Gary James Oberti (82) was born on the 2nd day of June in 1941 and passed away on the 14th day of July 2023 following a period of declining health. He was a lifelong resident of Madera and a respected community leader. He was honored in 2011 with a lifetime achievement award from the Madera Chamber of Commerce, where he was the founding chairperson.

Gary graduated from the Class of 1959 of Madera Union High School and furthered his education at Fresno City College, Fresno State College, and the Armstrong College of Business at the University of California, Berkeley. He served on the student council and was a proud Kappa Sigma Gamma Fraternity member there. He also served seven years in the United States Coast Guard Reserve.

His work ethic, instilled in him at an early age by his father James and uncles Frank and Adolph Oberti at the Oberti Olive Co., led him to a 40-year career where he climbed from humble beginnings to the position of CEO, as well as Senior Vice President of Tri-Valley Growers. In the late 1990s, he and brother Stan started farming various wine grape crops together and almonds, now being carried on by the next generation of the Oberti Family.

Despite all his achievements, he considered himself "just a small cog in the wheel of life." He was recognized by former Governor and President Ronald Reagan and Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill for his contributions to the Olive Industry. His service extended to the St. Agnes Hospital Foundation Board, Vino Fino Ambassador, Foodsters, and Allied Foods Institute, to name a few. He had a lifelong relationship with the parish of St. Joachim Catholic Church, where he and his wife of 59 years, Mary, were married in 1964.

Beyond his many professional accolades, Gary was a man of creativity and vision. He designed and built his home in a neighborhood he lovingly referred to as the Evergreen Place Gang, who spent many enjoyable times together, especially attending the Reno Air Shows—a testament to his belief in not just neighbors but friends.

In the words of the Bard himself, "All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances." Gary Oberti played many parts in his life - a loving husband, a devoted father, a tireless worker, and a loyal friend. As he makes his final exit, let it be said that he played each part with great love and dedication, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and selflessness. His life was a play well performed, and he will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of sharing the stage with him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Adeline Cerioni Oberti; in-laws Harold and Loretta Schoettler, brothers-in-law: Thomas, Jim, Harold, and David, sisters-in-law Judy Richards and Dwynn Schoettler.

Gary was a man of great heart, beloved by his family and esteemed by all who knew him. His loving wife, Mary Schoettler Oberti, stood by his side, as did their children: Theresa Oberti of Arroyo Grande, CA, and her three daughters, Alexandra, Giana, and Julia, Susan (Scott) McCue of Chowchilla, CA, and their four children: Marissa, Shea, Sean, and Hope, and Jimmy Oberti of Chowchilla, and his four children: Mariana, Ava, Jenna, and Zackery. He was also survived by his brother Stan (Lynda) Oberti. Sisters-in-law: Ila, Elouise, and Caroline Schoettler, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, held Gary dear in their hearts.

The family wishes to offer special thanks to Bristol Hospice, especially Marcela V, who took amazing care of Gary during the last two weeks of his life, and Being-Well for assisting him in his last days. The family is extremely grateful for all those who came to see him in his last days and for those who have reached out through phone calls, food, flowers, and cards.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, from 2 PM to 6 PM at Jay Chapel in Madera.

Recitation of the Rosary will be on Thursday, August 3, 2023, at 9:30 AM at St. Joachim Catholic Church in Madera, followed by the Funeral Mass at 10 AM. Entombment at Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum will be private for family members.

The family has suggested that remembrances for Gary be made to St. Joachim Catholic Church, Bristol Hospice, or the Nazareth House of Fresno.