News

Founder of Vintage House Dies: Cherrie Pistoresi (60)

Cherrie Denise Bonvini (60), a dynamic and cherished member of both the Fresno and Madera community, suddenly passed away on Tuesday May 22, in the early morning. Cherrie was born in Fresno on August 21, 1952 to Robert and Joanne Bonvini. She attended McLane High School and North Hollywood High School, where she graduated in 1970. She eventually moved back to Fresno.

Cherrie was a classic and even stunning beauty, with hazel and dark hair. It was at a dance at the Rainbow Ballroom that her soon-to-be husband Ralph Pistoresi first set eyes on her. Within a day he'd tracked her down at her job at Gottschalks, asked her out, and in a year's time they were married.

Co-Founder of Pete's Sport Shop Dead: Flora Minneti (94)

Flora Minneti (94) was born on August 11, 1918 in Magdalena New Mexico to Gumecindo Benavides and Marcelina Benavides Santillanes. Her mother died in the Great Flu Pandemic of 1918 when Flora was 3 months old.

As a young woman, Flora worked for her father, who was the County Clerk in Lemitar, New Mexico. Her typing skill became legendary and when WWII broke out, she joined the US Navy Waves, where her skills were put to use by Naval Intelligence.

Wife of Former Police Chief Dies: Carole Skeels (68)

Carole J. Skeels (68) was born June 7, 1944 to Sidney and Della (Cox) Dotson in Madera, CA she entered into eternity on Monday, April 22, 2013 in Fresno, CA after a lengthy heart condition. Carole attended local elementary and high schools. She went on to Fresno City College and obtained her L.V.N. license. In 1965 Carole started worked in the medical field, the last 10 years of her career she was as an O.R. Technician, she retired in 1990 after 25 years. She was accomplished and respected in the operating room. Many Doctors refused to perform a procedure if she was not there to assist.

Brigadier General Mario "Mike" Poletti (90)

Brigadier General Mario "Mike" Poletti (90) was born February 4, 1923 in Madera, CA to Eliza Poletti and Mario Poletti, Sr. and passed away Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at the age of 90 in Fresno, CA.

Mike served in World War II, his National Guard Company, Madera was activated on the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. He served in the U.S. Army and National Guard for 33 years, retiring as Brigadier General. He also worked for the United States Postal Service in Madera & Clovis, CA.

Annie Bomprezzi (99)

Annie Bomprezzi (99) a native and lifelong resident of Madera passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2013 in Madera. Mrs. Bomprezzi, a farmer, was one of six children born to, Ottavio and Anunziata (Panelli) Pistoresi, Italian Immigrants from Tuscany, Italy.

She and her siblings grew up on a grape farm in the Howard School District where she attended school and later married Tilo Bomprezzi who preceded her in death in 1986. She was a member of St. Joachim Catholic Church and the Italian Catholic Federation (I.C.F.) council of the parish.

Local Florist and Lifelong Maderan Passes, Mary "Cruz" Chairez (84)

Mary "Cruz" Chairez (84), a native and lifelong resident of Madera, CA passed away Friday, March 22, 2013 at a Madera hospital. "Cruz" started working in the flower business in 1946 and started Plaza Flower Shop in 1968.

She was a member of St. Joachim Catholic Church, the Y.L.I. and a former life member of the Soroptimist International of Madera. Cruz was the recipient of the Madera Chamber of Commerce "Lifetime Achievement Award" and "Woman of the Year" from the Y.L.I.

Don Konkol: Madera Grocer & Owner of Sierra Foodland Dies at 95

Don Konkol (95), a native of Ashland, WI and a resident of Madera, CA for 53 years passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at Cedar Creek Retirement Community. He was owner and operator of Sierra Foodland Grocery store from 1960 to 1986. He also owned and operated Madera Custom Meat Locker, Loknok Deli and Madera Party Rentals.

After retirement he and his wife, Jean managed the Reef Apartments, Town and Country Apartments and Rosewood Court. Don will always be remembered for his Konkol and Konkol Productions at every family event. Don was a member of the Exchange Club, the Ells Club, Madera Golf and Country Club and the Organizers Organ Group in Fresno.