Frank Higuera passed away December 11, 2021, at 94 with his family by his side.  Panchito was born October 3, 1927 in Yuma, Arizona, grew up in Cerro Agudo, Sinaloa, Mexico (former Peanut Capital of the World) with his aunts and uncle (Tia Felipa, Tia Cruz, and Tio Nacho).   He left Cerro Agudo in 1942 when he was 17 years old to live with his Aunt Maria in San Martin, CA.  Pancho returned to Mexico to marry his late wife, Micaela Gaxiola Higuera, on April 25 1954.  He then returned to San Martin/Gilroy, CA area in late 1954 where he stayed until his passing in December 2021.  He was married for 53 years to Micaela before her passing in 2007. Loving father of Frankie Higuera (wife Debbie), Michael Higuera, Marie Ann Higuera (husband Steve Fischer), and late Paul Higuera.  Devoted grandfather of Christopher Fischer, Nico Higuera, Michelle Higuera, and Natalie Fischer.   Dear brother of late Luvina Valenzuela, late Maria Luisa Higuera Benzor, late Sister Ascension Higuera, late Rafaela Higuera Andrade, and Hugo Higuera.  Dear Uncle of many nieces, nephews, and godfather to many godchildren.

In his youth, Francisco worked for various farmers in the San Martin area and began working for San Martin Winery in 1955.  He retired from San Martin Winery in 1988 after working for 33 years, he started a landscaping/master gardener business for 15 years in Gilroy, CA.   He was known for his home-made olives, manufactured half-barrel barbeque pits, making trailers, and cement work.  He was an engineer at heart.  He was also known as pre-Facebook by continuously staying in touch with everyone he met throughout his life.  Everyone who met him knew he was a special-caring person.

Frank was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle, godfather, and friend to all.  He enjoyed being with his grandchildren and would do anything for them.  He was a long-time parishioner of Saint Mary's Church, a member of Knights of Columbus since 1955, and a community friend who will be missed by south county Santa Clara.

Visitation is on Friday, January 21, 2022 at Saint Mary's Church, 11 First Street, Gilroy, CA 4pm to 9pm and rosery starting at 7pm.   Viewing will begin on Saturday, 9am until 11:15am, January 22, 2022 at Habing Family Funeral Home, 129 4 ^th Street, Gilroy, CA, 95020.  Funeral mass will begin at noon on January 22, 2022 at Saint Mary's Church.  In lieu of flowers please send donations to Society of Helpers, PO Box 1007 Yorkville, IL, 60560 or Saint Joseph Family Center, Gilroy, CA, on-line stjosephsgilroy.org.