Frank R. Escobar, 72, passed away on June 13, 2013 at his home in Ventura. He was born October 7, 1940 in Lompoc, CA and raised in Santa Barbara attending local schools and graduating from Santa Barbara High School.
Frank served his country through the Army and was stationed in Germany where he worked in the kitchens, prepping and cooking meals which brought him to his favorite pastime.
In the 1970’s, Frank owned two restaurants Ruth n Rogers, which was down on Montectio and Bath Street and then Frank’s Place which was on State Street at De La Vina. He employed the help of his brothers Fred and Floyd to help with the cooking and his daughter Diana was his number one waitress at the ripe age of 5. He was known for his famous pies and loved to see people leave with full and satisfied stomachs.
After taking some time away from Santa Barbara, he returned in the late 1980’s and fell into the trade of a Butcher working at local supermarkets for some years and at the end of his working career he found himself doing what he loved most, prepping food for the Santa Barbara school district and even worked at his Alma Mater Santa Barbara High School. He always said a good meal starts at the hands that prepare it.
Frank also had a open heart for animals. He was called the second Humane Society for he would take in strays or help people when they could no longer take care of their animals. He even went as far as adopting a donkey which he named Nacho. There was never a animal Frank did not love and he made sure they had a life full of unconditional love and food.
Frank was preceded in death by his mother Connie Cardona, his father Richard Escobar and his two brothers Fred Escobar and Floyd Escobar. He is survived by his only daughter Diana Morales (JJ), granddaughter Salma Mary and grandson Josue Francisco. He also has many nephews, nieces and extended family that will miss him dearly.
Services will be at 9:00AM Saturday July 13th at Our Lady of Sorrows, located at 21 E. Sola Street followed by a Celebration of Life BBQ at Hilda Ray Park at 1400 Kenwood Drive in Santa Barbara. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Humans Society of Santa Barbara.
