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.
Larry became a member of the Chowchilla Rotary Club in 1949, a few years after it was chartered. He remained an active member and had perfect attendance for 68 years. He was a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Chowchilla District Memorial Hospital in 1954 and since that time, he has held all offices within the organization, including 13 three-year terms as Director and several terms as President, and was appointed Permanent Chair of the Finance Committee. Larry has served on the Chowchilla District Chamber of Commerce board since 1970. He had never missed a Rotary or Chamber of Commerce meeting until he fell ill.
Larry Pistoresi has always been committed to the community he calls home. He would be honored to know that community members have referred to him as “a staple of Chowchilla, “a Chowchilla Legend”, as well as “Mr. Chowchilla.”
Viewing is Friday, February 3, 2017, 3pm – 7pm followed by the Rosary at 7pm at Palm Memorial Worden Chapel 140 S. 6th Street, Chowchilla, CA 93610
Funeral Services are Saturday February 4, 2017, 11am at Saint Columba Catholic Church, 213 Orange Ave., Chowchilla, CA 93610