News

Edward “Joe” Maciel (81)

Edward “Joe” Maciel (81) passed away on Friday, January 11, 2019 in Madera. Joe was born in Biola, CA and a resident of Madera for 70 years. He was a graduate of Madera High School, class of 1957. Joe was a veteran of the U.S. Marines. He worked for Merced Continental Canning Co, a concrete pipe fitter and later drove a Forklift for 30 years at Mission Bell Winery before his retirement.

Joe was preceded in death by his baby brother Joe, his father, Jose Maria Maciel, his mother Isabel Pino-Maciel, his sister, MaryEllen Lopez-Maciel, his brother-in-law, Pete Rista, and his brother-in-law O.J. Hefner. The family would like to thank the staff at Kaiser Permanente and Optimal Hospice for the kindness shown to Joe and his family.

Russell Dean Suderman (62)

Russell Dean Suderman was born March 25, 1956 to John and Charity Mae Suderman of Reedley, CA and he passed away on Saturday, January 12, 2019 after a short illness in Fresno, CA. He served the City of Madera on the Police Department for 30 years. Russell was an active member of the Madera Elks Lodge for 34 years.

John is survived by his wife of 42 years, Teresa Suderman, his daughter, Karen Suderman, his son, Robert Suderman and daughter-in-law Elica Suderman, his grandson, Brennen Suderman of Madera, his father, John Suderman of Reedley, his sister, Brenda Rodie of Reno, NV, his brothers, David Suderman and his wife Diane of Selma, Johnny Suderman and his wife Kathy of San Diego and Ronald Suderman of Sanger.

Deborah Ann (Koretoff) Gingell (57)

Deborah Ann (Koretoff) Gingell (57) passed away, peacefully, on January 4th at the CRMC Medical Center, Fresno, CA after suffering a massive heart attack the day before. Deborah was born & raised in Madera and is survived by her Father, John Koretoff Jr. and Brothers John Koretoff III and Richard Koretoff and Sister Nina Koretoff as well as Husband of nearly 15 years Peter Gingell and her 4 rescued Dogs - Duby, Dylan, Dasha & Daisy.

Her husband Peter had this to say about Deborah, "There are no words to describe my loss but here it goes…..I met Deborah, online, and we chatted for about a year, that led to phone calls and eventually I flew out from Nottingham, England to California to visit Deborah with my Daughter, Sara. We did all the tourist stuff in Los Angeles and had a great time. I flew back on my own a couple of months later and from then on every few months for two years after that. Eventually we decided we were meant for each other and started on immigration paperwork and I moved to California in May of 2004. We were married on June 26th 2004 and a few months later I became a Permanent Resident."

Alice Ruth Parker (93)

Alice Ruth (Brown) Parker (93) passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday December 30th, 2018 at the age of 93. She was born April 22 1925, in Raymond California and well loved by her family, friends and community.

Alice graduated from Madera High School class of 1943 and soon after married her one true love, Truman Parker, in December 1944. She was an ‘Army Air Force” wife, stationed in New Mexico for the early years. Soon moving to Madera, and beginning a family. After their service (WWII and Korean War) was complete, they began a business venture with Truman’s parents, owning and operating Ducey’s in Dinkey Creek above Shaver Lake from 1947-1957.

Jeanette Mae Montagna (81)

Jeanette Mae Montagna (81) passed away on November 8, 2018. Jeanette was born on December 10, 1936. She attended Easton Arcola elementary, graduated from Madera High School in 1954, and worked as Office Manager for Oberti Olive for 45 years. She enjoyed traveling, cooking, gambling, and spending time with her family and friends.

Jeanette is survived by her husband of 60 years Mario Montagna, her two daughters Gina and her husband Kerry Near, and Susan and her husband Mark Noel, her son Phillip Montagna, her grandchildren Brooke, John, Kristyn, Alex and Ariana, and her great-grandson John V. Jeanette also leaves behind her brother Louis Pentorali, sister-in-law Kathleen Montagna, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Co-Owner of Perlongo Bakery Passes: Josie Perlongo 89

Josephine “Josie” Perlongo (89) was born November 20th, 1928 and passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, November 8, 2018. She and her family lived in Madera for over 50 years. Josie was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother “Nonni”. She was the co-owner of Perlongo Bakery with her husband Sal for 30 years, who preceded her in death in 2005.

The Perlongo family would like to thank Melisa Solis for her compassionate care of our mother, Father James Catalano for his friendship and weekly visits, Hinds Hospice and all of their dedicated nurses, aides, social worker, and chaplain. Many thanks, to all of the wonderful family and friends that gave support during her illness.

Perry Fick (56)

Perry Fick (56) passed away suddenly on Friday, November 2, 2018 in Turlock, California. Perry was born in Oakland, Ca to Perry and Judith Fick on January 28, 1962. Perry was a lifelong resident of Madera, where he worked as a Journeyman for Hy Power Hydraulics. Perry’s love for his job led him to purchase the company and move his family to Turlock just a few short months ago.

Perry was an avid member of the Madera Golf Club, and he also enjoyed camping and water skiing. Perry was one of the founding members of the Madera Youth Football League as well. Perry loved having his whole family together, and his grandchildren meant the world to him.