News

Josephine “Josie” Perlongo (89) was born November 20th, 1928 and passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, November 8, 2018. She and her family lived in Madera for over 50 years. Josie was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother “Nonni”. She was the co-owner of Perlongo Bakery with her husband Sal for 30 years, who preceded her in death in 2005.

The Perlongo family would like to thank Melisa Solis for her compassionate care of our mother, Father James Catalano for his friendship and weekly visits, Hinds Hospice and all of their dedicated nurses, aides, social worker, and chaplain. Many thanks, to all of the wonderful family and friends that gave support during her illness.

Perry Fick (56) passed away suddenly on Friday, November 2, 2018 in Turlock, California. Perry was born in Oakland, Ca to Perry and Judith Fick on January 28, 1962. Perry was a lifelong resident of Madera, where he worked as a Journeyman for Hy Power Hydraulics. Perry’s love for his job led him to purchase the company and move his family to Turlock just a few short months ago.

Perry was an avid member of the Madera Golf Club, and he also enjoyed camping and water skiing. Perry was one of the founding members of the Madera Youth Football League as well. Perry loved having his whole family together, and his grandchildren meant the world to him.

Brenda Rollins (66) passed away peacefully in her Madera home on Sunday, October 28, 2018. She was born in Madera on May 12, 1952 to Daniel “Bud” and Betty Leach. She met her husband Carl Rollins during high school and they married on September 12, 1970. They had two sons, Mark and Rob Rollins. She worked for Chicago Title for 40 years and was a member of Valley West Christian Center. Brenda was an amazing wife, mother, sister, nana, and friend.

Her parents, Bud and Betty Leach, preceded her in death.

MADERA - Local baseball legend Eddie Chapa passed away yesterday. The Chapa family said, "Our beloved father, grandfather, brother, and coach Eddie Chapa has reached home plate at the age of 88. He passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, October 3, 2018 surrounded by his loving family."

Eddie was born to Bertha and Teodoro Chapa on July 21, 1930 in Laredo, Texas. He came to Madera with his dad at an early age of 16 to look for work in May of 1947. They started working in the fields picking peaches, grapes and potatoes.

Carl Dover (92) passed away on September 7, 2018 in Madera, Ca. Carl was born in Tennessee to Edgar and Ila Dover on November 19, 1925. Carl was a WWII Veteran having served in the United States Navy. Carl was very thrilled to be a part of the Honor Flight in October, 2015. He talked about it all the time and tried to get other veterans to apply.

Carl was a resident of Madera for over 85 years, where he worked for over 30 years as a butcher at Safeway. Not only was Carl a master carpenter, he was an avid fisherman and hunter as well. Even though his body would not always allow him to be out hunting and fishing, his heart still carried a huge passion and desire for going.

Roger Poythress (62), a lifelong resident of Madera, CA, went home to be with the Lord on September 3, 2018. He was a third-generation farmer and business owner in the Howard district in partnership with his brother Robert, growing almonds and walnuts for 38 years. He loved the farm life and working outdoors, from tackling the challenges of daily operations, almost always with a smile, to the satisfaction of seeing the crop come in. Indispensable to him were “The Guys”, his dedicated, hard-working employees, who continued with him for many years.

Roger loved the Lord. Through the teaching of his grandmother Edna Poythress, Roger put his trust in Christ at the age of 14, and it set the course of his life to follow the Lord Jesus. This simple faith led to his involvement in many ministries including Awana, Child Evangelism Fellowship, Love INC., The Gideons. He was an active member of Grace Community Church, serving in many capacities. His greatest hope was for people, especially children, to know and love the Lord, and he always looked for an opportunity to share his faith with others.