MADERA - Sam Pistoresi (87), affectionately refered to as "Madera's Godfather" by his friends and family, a native and longtime resident of Madera, California passed away in the comfort of his home surrounded by family and loved ones early on Friday, June 21, 2019. Sam was born to August and Norma Pistoresi in Madera, California on May 9, 1932. At an early age he worked on the family farm where strong work ethics and values were instilled in him which he carried throughout his life.

He attended local schools and graduated from Madera High School with the class of 1948. He later married his high school sweetheart Joy Ann Del Bono on February 3, 1952. They had two daughters, Patricia Ann Bowery and Joy Elaine Pistoresi. He served in the US Navy during the Korean War and was stationed off the coast of North Korea.

Sam loved farming and worked in numerous segments of Agriculture during his life. For recreation, he enjoyed dove hunting, golf, dredging for gold in Coarsegold, Ca. and antiquing with his wife Joy.

Later in his life, Sam loved spending time in his tomato garden where he enjoyed sharing his bounty with friends and family. Wonderful backyard barbecues, dinner parties, hostingfund raisers and family reunions will be cherished memories for all that knew him. He especially loved being called Nonno by his grandchildren and enjoyed the time spent with them.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Helen Spink, his best friend and co-worker Randall McKinney and beloved wife Joy in 2015 after 63 years of marriage. He leaves behind his daughters, Patti and Elaine, granddaughters Cherrise Miles and Nikki Bowery, great grandchildren Chyrell, Christian, Jasmine, Shone and Destiny, great great-grandchildren Ryllie and Michael, his sister-in-law Dorothy Prosperi, nieces Diane Massetti and Nancy Rigby, nephews Denis Prosperi and Russell Spink. Sam also leaves behind numerous friends and extended family.

A very warm and special thank you to Joe and Genny Snyder for being part of Sam’s family during the last few years of his life. Joe helped Sam with yard work, gardening and so much more while Genny helped prepare meals, coordinate schedules and household things. Their love and dedication to Sam will always be remembered.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 28, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Jay Chapel in Madera. A celebration of life will follow at the Pistoresi residence where friends and family are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of the Madera Animal Shelter (P.O. Box 923, Madera, CA 93639).