Frank Hernandez Escalante

Orlando/Weslaco: Frank Escalante Hernandez, 27, was killed on Sunday, June 12th, 2016. Frank Escalante was a South Texas native who moved to Orlando to make a better life for himself. Frank was born on July 27th, 1988. He grew up in Weslaco. In high school he attended all of the football games and he was quite popular for his outgoing personality. He graduated with Honors from Weslaco East in 2006. As a young adult Frank decided to pursue tumbling and gymnastics, as it was something he had always wanted to learn. He excelled as usual and eventually became a coach. He was very well known and respected by the many students he helped. Frank began his seven-year career with Calvin Klein shortly after high school and would work his way up the ladder. He became a manager and was driven to succeed. About two years ago, he was given an opportunity to manage his own store in Orlando, Florida and he jumped at the chance. He packed up and moved to Orlando to pursue his career. Frank was always known as the "life of the party", full of joy and laughter. His hobbies were going out, dancing, music and traveling. He was able to visit many states and also experience several cruises during his short life. South Padre Island was one of his favorite destinations. He really enjoyed going to theme parks, including Disney World, Busch Gardens, Universal Studios, to name a few. He was a huge Beyonce fan and was able to see her in concert twice with his best friend Linda. He loved to go out to eat, but especially he loved good Mexican food. Frankie had a great family, he was fortunate enough to be very close to his grandparents who helped raise him. He really had two moms, and three dads. He is survived by his father, Jose S Hernandez, his step-father, Jesus A Leal, his grandfather, Antonio Escalante, his mom, Esmeralda Leal, his grandma, Maria T Escalante, his sisters, Jessica Leal, Julissa Leal, and Ruby Leal, his brothers, Jose Hernandez, and Jesus Leal, all of Louisiana, his long-time boyfriend, Brett Rigas of Orlando, and numerous cousins, and uncles and aunts. Frank will always be remembered as a young man who was hilarious, driven, hard-working, and a rock to his friends and family.