News

Van Christian Neely (58)

SHAVER LAKE - After a courageous two-year battle against cancer, Van Christian Neely, age 58, departed this earth March 16, 2012 to sail with a gentle breeze on crystal, blue heavenly seas. He died at his home in Shaver Lake surrounded by his loving and caring family.

Van was born June 4, 1953 at Dearborn Hospital in Madera, California to Bryan Thomas Neely and Elizabeth “Betty” (Pistoresi) Neely. He attended John Adams elementary, Thomas Jefferson Junior High, graduated from Madera High School in 1971, and received his AA at Fresno City College.

Jerry Dennis Adams (65)

Jerry Dennis Adams, age 65, passed away Sunday, March 4, 2012 in Madera, Ca. He was born August 7, 1946 to Esther and William Adams in Madera where he lived his entire life. Jerry was the retired owner/operator of Adams Auto Electric Shop in Madera.

When he wasn't running his business, he loved to travel on weekends to the beach, mountains and the desert, especially to Reno and Santa Cruz. His other passion in life besides traveling was drag racing his Impala and purchasing new vehicles often, always black on black luxury cars.

Sally Ann Ferdinandi (78)

Sally Ann Ferdinandi of Fresno, California passed away on Friday, January 27, 2012 to be reunited with her loving husband John Ferdinandi. She was born on January 15, 1934 in Berkeley, to Charles and Agatha Wilson. After moving to Fresno, Sally became an active volunteer at St. Anthony's Parish and San Joaquin Memorial High School.

For many years, Sally worked alongside John as a manager of retirement facilities in in various communities including Santa Rosa and San Diego. Sally was an avid fan of baseball and lover her "Giants."

Former Madera Mayor Patrick O¹Rourke Dies at 72

Madera - Former Madera Mayor Patrick Michael O¹Rourke died Sunday in Fresno after a long battle with cancer. He was 72. Born Jan. 22, 1939 to Donald and Alice O¹Rourke of Toledo, Ohio, he attended Gesu Elementary and University of Detroit High School in Michigan until his enlistment in 1956. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, where he trained as an aerial photogrammetrist and served as a photographer¹s mate third class. He was stationed with the Heavy Photographic Squadron #61 in Guam and at the Naval Intelligence School in Coronado.

Reverend Monsignor Kevin Cleary (87)

Reverend Monsignor Kevin Cleary passed away on, Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at the age of 87 in Fresno, at the Nazareth House.

Father Kevin was born and raised near Ennis, County Clare, Ireland. He attended All Hallows Seminary in Dublin and was ordained in June of 1948 for the Diocese of Monterey-Fresno. Father Kevin was given the honor of domestic prelate, becoming a Monsignor in 1968 while serving as pastor of St. Mary's Parish in Visalia.

Georgia F. Baker (95)

Georgia F. Baker (95) was born on March 30, 1916 to James and Susan Herd in Ozark County, MO, passed away on Thursday, November 24, 2011 in Madera, CA at the age of 95. Georgia moved to Madera in 1938 where she met and married her sweetheart Aubrey Baker, a marriage lasting 55 years until his passing in 2001.

Norman Gould: (92)

Former Madera County Superintendent of Education, Mr. Norman M. Gould, passed away on Monday, November 14, 2011 at the age of 92. He was a native of Helena, MT and a resident of Madera, CA for the past 84 years.

Mr. Gould had a 36 year career in Education. He taught at North Fork Elementary school for 3 years, was the Assistant County Superintendent for 9 years and for the next 24 years Norman was the Superintendent of Madera County Schools.