Frank Rego Amaral, Jr. passed away peacefully on September 26, 2026, at the age of 98, surrounded by the family he cherished throughout life. A devoted and beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, businessman, farmer, and friend, Frank’s life was guided by an enduring belief in God, love of family, hard work, service to others, and striving to do his best.
Frank was born in Modesto, California, on June 5, 1928, to Frank and Evelyn Castro Amaral. He grew up in the small farm town of Gustine, with siblings John and Evelyn Amaral, and Manuel “Charlie” Souza, where he developed an enduring love for agriculture, the dairy industry, and, most of all, the joy of being surrounded by a large and loving extended family.
At the tender age of seven, Frank experienced the profound loss of his father, a deep sorrow he carried within throughout his life, one that shaped the devoted father he would become. He was fiercely present, loving, protective, and supportive of those he loved, while carrying a quiet resilience and a deep devotion to God and his Catholic faith.
Frank attended Gustine Elementary School and Gustine High School, where he discovered a particular love for learning and business; graduating from Modesto Junior College in 1948. A proud American who deeply loved his country, Frank served as a Sergeant in the United States Army during the Korean War.
He then joined the family trucking company, working alongside his stepfather, Manuel B. Souza, at Souza’s Milk Transportation, eventually becoming President of the company.
The greatest chapter of Frank’s life began in 1954, when he met Olivia Lopes at a Portuguese dance in Crows Landing. Their marriage on June 5, 1955, began a love story of their togetherness for 71 blessed years. They welcomed three children, Debbie, Deanie, and Frank. Together, they built a life grounded in faith and filled with joy, adventure, laughter and love. As their family grew to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren, so did Frank’s joy. He delighted in every generation, taking genuine interest in their lives and making certain they knew how deeply they were loved. He was a steady source of wisdom and encouragement, treasured for his optimism, humor, and profound life lessons.
That gift extended far beyond family. Frank genuinely loved people and his relationships were personal, authentic, and memorable.
Frank and Olivia traveled throughout the United States and around the world, often with dear friends and many times with the entire family. Frank delighted in sharing new cultures, traditions, and experiences with those he loved. Among the family’s most meaningful journeys was a trip to the Azores where Frank took great pride in showing his family his father’s homeland and final place of rest.
In 1986, Frank and Olivia founded Superior Truck Lines. Over the next thirty-eight years, his “extended family” grew to more than 200 employees, many of whom came to know firsthand the kindness and compassion that was simply part of who Frank was.
He continued working well into his later years and retired at the remarkable age of 96. His longstanding contributions to the dairy industry were also recognized through his service as an Honorary Director of the California Creamery Operators Board.
Frank also loved farming walnuts and almonds and particularly enjoyed the peace and wonder of simply being in the countryside, immersed in Nature.
His devotion to Our Lady of Miracles was woven deeply into his faith, Portuguese heritage, and family traditions. He served as president of the Our Lady of Miracles Celebration in 1968, held the office of Treasurer for more than 25 years, and served as Secretary for a time. At the time of his passing, he was serving as President of the OLM Membership Society. He was the oldest living past-president of the organization, and the only member who had been alive when the OLM Celebration was established in 1936.
He was a longtime member of the Portuguese Fraternal Society Association, Native Sons of the Golden West, Veterans of Foreign Wars and a Third- Degree Knights of Columbus member. In 2002, the Gustine Chamber of Commerce honored Frank with the Lowell Peters Award for his lifetime of contributions to the community he loved.
Frank was curious, optimistic, enjoyed a good challenge, and rarely encountered a problem he didn’t believe could be solved. He found happiness in life’s grand adventures and in its quietest moments—daily prayer, walks in the garden, relaxing at the ocean. He was ever-grateful for all he held dear in his life.
He liked to joke that his ‘hobby’ was keeping everything clean, well-maintained, and in order. Beneath the humor, he believed whatever was entrusted to his care deserved the best from him. Frank left things better than he found them. He will be profoundly missed, lovingly remembered, and forever present in those who keep them in their hearts and memories.
Frank followed the phases of the moon throughout his life and loved the full moon best. Fittingly, he passed on the day of the Harvest Moon…
Frank leaves behind his beloved wife of 71 years, Olivia; his children, Debbie, Deanie (Tom), and Frank (Cassie); his grandchildren, Derek, Tanis (Lars), Jonas (Catherine), Tess (Humberto), Melissa (Justin), Sarah (Bill), Bentley and Lane; and his great-grandchildren, Avrey and Ashlyn, Dane and Tyson, Olivia Plum, Slater, Maven, and June. He is also survived by his sister, Evelyn Lopes; his brothers, Charlie Souza and John Amaral; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Amaral, Sr. and Evelyn Castro Amaral Souza.
Donations in his memory may be made to Our Lady of Miracles Catholic School.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 4:00–6:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. at the Shrine of Our Lady of Miracles in Gustine.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Shrine of Our Lady of Miracles in Gustine,
370 Linden Ave.
Services are conducted by Hillview Funeral Chapel – Gustine.
