Obituaries

Franklin Fulin Tao, a beloved husband, father, grandfather (Ye-Ye), and great grandfather, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2025, in Union City, California. Born on May 16, 1932, in Jiang Xi, China, Franklin’s life was a testament to resilience, love, and sacrifice.

Franklin earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, a foundation that shaped his professional journey. However, his greatest achievement was not just in his career but in the life he built for his family. At the age of 50, he made the courageous decision to leave behind everything familiar in China and start anew in America. This bold move was driven by an unwavering hope for a better future for his loved ones. Through years of sacrifice and relentless hard work, Franklin carved out a path to the American dream—not for himself alone but for his children and future generations.

Franklin is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Dora; his children: Jimmy (Jessica), Henry (Jing), and Joy (Roger). He is also survived by his two sisters Betty and Peggy. He also leaves behind cherished grandchildren: Idy (Miles), James, Olivia, William, Joshua, and Jonathan; as well as great-grandchildren Bennett and Ellison. He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Tao and Su Yun Liu, and his brother Sterling Tao.

Beyond his dedication to family and work, Franklin had a deep passion for photography and travel. Often seen with two or three cameras slung around his neck and a hefty camera bag in tow, he was always ready to capture the perfect shot at a moment's notice. However, his family often teased him of missing the perfect view, "Dad, we are here, stop taking 20 pictures of the same mountain."

Franklin’s legacy lives on through the values he instilled in those who knew him—perseverance in the face of adversity, selfless devotion to family, and an unyielding belief in the power of God to provide new beginnings. His memory will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.