LVMC Mourns the Passing of Longtime Board President Frank Signorelli

With profound sadness and deep respect, Lompoc Valley Medical Center mourns the passing of Frank Signorelli -- a steadfast leader and beloved former Board President whose unwavering dedication shaped the heart and future of our hospital for more than four decades.

A Lompoc native, Signorelli passed away Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 in his hometown.

Signorelli’s impact upon the community of Lompoc and the healthcare district is profound, serving 42 years as an elected member of the LVMC Board of Directors. He was originally appointed to fill a vacancy on the LVMC Board of Trustees in January 1973 and for the following four decades he guided the hospital’s growth and success. During his tenure, he saw the district’s budget grow from an annual budget of $2.4 million into more than $60 million annually at the time of his retirement.

“Frank’s impact will live on through the generations of patients, families and staff who walk through the doors of our facilities every day,” said LVMC Chief Executive Officer Yvette Cope, MSN. “His vision shaped this organization and his legacy is etched into the fabric of LVMC.”

Signorelli ran for a full-term seat on the board in 1974 against eight other candidates and was elected as the top vote-getter. He earned re-election every four years -- 11 consecutive victorious elections. He was first elected Board President in July 1976 and held the post until his retirement in 2014. In his professional career, Signorelli was a carpenter and opened his own contracting business in 1964. He was a 1954 graduate of Lompoc High School.

“Frank's leadership legacy will be marked by his wisdom and calm,” said current LVMC Board Chair Leslie Kelly. “His influence on the board was always unselfishly directing us towards what is best for the community. His knowledge of construction was invaluable when we took on the challenge of building a new hospital. He was a true gentleman.”

Without the steadfast guidance of Frank Signorelli, the healthcare district would not be what it is today, said former long-time CEO Jim Raggio.

“The community is very lucky he was at the helm in the early years,” Raggio said. “Frank was, a ‘Steady Eddy’ during the most difficult times in the healthcare district’s history. I remember Frank and (former board member) Ray Down telling me there were times in the 70s they had to meet with the CEO to decide what purveyors to pay that week. To take the healthcare district from those times to what it is now required steady and focused people coupled with tremendous governance. Frank was the epitome of that.”

Frank Signorelli was committed to his family, his community, his business and the hospital, Raggio added.

“The community is very fortunate for his 41 years of steady leadership on the governing board and should always appreciate his contribution to the success of Lompoc Healthcare District.”

Known for quick decision making and building a consensus, Signorelli treated staff and leadership alike with honor and dignity. He was instrumental in the opening of the now-50-year-old Comprehensive Care Center and was a leader in the successful $81 million bond election campaign to build the current LVMC hospital, which opened in 2010. His image is featured prominently on the Lompoc healthcare history mural located at the entrance to the hospital.

At the time of his retirement, Signorelli said he always had one motto in mind: “Do what’s best for the patient.”

“I’ve enjoyed it,” he said in 2014. “I did not do anything alone. It was all the board. Every board that we had was just great to work with. I never, ever remember an argument. We might have had differences of opinion, but we worked it out. It’s been very rewarding.”

Signorelli married Emily Masciotra in 1963. She passed away in 1996. The couple had three sons, Charles, Chris and Chad. Their son Chris passed away in 2022.

Information on funeral services will be forthcoming.