In Loving Memory of Franklin Nelson Stanley Jr.

**March 12, 1945 – October 10, 2026**

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Frank was a man of intelligence, integrity, and deep conviction.

Franklin Nelson Stanley Jr., affectionately known as Frank to most and Nelson to his parents, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2026, at the age of 81, in the comfort of his own bed, with his loving daughter by his side.

Born on March 12, 1945, in Washington State, Frank was the son of Franklin Nelson Stanley Sr., a first lieutenant in the United States Army Air Corps, and Lois Rachel (Waller) Stanley. He spent much of his childhood growing up in Torrance and Long Beach, California, alongside his brother, Steven, and sister, Lisa.

Frank was a man of intelligence, integrity, and deep conviction. He earned his bachelor’s degree in German from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he also participated in the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). Upon completing his training, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. During the Cold War, he served in northwestern Germany, commanding a unit of Russian-language specialists responsible for monitoring Soviet military communications during a period of heightened tensions between East and West Germany.

Following his military service, Frank built a successful 30-year career with Pacific Bell, where he served as a second-level supervisor. He later earned his master’s degree in English from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), writing his thesis on the American Dream. A lifelong student of history, he had a particular fascination with America’s westward expansion. His love of language and culture inspired several trips to Western Europe and he even took his daughter, his sister, and his nieces and nephews along with him. He also never missed an opportunity to strike up a conversation in German with anyone who knew even a few words.

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His faith shaped his values, his relationships, and the principles by which he lived.

Frank was a man of strong Christian faith who loved the Lord and remained actively involved in his church throughout his life. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, he enjoyed sharing his musical gifts as a member of the church choir. His faith shaped his values, his relationships, and the principles by which he lived. Loyal, trustworthy, and deeply principled, Frank was a man whose word could be counted on and whose love for others was expressed through his actions.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Frank played Little League baseball in his youth and basketball during his school years. He was an avid diver for many years and an accomplished dancer who especially enjoyed ballroom dancing, the samba, and the tango. A devoted Los Angeles Dodgers fan, he loved attending games at Dodger Stadium and, later in life, took tremendous pleasure in watching his grandsons play Little League, proudly cheering them on from the sidelines.

Frank was also a remarkably talented woodworker. His garage workshop was a place of creativity, where he crafted much of the furniture that filled his home. He lovingly made wooden stools for his grandsons, grandnieces and grandnephews, and even some of the neighborhood kids. He also created beautiful Advent candleholders with handcrafted wooden storage boxes. Each candle box bore a brass plaque inscribed with the words, “Come Lord Jesus. We are waiting.”

Christmas was Frank’s favorite season. He delighted in the traditions of Advent and the celebration of Christ’s birth. Every year, he faithfully purchased and mailed Advent candles to his family, sharing a tradition that brought together his love for the Lord and his devotion to those closest to him.

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His hospitality was simple, sincere, and generous.

Perhaps one of Frank’s most endearing qualities was his genuine love for his family and friends. He cherished his neighbors and maintained an open-door home, quite literally leaving his front door open so friends and neighbors could stop by for a visit. He loved good conversation, a warm cup of coffee, and sharing a meal around the table. His hospitality was simple, sincere, and generous.

Perhaps no one knew the depth of Frank's loyalty quite like his younger brother, Steve. Reflecting on a lifetime of brotherhood, Steve shared these heartfelt words:

My brother ALWAYS "had my back". Even from the time when I was in a diaper until the day he died.

When the "chips were down" he was ALWAYS there for me even when I got myself into trouble. I will miss the conversations we had while we were together visiting at each other's homes and/or the phone calls back and forth over the years.

I could tell him anything, good or bad, knowing he would never betray a confidence and love me anyway.

I will miss him dearly.

'Bro Stevo

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He cherished his neighbors and maintained an open-door home, quite literally leaving his front door open so friends and neighbors could stop by for a visit.

Throughout his life, Frank shared meaningful relationships with those he loved. He married Sharon Marie Coffee in 1972 and later married Vickie Jill Arminio, known as Jill, in 1977. In subsequent years, he shared a special relationship with Elaine Shue and later enjoyed many years of companionship with his longtime partner, Barbara White, until her passing in 2021.

Above all, Frank was a dedicated and loving father and grandfather. He cared deeply for his daughter, Courtney Jill Meltvedt, and his stepdaughter, Traci Lee Arminio Hassler. He is survived by Courtney and her husband, Leo Meltvedt, and his four beloved grandsons, Noah Bradley, Jacob Alexander, Silas Adam, and Isaac Daniel Meltvedt. He is also survived by his brother, Steven Pierce Stanley, and his sister, Lisa Rachel Papararo.

For all his accomplishments and interests, it was his family and his faith that mattered most. He treasured the simple joys of life: time with his loved ones, a shared meal, a conversation over coffee, an afternoon at the ballpark, or an evening spent together at home.

Frank leaves behind a legacy of faith, integrity, craftsmanship, and enduring love. His family will remember him in the furniture he built with his own hands, the traditions he faithfully maintained, the songs he sang, the baby name voting lists, and the warmth of his ever-open door.

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For all his accomplishments and interests, it was his family and his faith that mattered most.

Perhaps his own words, engraved on the Advent candle boxes he so lovingly made, offer the most fitting remembrance of his life and faith:

**“Come Lord Jesus. We are waiting.”**

*“Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” — Revelation 22:20 (KJV)*