MADERA - After a long and blessed life, Joseph "Joe" Pistacchio passed away on September 28, 2015, in Madera, CA. Joe died peacefully at home with his wife, Mary, and loved ones by his side. The youngest of eight children, Joe was born to Timoteo and Maria Pistacchio on September 1, 1920, in Sanger, CA. The Pistacchio family emigrated from Italy to America in 1903 and has deep roots in the San Joaquin Valley. Joe was proud of his family and his Italian heritage.

Joe graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1939 and then enlisted in the U.S. Army. He married Mary Montevecchi on January 28, 1945, a union that would last over 70 years. This past January in honor of their long marriage, there was a grand celebration in Madera attended by many family and friends.

In the early 1940s, Joe and his brother George formed G & J Pistacchio Trucking, an operation serving truck farmers since the closing days of World War II. The brothers built the business into two separate companies: G & J Pistacchio Trucking, Inc., a permitted, cement contract carrier, and G & J Freight, Inc., with credentials to haul general commodities in California, Oregon and Arizona. Together, with their brother-in-law, Frank Montevecchi, a third trucking company, GJF, was formed.

In retirement, Joe and Mary moved to Madera where they became active in their church and other organizations. Joe was a faithful parishioner of St. Joachim's Catholic Church and a long-time member of the Italian Catholic Federation and the Italo-American Club. He and Mary volunteered hundreds of hours to these organizations.

Joe's retirement also gave him time to travel in his Marathon Motor Coach and spend time with the Bus Nuts and Motor Coach Association. Joe enjoyed driving tractor in his orchard and working in his shop where he was actively involved in the day to day operations of his grandchildren's business. As his wife would say, "The shop was always there for him, a place for him to piddle around."

Joe touched the lives of many people with his beautiful smile, sweet sense of humor and generosity. He will also be remembered for his trademark wink.

He is predeceased by his beloved son, Eddie Joe, who passed away at the age of 12 in 1957; his parents, Timoteo and Maria Pistacchio; brothers Victor Pistacchio, Alex Pistacchio and George Pistacchio; sisters Carmelina Bernardi, Ellen Bernardi, Olivia Oliver and Emma Solipasso.

He leaves his loving memories to be cherished by the love of his life Mary, his devoted son Tom and his wife Delores, his devoted granddaughter Regina "Gina" Civiello and her husband Patrick, his devoted grandson Joseph "Joey" Pistacchio and his wife Gleize, and his adoring great-grandchildren Nina and Gino Civiello and Marco and Mia Pistacchio. He is also survived by numerous step- grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces.

Visitation for family and friends will be on Thursday, October 1, 2015, from 2:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Jay Funeral Chapel, 1121 Roberts Ave., Madera. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be on Friday, October 2, 2015, at 10:30 A.M. at St. Joachim's Catholic Church in Madera, followed by the funeral Mass at 11:00 A.M. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Fresno.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joachim's Church, 401 W. 5th St., Madera, CA 93637, or your favorite charity.