Obituary of S. Frank Cannata

S. Frank Cannata, of Simi Valley, died on Monday, November 2, 2015 at his home after a short illness. He was 86 years of age. Frank was born in Middletown, Connecticut to Santo and Rosina Cannata; the last of 7 children. In 1952 he married Anne, and together they had 63 wonderful years raising their 4 kids, serving the community, and traveling the world. Frank was a self-made businessman, owning a successful auto leasing business in Southern California. During his years as a businessman, he was an active member of the Reseda Kiwanis Club, leading the club as President in 1972. When Frank and Anne moved to Simi Valley, he was very active in city politics, running for city council, serving on Parks and Recreation and acting as an advocate for families. In October 1969, upon incorporation of the city of Simi Valley, Frank was honored as a recipient of the key to the new city. After retirement, Frank became a Real Estate agent and later a Ventura County Ombudsman, participating on the Board of Directors of the Simi Valley Council on Aging. Frank and Anne were long time members of Sunset Hills Golf Course and Simi Valley New in Town, where they formed many lifetime friendships. Frank loved to garden and at one time had his own greenhouse where he raised cattleya and cymbidium orchids. He also loved making stained glass windows and lamps - we are grateful to have those lasting mementos. Dad was a gentle soul – rare to anger, fun loving, strong, and proud. He was an avid animal lover and, together with Anne, had a number of animals, with his last being a beloved dog, Duchy, who lived to be 19 ½ years old. A big tease – Dad was always trying to add humor to a situation, even during stressful moments. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. Frank is survived by his wife, Anne; his four children; Marianne, Rozanne, Suzanne and Frank. In addition, he will be missed by Jack, Dwight, David, and Randy, his five grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. And let’s not forget his twelve furry grand dogs and five grand cats. A memorial service is planned for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at the Rose Family Funeral Home at 4444 Cochran Street, Simi Valley. Viewing will be held at 1:30 p.m. before the service and a reception on site immediately following. In lieu of flowers and to honor Dad’s love for animals, memorial donations may be made in Frank’s name to Ventura County Animal Services (www.vcas.us/waystogive).