News

Julie Gleason McCully (55)

Julie Gleason McCully (55) went to be with the Lord on Friday, April 8, 2016. Julie was born on June 14, 1960 in Fresno, Ca and was raised in Madera, Ca. She was the daughter of Barbara Thornton and Fred Gleason. She attended John Adams Elementary School, Thomas Jefferson Junior High School and graduated from Madera High School with the class of 1978. In 1987 she married the love of her life, Erik McCully of Fresno, and moved to Southern California.

Julie was a compassionate and caring woman and was an amazing mother and loving wife. Her life truly revolved around her children and their activities. They participated in sports and many other activities. They brought so much joy into her life and made her equally as proud with all they have accomplished.

102 Days After the Passing of Her Husband, Peggy & Dino Petrucci Reunite in Heaven

Peggy Louise Petrucci (83) passed away on Thursday April 14, 2016, with her family by her side. Her hasband Dino Petrucci, former Madera Unified School Board Trustee just passed 102 days prior. Peggy was born to Raymond and Opal Hayes in Cecil, Arkansas. She spent most of her childhood in Arkansas before moving to Madera in her teen years.

She graduated from Madera Union High School in 1950. Peggy married the love of her life, Dino, at the age of 18 in Las Vegas and for the next 4 years spent many weekends with him at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo during his time in college. They were married for 64 beautiful years.

Evelyn Manfredo (95)

Evelyn Louise Manfredo (95) peacefully went to be with the Lord on March 30, 2016 at the age of 95. She is the daughter of John and Catherine Greco of Fresno and grew up in a hard working Italian family. After graduating from Fresno Technical High School her vibrant personality was recognized as she became Miss Fresno County.

She soon met Loyd Manfredo and in 1941 they married before Loyd was deployed in World War II. She worked on Navy planes during those war years while she taught piano and accordion lessons. She became a Fresno City “Aunt Mary’s” Hostess as Fresno was growing. Eventually she opened a children’s boutique on Belmont called Tiny Tots, later relocating and renaming it Guys and Dolls, a neighborhood children’s store on Fruit and Shields.

Vineyard Restaurant Owner Dies at 92: Robert Mariscotti

MADERA - Robert Rasmeo “Bob” Mariscotti was born in Berenda, CA on November 21, 1923 and died in Fresno, CA on Sunday, March 13, 2016. He was the owner of The Vineyard Restaurant, Madera, CA. Bob’s earliest years were spent in the town of Berenda, CA, helping at the family store and attending the two room school.

During WWII he proudly served on Tinian, Japan, in the medical corps and military police. After the war, he returned to The Valley and eventually went into business with his parents at The Berenda Ranch Restaurant on Highway 99. In 1977, Bob and Helen opened The Vineyard Restaurant in Madera.

Fabian Benabente (63)

Fabian Benabente (63) passed away on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at the age of 63. He was born in Merced, CA and lived in Madera, CA for the past 26 years. Fabian was a Madera Police Officer and later an Investigator for the Madera District Attorney’s office, a career span of 21 years.

He was a jokester, and enjoyed entertaining his many friends. Fabian was a great person, he was always willing to help others. He was an avid Giants and 49er fan. His dogs were his greatest joy.

Ronald Chaffin (77)

Ronald Lee Chaffin Sr. (77) better known as “Smiley” to his friends, passed away on February 27, 2016 following a brief illness, at the age of 77. Ron was born in Fresno, California to Arthur Chaffin Sr. and Mabel Fuller Chaffin.

Ron moved to Madera at the age of 14 where the family had started Madera Produce Co. in 1948. Ron has worked his entire life in the family business, currently a second generation owner. Ron graduated from Madera High School with the Class of 1956 and later served in the Army National Guard.

Former Madera High Teacher Roger Gustin Passes at 81

SAN FRANCISCO - Former Madera High School teacher Roger Orval Gustin (81), passed away peacefully February 28th, 2016 ending his long battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was surrounded by his immediate family.

Roger was born June 20th, 1934 in Sullivan, Illinois graduating H.S. Class of 1952, where he was a member of the H.S. band and lettered in basketball, baseball, football and track. Roger received his bachelor degree from Milliken University in Decatur, IL and then his Masters degree in Administration and teaching credential from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.