Big Valley News
Central Valley's Independent News Source
Greg Frank Oberti (49) of Madera passed January 11, 2021. He was a 1990 graduate of Madera High School and attended Fresno State University. He was born into the Oberti family, famous for the olive company of the same name in Madera on June 28, 1971.
Mr. Oberti listed himself as a farmer on Linkedin with the family’s farm. He enjoyed lifting weights, listening to music, and relaxing by the pool or on the boat. He will be missed by his family and many friends throughout the Madera community.
Theodore (Ted) Grizzell (95) a beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away on January 3rd at the age of 95. He was born on July 28, 1925, to Louis and Theoddosa (Lambrigger) Grizzell in Los Angeles Ca.
Ted was the Director of Code Enforcement for the City of Madera for 16 years. He was a life member of the Fresno Field Archery club, the Madera Breakfast Lions Club, Madera Elks Lodge, and the Madera Country Club. Ted was also a veteran of World War II.
Billy John Hargrove (85) peacefully passed away at home on December 10, 2020. He was diagnosed with brain cancer in October 2020. He was born January 5, 1935, in Idabel, Oklahoma.
Bill’s passions in life were his family, hunting, supporting those who serve our country and reading. He could often be found planning his next hunt with his grandsons, reading books from almost any genre or talking with his beloved wife Karol about his love for her, their son and daughters, and this great country. Bill and Karol were married for 66 years; he married ‘the girl next door’ on July 4, 1953.
Anthony L. Machado (87) passed away peacefully on December 9, 2020. Anthony was known by many names- Tony to his friends and Papa T to his family. He was born in Turlock on Valentine’s Day in 1933 to Anna Pires and Antonio Silveira Machado, and the world was better for it. Tony served in the Korean War, married Dotty Slayback, and started his career as a lifelong dairy farmer. He was a pillar of his community, becoming a leader in agriculture and youth sports in his hometown of Chowchilla.
As a devout Catholic and football fan, he dedicated his Sundays to the Lord and his Saturdays to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Tony valued hard work and always taught his children and grandchildren the morals his mother instilled in him- be a good person and do not embarrass the family. He took those lessons to heart, devoting countless hours to coaching local youth baseball teams, pulling chains at the high school football games, volunteering at church fish fries, raising cattle and serving on the committee for the Spring Festival, and serving many years as a board member for the Madera District Fair, in addition to running a successful dairy operation. He made his family very proud.
Patricia Rea McKee Berry (90) - Our Beautiful Mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great- great grandmother, and wife and best friend of David Berry. Celebrated her 91st birthday with the King of Kings on December 14, 2020. We are deeply saddened by our loss but overwhelmed with the joy and the gratitude of our lives that we shared with her. She managed to have a very special relationship with each and every family member including two daughters / four grandchildren / eight great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She prayed every night for each and every one of us…. by our names.
Born in Madera in 1929 on a small ranch she was the youngest of four. In High School, she met the “man of her dreams” and married him (David Berry) in a small Methodist Chapel. They just recently celebrated their 74th Wedding Anniversary. They worked together side by side in the Construction Business until after 50 years she retired to have some fun with her great-grandchildren. They traveled many places near and far but their hearts always took them back to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico where we, as a family, celebrated many Holidays and Happy Occasions. …down South of the Border.
Robert Keith Fleming (90) was born in St.Louis Missouri. His mother and father were Lenore Reynolds and Jim Fleming. He had 2 brothers named Jack Fleming and Bill Franklin. At the age of four Robert was adopted by his uncle Luis Bradfield and moved to Olpe Kansas. He lived a young cowboy’s life. He helped his uncle by herding cattle and in assisting in cattle drives. By the age of 17, he had moved to Madera Ca. His First Job there was at the Schoettler tire and service station. He went to Madera High School and was known as a great dancer.
After high school, Robert joined the Navy and became an aerial photographer. He was stationed at Oakland Naval Base. After his discharge from the Navy, Robert re-enlisted and spent another 6 years back at Oakland. Robert returned to Madera again, and worked at Cerioni’s clothing store, and married Josephine Pira. Also during this time, he trained in the insurance business and became a State Farm insurance agent.
He had 2 boys with Josie and Continued to work in Insurance. In 1974 Robert moved to Fresno and married to Kathy Watanabe. He had a third son named Eric. Robert’s new career in Fresno was car sales. He worked at Slavich brothers Mercedes Benz, Gardner Cadillac and Fresno Lexus. In the late 80’s Robert married Doris Emerzian. He worked as a funeral home consultant and attendee.
Robert eventually retired and enjoyed trips to Pismo Beach where he and Doris stayed in his trailer surf fishing.
Robert Is survived by his oldest son, Mark and his son Jeff, and his wife Sophia along with their kids Cruz and Adam. Mark’s daughter Stephanie and husband Brent and their son Calvin. Robert’s second son Scott, and his wife Cheryl along with their two kids, Angelina and Luca. Roberts third son Eric, and his wife Jessica and son Mason.
Robert loved life, was a hard worker and loved to make people laugh. He loved his many pets and would spoil them rotten. He wrote great speeches and enjoyed public speaking.
Chris Pistoresi (69) passed away on Wednesday, December 16, 2020, just eight days shy of his 70th birthday, after a short, but fierce battle with cancer. He was a lifelong Maderan, Chris was born on December 24, 1950, to Emilio and Mary Alice Pistoresi.
He graduated from Madera High School and with his father, operated Pistoresi Dodge Chrysler. On August 17, 1974, he married the love and light of his life, Pam Henderson. They raised two sons, Joey and Keith.
