Obituary of Francisco Figueroa Jr.

Francisco “Frankie” Figueroa, 62, of Colorado Springs passed away suddenly on March 23, 2023 from heart complications. This loss was completely unexpected leaving family and friends profoundly stunned and saddened.

Francisco was born December 23, 1960, in Manhattan, New York, and he grew up in Ponce, Puerto Rico. He graduated from Ponce High School in 1978 and began his college education at Universidad Católica de Ponce. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1982, where he served for 22 years. Sergeant First Class Francisco Figueroa retired in 2004 in Colorado Springs. He continued his education, earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix in 2010.

He was a paradoxical man. He was honest and meticulous with a strong sense of duty. With his serious DeNiro-like facial expression, he always showed up to take care of business. He could be mischievous and pull unsuspecting pranks. Or his near deadpan humor could make you laugh until you’re rolling on the floor.

He delighted in the thrill of winning by chance. From buying scratch off tickets looking for the big winner to playing the slot machines in the casinos, he held on to the wink and pursed lips of “you never know”.

He was the most lighthearted when spending time with family and friends at a get together. Playing dominoes was his game of choice with his baseball hat on at all times. How he loved slapping the “bones” on the table and filling up his side of the paper with “houses” as he talked mess to the other players. He could also be found on the dance floor wherever there is music. He was a great dancer and found such joy in music.

His allegiance to the “real” New York sports team was unmatched. Let’s go Yankees! Let’s go Giants! Let’s go Knicks! All of the teams were proudly represented in his baseball hat collection.

He loved to be in the kitchen always trying to “elevate” a dish or to give tips. Potato salad, pasteles, and arroz con gandules were his specialties. Holidays and barbeques were his favorite times of the year to show out.

Francisco was blessed with a large and loving family. He spent 38 years devoted to his wife and best friend, Amanda. He was the proud father of two daughters, Aries Figueroa-Gutman (husband, Mark) and Trinicia Kloepper (husband, Bryan) and a son, Dominique Figueroa. His five grandchildren affectionately called him “papa.” Francisco was the oldest of 7 children. He adored and was adored by his siblings. He was fondly known as Junior. He leaves behind his 3 sisters, Elizabeth Figueroa, Sandy Figueroa, and Carmen Rivera; 4 brothers Joel Figueroa, Jose Rivera, Luis Rivera, and Felix Jorge. He is predeceased by is mother, Betty Ayende, and father, Francisco Figueroa, Sr.