News

Vineyard Restaurant Owner Dies at 92: Robert Mariscotti

MADERA - Robert Rasmeo “Bob” Mariscotti was born in Berenda, CA on November 21, 1923 and died in Fresno, CA on Sunday, March 13, 2016. He was the owner of The Vineyard Restaurant, Madera, CA. Bob’s earliest years were spent in the town of Berenda, CA, helping at the family store and attending the two room school.

During WWII he proudly served on Tinian, Japan, in the medical corps and military police. After the war, he returned to The Valley and eventually went into business with his parents at The Berenda Ranch Restaurant on Highway 99. In 1977, Bob and Helen opened The Vineyard Restaurant in Madera.

Fabian Benabente (63)

Fabian Benabente (63) passed away on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at the age of 63. He was born in Merced, CA and lived in Madera, CA for the past 26 years. Fabian was a Madera Police Officer and later an Investigator for the Madera District Attorney’s office, a career span of 21 years.

He was a jokester, and enjoyed entertaining his many friends. Fabian was a great person, he was always willing to help others. He was an avid Giants and 49er fan. His dogs were his greatest joy.

Ronald Chaffin (77)

Ronald Lee Chaffin Sr. (77) better known as “Smiley” to his friends, passed away on February 27, 2016 following a brief illness, at the age of 77. Ron was born in Fresno, California to Arthur Chaffin Sr. and Mabel Fuller Chaffin.

Ron moved to Madera at the age of 14 where the family had started Madera Produce Co. in 1948. Ron has worked his entire life in the family business, currently a second generation owner. Ron graduated from Madera High School with the Class of 1956 and later served in the Army National Guard.

Former Madera High Teacher Roger Gustin Passes at 81

SAN FRANCISCO - Former Madera High School teacher Roger Orval Gustin (81), passed away peacefully February 28th, 2016 ending his long battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was surrounded by his immediate family.

Roger was born June 20th, 1934 in Sullivan, Illinois graduating H.S. Class of 1952, where he was a member of the H.S. band and lettered in basketball, baseball, football and track. Roger received his bachelor degree from Milliken University in Decatur, IL and then his Masters degree in Administration and teaching credential from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.

Former Owner of Snow White Drive-In Passes: Jean Nelson (86)

Jean Elizabeth Nelson (81) passed away on Thursday, February 25, 2016 at the age of 86. She was born in Fairmead, CA to Emanuel and Ella Miller. She was a life resident of Madera, where she owned and operated “Snow White Drive In” for 50 years. Jean enjoyed gardening in her spare time.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, Arlan Miller. Jean is survived by her two sons, Larry Nelson of Madera, Ron Nelson of Oklahoma City, OK, her two daughters, Sandy Nevis and her husband Terry of Lodi, CA, Sharon Biggers and her husband Sam of Madera, her brother, Pete Miller of Marina, CA and her sister, Irene Pratt of Madera. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.

Charles Gray (69)

Charles "Charlie" Andrew Gray (69) was born on June 2, 1946 in Madera, California to John and Ruby Gray. Charles attended local schools and graduated from Madera High School in 1965. He joined the Army soon after graduation.

He was deployed to Vietnam in 1966 after completing parachute training in Fort Benning, Georgia. In 1967 he returned to the United States where he finished his military obligation in Fort Bragg, North Carolina with the 82nd Airborne Division.

Former Thomas Jefferson Woodshop Teacher Passes: Ronald Wayne Tyndal (71)

Ronald Wayne Tyndal (71). long time Madera educator, died at home on January 30th after a decade long struggle with Corticobasal degeneration, a rare neurological disease. He was born in Miami, Florida, and came to Madera at an early age with his mother, Lillian Walker.

He attended Madera schools and graduated from Madera Union High School in 1963 where he participated in baseball, football and wrestling. He attended Reedley College and Fresno State College where he received his teaching credential. During his high school and college years he was a well-known employee of Hal's Market in Madera.