News

Gilbert Valdez (81)

Gilbert Valdez Jr. (81) passed away of a short illness on Tuesday, March 7, 2017. He was a lifelong resident of Madera, and attended Madera High School. Gilbert was a Foreman at Heublein/Canadaigua Wines for 36 years before retiring, and was a former Volunteer Fireman for the City of Madera, and a former member of YMI of St. Joachim’s Parish.

Gilbert was a loving Husband, Father and Grandpa. Gilbert was a friend to everyone. He enjoyed visiting with everyone and had a great sense of humor. He will be missed by all.

Justin J. Garza (41)

Justin J. Garza (41) passed away peacefully on February 20, 2017 at his parent's home surrounded by his family. Justin Garza was born to Dr. San Juan and Chipper Josie Garza on July 25, 1975, in Daly City, CA. Justin was a loving father, husband, teacher, coach and friend to all. He had an ability to reach people in a deep and positive way.

Justin lived out his passion for coaching for over 20 years, investing his life into coaches, players and communities. His coaching career included assistant coaching at San Joaquin Memorial, Kerman, Reedley, and Central High Schools before he moved on as head football coach at Reedley, Sunnyside and Central High Schools.

Carol Ann Wilkins Martinazzi (56)

Carol Ann Wilkins Martinazzi (56) was born on March 6, 1960, in Madera, CA. She passed away on February 10, 2017. Carol Ann was a life-long resident of Madera, until moving to Chowchilla a few years ago.

She was a devoted stay at home mother to her two children as they grew up. Carol Ann always enjoyed time spent at the lake with her family and friends, as well as numerous family hunting trips.

Irene Sordi (99)

Irene Sordi (99) - The gates of Heaven opened up for Irene Sordi and her soul was delivered into the hands of God on February 9, 2017. She is now happily reunited in Heaven with the love of her life, Babe Sordi. She was born in Hoboken, New Jersey to her parents Catterina Sirena and Luigi Schiavoni on January 21, 1918.

Irene and her father moved to Madera following her mother’s death when she was twelve years old. She graduated from Howard School and attended Madera High School. Irene met Babe at Howard School and was married in 1937. They had two girls.

Larry Pete Pistoresi Jr (75)

Larry Pete Pistoresi Jr (75) = The city of Chowchilla lost a community pillar with the recent passing of Larry Pete Pistoresi Jr. At 75 years of age, Larry lived a rich, full life and passed away peacefully with family members by his side. He is preceded in death by his father Larry Pistoresi Sr and mother Bettie Pistoresi.

Larry is survived by his stepmother Velma Pistoresi, stepbrothers Jerry and Kent Danieli, his loving wife of 47 years Linda Pistoresi, his daughter Laura Pistoresi and his sons Daniel and Bradley Pistoresi. Larry's legacy and zest for life will live on through his five charismatic grandkids ranging in age from three to eleven years old.

Kenneth Montanari (82): Heaven Gained a Trumpet Player

Ken Montanari (82) was born in Madera Ca. on March 30, 1935 to Julius and Della Montanari. Ken passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on February 3, 2017. He was a lifelong resident of Madera and graduated from Madera High School in 1953, where he mastered the art of trumpet playing.

He attended Fresno City College, joined the Marine Corps and served in the Korean War in 1955. He returned to Madera to work in the family business, Monty’s Liquor. He owned and ran Monty’s Liquor for many years. Following the sale of Monty’s he worked as a liquor salesman for Julliard Alpha and Southern Wine and Spirits where he was awarded many top honors for his salesmanship.

Larry Pistoresi: Mr. Chowchilla Passes Away at Age 92

Larry Pete Pistoresi (92) died Thursday, January 26, 2017 at the Skilled Nursing Facility in Chowchilla. He leaves his beloved wife of 44 years, Velma (Olivero) Pistoresi; his son Larry Pistoresi Jr. and his wife Linda; his stepsons Jerry Danieli and his wife Ramona, and Kent Danieli, a brother Monte and his wife Leona Pistoresi, sister Violet and her husband Darrell McClaughry, and sister Irene and her husband Don McMullen. He also leaves behind grandchildren Daniel, Laura, Brad, Janell, Beau, Brandon, Brenton, Richard, Preston and Ashton, 11 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many close friends. He was predeceased by his stepson Randy Danieli.

Born in Berenda and raised in Chowchilla, he attended local schools and graduated from Chowchilla High School in 1942. He served in the U.S. Air force for three years and then returned home to work with his dad in the car business eventually owning Pistoresi Chevrolet in Chowchilla along with his father Pete and brother Monte. They later sold the car business but Larry continued working as a salesman at the dealership now known as Steves Chevrolet until shortly after his 92nd birthday.