Obituary of Francisco Solorzano

Francisco Solorzano November 1, 1979 – April 30, 2025 Francisco Solorzano, of Hollister, California, passed away suddenly on April 30, 2025, at the age of 45. He was a devoted husband, loving father, son, brother, and loyal friend who lived his life with heart, integrity, and purpose. Francisco was born on November 1, 1979, in Buena Vista Tomatlán, Michoacán, Mexico, and later moved with his family to San Jose, California. He was deeply proud of his Mexican roots and the life he knew growing up on the East Side. That upbringing shaped his character in lasting ways, teaching him to work hard, remain loyal, and always put family first. After graduating from James Lick High School, he attended Fresno City College and later served honorably in the United States Army Reserves. Francisco found his true calling in automotive sales, a career that spanned over 20 years. He worked at several respected dealerships across the Bay Area, including Dodge Chrysler of Gilroy and Salinas Valley Ford. Francisco wasn’t just a successful sales manager; he was a mentor and friend to his colleagues and a trusted guide to countless clients throughout the community. He had a natural gift for making people feel comfortable and heard, and he always went the extra mile to help others. Francisco and Zenia met in 1999 in San Jose, CA, and moved to Hollister to build their lives together in 2012. A few years later, they married and settled into their home in the Ridgemark Community, where they raised their sons and embraced friendships that made the neighborhood special for their family. Above all else, Francisco lived for his family, his greatest pride and purpose. He deeply loved his wife, Zenia. He truly adored her, and it showed in the way he spoke about her, cared for her, and built their life around her and their boys. He found his greatest happiness in being with Irian and Lucca. Being present for his boys, watching them grow, guiding them, and simply sharing everyday moments was what he cherished most. Whether it was a school event, sports practice, family movie night, making homemade pizza, a weekend cruise in the family’s light blue Moke golf cart, or blasting banda music on the way to school, Francisco always showed up for them with his whole heart. Francisco was a true Bay Area sports fan and rarely missed a 49ers, Giants, or Warriors game. He loved hosting big games and fights, always bringing the energy with his Bose speaker to set the mood. Francisco’s life was a testament to love, loyalty, and quiet strength. He didn’t need recognition to make an impact; he simply showed up, gave fully, and made those around him feel seen, valued, and cared for. His absence leaves an ache that words cannot ease, but the example he set will live on through the lives he touched, especially in the hearts of his wife and sons. He is survived by his beloved wife, Zenia Solorzano, and their two sons, Irian and Lucca Solorzano, who were the light of his life. He also leaves behind his father, Jose Solorzano Castillo; mother, Celia Torres de Plancarte; brothers, Gabino Solorzano (Monica) and Jose “Chelis” Solorzano (Mari); sister, Lorena Gutierrez (Israel); parents-in-law, Al and Lupe Castaneda; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Zenedith and Pedro Espinoza; sister-in-law, Zenaih Hernandez; nieces and nephews, Gabino Jr., Angela, Camila, Jazmin, Adrian, Aaron, Melanie, Emma, Lindsey, Elly, Izela, and Luzianna; half-siblings, Cassimera, Antonio, Eduardo and Patricia Solorzano, and extended family and friends who will deeply miss him. He is preceded in death by his stepfather, Antonio Plancarte, and his brother, Jorge Torres. A GoFundMe page has been created to support Zenia and the boys during this incredibly difficult time. The family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support from the community.