Dr. Francis Anthony Foresta

Francis (Fran) Anthony Foresta, M.D., 96, went home to be with the Lord on May 17, 2025. He died peacefully at home with those that love him. He was born July 23, 1928, in Herkimer, NY, where he was raised. He and his sister, Jane, and parents, Anna Pugia Foresta (of Herkimer) and Dominick Foresta (of Italy), lived with his grandparents, Joseph and Rosa Pugia (previously of Nicastro, Italy). He graduated from Herkimer High School, Union College, and Albany Medical School, all of New York.

Fran worked hard throughout his life, starting as a youth in various jobs and on the North Central Railroad during high school. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1954-57 as a medical officer with a mine squadron during the Korean War. After his discharge, Fran relocated his family to Long Beach, CA, to set up his general medical practice, where he served the community for nearly 20 years. In the early 1970’s, he had an opportunity to become involved with an electronics business. He retired from medicine and devoted his time to pursuing that career. Answering machines soon became a household item and Fran’s company, Record-A-Call, became the biggest supplier in the country. He held a seat on the FCC Board and was instrumental in dismantling MaBell’s (AT&T) monopoly over the wall jack. During these years, he also raised racing quarter horses and was involved in the racing industry.

Fran’s recreational interests were wide-ranging. As a youth, his activities included Catholic altar boy, Boy Scouts, and college lacrosse. As an adult, he loved music, dancing, golf, growing tomatoes, reading the morning paper, doing sudoku puzzles, and his pets. Fran really enjoyed cooking, which he attributed to his grandmother. Upon retirement, Fran moved to Dana Point, CA, and became involved in duplicate bridge. He achieved Silver Life Master as a player and, also, was an ACBL bridge teacher, game director, and president of the Dana Harbor Bridge Club. Upon moving to Temecula, CA, in 2004, the vineyard and garden kept him busy, and he took up biscotti-making, quickly becoming known as the Biscotti King to his family and friends.

Fran is survived by: his wife of 35-years, Linda; four children – Jeffrey (Bobbie), Michael (Lynda), Bridget, and Lucy; his stepson, Travis (Heather); six grandchildren – Jennifer (Andrew), Kristen, Austin, Jack, Matthew, and Melinda; one great granddaughter, Corinna; his sister, Jane; and his former wife, Valeria.

Fran was known as a “glass half-full guy.” He maintained that positive attitude his whole life, embracing the positive and never dwelling on the negative. He was known for his strong work ethic, where his selfless pursuit of excellence benefitted many. He was a warm, kind, considerate, gracious, loving, churchgoing, Christian man. His family meant everything to him, and he greatly enjoyed the company of his friends.

"A memorial service will be held on June 21, 2025 at 1 p.m, at Hope Lutheran, Temecula, CA. Fran will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Cypress, CA. Please visit forestlawn.com to leave a memory or share a message for his family."