Frank Simon Byle

On June 18, 1930, Frank and Johanna Byle celebrated the birth of their first child – Frank Simon. Born in Eindhoven, Holland, just ten years before the Nazi invasion, Frank would witness atrocities of which he would not speak. He and his family would be deemed “survivors” of the Enemy Occupation when the Allied Forces liberated Holland in 1945. Frank was 15!

A few years later, the Byle family would make their way to America – the country that Frank praised as “the greatest place to live!” And as his life would have it, he lived on both coasts of that beloved country. Settling in New Jersey, Frank would discover two things that would forever shape his future – his wife, Lorraine, and a job in mechanics! Joining many young men at that time, Frank served in the United States Air Force (1952- 56) where his skills were further developed. Frank was a brilliant mechanic who could fix anything!

He was also a hard working “Dutchman.” Moving westward, Frank landed in San Diego where He experienced an unfortunate layoff from General Dynamics (1963). As a man with a family to support, Frank began a new career with the State Division of Highways (Caltrans) working as a mechanic’s helper. Undaunted, he worked his way through the ranks and retired as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic Supervisor.

In their golden years, Frank & Lorraine spent time with family – moving between Texas and San Diego to be near children and grandchildren. He provided a steady environment for his family and never had a harsh or unkind word to say about anyone. His last real enjoyment was flying model planes on clear mornings with his son, Fred, in the canyons of Chula Vista.

On July 07,2022 Frank joined his beloved wife who passed three years before him. Frank was the eldest of two siblings, sister Betty and brother Barney (deceased). He is survived by his three children (Kathy, Frank Jr., Fred), four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.