In Memoriam: Frank S. Falero (JD '73)

Pepperdine Caruso Law alumnus Frank S. Falero (JD '73) passed away in San Diego, California on November 8.  Falero served in the District Attorney's Office of Riverside, California, and was appointed to a judgeship with the California State Compensation Insurance Fund.  He also served in the United States Army.

Tribute from Jeffrey Falero:

My father, Frank Santiago Falero passed peacefully from this life on Friday, November 8, 2024. Those who knew him are welcome to share the celebration of his life at Miramar National Cemetery, San Diego, CA, on Wednesday November 27, 2024. Frank was born to Serafin Falero y Rodriguez and Alberta Torres y Flores (later Berta Mercado) on June 10, 1931, in the City of Juncos, Puerto Rico. He had one brother (Serafin), two sisters (Carmen and Nilda), and several half-siblings from his dad’s previous marriages. In 1937 Frank and his family left Puerto Rico on the ship “Ponce”, arrived in New York Harbor and settled in the Bronx. His father’s untimely death meant ten-year old Frank had to enter the workforce, while caring for his younger sister Nilda and managing school. On December 8, 1949, just before the start of the Korean War, Frank entered the Army 9th Infantry, 139th Ordnance Battalion. His brother Serafin had a best friend, Raoul Bisbal. Raoul introduced Frank to his sister, Nilda Monserrate Bisbal, native of Puerto Rico. On June 5, 1951, they married at Saint Anselm’s Church on Tinton Avenue in the Bronx. Their daughter Sonia Jean Falero was born in September 1952. The Army honorably discharged Frank in January 1954 with both the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. A few months later, Frank and Nilda welcomed son Robert Lloyd Falero. Frank received a Bachelor of Arts from The City College of New York and gained experience in several sectors. Frank moved his family of four to California in the mid 1960’s, at the urging of brothers Serafin and Raoul who had recently done the same. He soon became a real estate appraiser with the State Department of Public Works Division of Highways (now Caltrans). Jeffrey Steven Falero was born to Frank and Nilda in April 1966. Frank, a motivated student, took on Pepperdine School of Law at night while holding down his career and family obligations in the daytime. He earned his Juris Doctor by June of 1973. Shortly after passing the bar, he became Assistant to the District Attorney of the County of Riverside, California. He worked his way up to appointment as a Judge with the State (of California) Compensation Insurance Fund. Even with these demands on his life, Frank followed the call of military service, re-entering the Army as a reservist. With this addition to his monthly routine, he became a specialist with the Pershing Missile and rose to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. He retired honorably from his legal career and military service near the end of the last Century. Frank served the Knights of Columbus (most recently in Council #5175, Morro Bay, CA), and the American Legion (most recently in CA Post 0066, San Luis Obispo).

Celebration of Life:  The graveside ceremony will last ½ hour at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego, CA. Please arrive at 12:45, Wednesday, November 27, 2024. While the family does not request gifts or flowers, if well-wishers prefer, they may schedule flowers to Miramar (Attention Frank S Falero) at 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122 on the day of his ceremony.