News

Former Madera Tribune Editor Dies: Harry Nordwick 86

MADERA - Harry A. Nordwick, a newspaperman for 35 years, died July 18, 2013 at the age of 86 in Madera, CA. He was born in Medford, OR on July 24, 1926. Prior to retiring in 1985, he was managing editor of the Salinas Californian for 15 years. Previously, for 10 years, he was city editor, wire editor and editorial writer. After retiring, he returned to Madera in 1989.

Mr. Nordwick was editor of the Madera Daily Tribune from 1955 to 1961. Prior to that he worked on the Medford Mail Tribune as reporter/photographer and was editor of the Southern Oregon News Review in Ashland, OR.

Local Dentist Greg Moran Dies at 63

MADERA - Long-time Madera resident Greg Moran DDS died on Friday, July 5, 2013 at the age of 63, leaving a lifetime of memories for all those who loved him. Born in Longview, Washington to Bob and Gloria Moran (Konrath). Greg's family moved to Madera when he was 7 years old.

Always a good student, Greg graduated from Madera High School in 1967, the University of Southern California (USC) in 1971, and University of the Pacific Dental School in 1975. Always a fan of his home town, Greg created a successful family dental practice that he ran with integrity and love.

Arvilla L. Gill (87)

Arvilla L. Gill (87), a Madera resident since 1944 passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2013 . Mrs. Gill was born in Jefferson City Missouri. A homemaker she had for a time worked as a secretary for the family business Teco . She was also an artist and member of the Madera Arts Council, the Daughters of the American Revolution, a former member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and been a Rainbow Girls Advisor. She attended the 4th Street Church of God in Madera.

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.