Clarence Fraga
Clarence Martin Fraga
“Cal”
April 16, 1929 May 19, 2025
Cal was born in Modesto, California to Antonio Tosta Fraga and Emilia Coelho Fraga, immigrants from Terceira Island, Azores. Cal and his older brother, Tony were raised on dairy farms in and around Gustine, California in the San Joaquin Valley. He always remembered milking cows at seven years old before he left for school in the mornings! He attended one room grammar school houses and graduated from Gustine Union High School in 1948. He always said he graduated only because he could play baseball as a left-handed pitcher and football as a center.
After graduation, Cal worked in a dairy until drafted into the Army in 1951. After basic training he got to take his very first airplane ride and promptly jumped out of the plane at the urging of his sergeant! Nothing was wrong with the plane he just became a proud parachutist in the 82nd Airborne and was proud to serve his country for two years. Following discharge, he worked with his uncle building houses, spent 10 years with Moore Business Forms making carbon paper, then 26 years with U-Haul opening and servicing dealers.
Cal met Betty Walz on a blind date; they married October 16, 1965 and were happily married for 59 years. They raised two children: Judd Fraga (Kim) and Gloriann Sasser (Gregory). Proud Grandfather of 8: Caleb & Owen Sasser (died as infants), Gabe (Casey), Will (Raeanne), Clarence “Cal” and Portia Sasser, Skyler Fraga and Kaela Jeffcoat. Great Grandfather of 5: Aster Sexton, Hazel Sasser and Landon, Cali and Ryder Jeffcoat. Also survived by 6 nieces, 1 nephew and lots of great-nieces and great-nephews. With his wife and children, Cal was a happy member of the Concord Caravaners RV Club for 50 years. He and Betty RVed to 49 states in the Union, flew to Hawaii plus Europe and cruised the Caribbean. Many memories were made with over 25 RV trips to San Felipe, Mexico. Cal also enjoyed water skiing and helped teach many of his kids friends how to enjoy that sport. And he never missed a soccer, water polo, baseball, basketball, lacrosse or wrestling match of the Grandkids. Every day ended with a Budweiser or two.
Cal could fix anything, enjoyed hunting and fishing and had a smile for everyone! For many years he thanked God every Sunday at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, then at First Lutheran Church where he walked his last steps into his Saviors arms. He filled his 96 years with love and laughter! Thanks, Mr. Wonderful!
A memorial service will be held on Saturday June 7, 2025 at 11am at First Lutheran Church, 4000 Concord Blvd., Concord, CA.
Donations can be made to First Lutheran Church, 4000 Concord Boulevard, Concord, CA 94519 or to Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa Processing Center, 15 W San Fernando St, San Jose, CA 95113 or to your favorite charity.