at St. Ann's Catholic Church, with a final resting place to follow at Hillcrest Cemetery.
To sign Jose Francisco Vasquez online Register book or leave a message of condolence go to www. portervillefuneral.com. For additional information, contact Porterville Funeral & Cremation Center at (559) 784-6485.