Obituaries

Richard Ryan Ortiz Jr. (22)

Richard Ryan Ortiz Jr. was called to heaven on Sunday, November 30, 2014 at a young age of 22. A lifelong resident of Madera, he attended Sherman Thomas Charter School and Madera High where he graduated as a Coyote. He was a member of the Christian Church Good News Ministries.

Richie is remembered as a loving son, grandson, brother, nephew, and a friend. Richie enjoyed participating in baseball and soccer. He enjoyed watching boxing and MMA. Richie also loved the LA Dodgers and Dallas Cowboys.

James L. Cappelluti (74)

James L. Cappelluti (74), passed away surrounded by his loving family on Friday August 22, 2014 at Hinds Hospice in Fresno, Ca. after a short battle with cancer. Jim was born on October 17, 1939 at Dearborn Hospital to Leo and Dolly Cappelluti. His family lived in Madera for many years and were active in the community and with many service organizations.

Jim Graduated from Madera High School in 1957 and was both a percussionist and drum major of the Madera High School Marching Band. After graduation, enlisted in the Army National Guard and attended classes at Fresno City College before embarking on an impressive 40 + year career as a salesman with both Scott Paper and Central Sanitary Supply, where he was respected as a mentor to the new sales representatives.

Duane A. Imrie (86)

Duane A. Imrie (86) was born in Modale, IA on October 12, 1927 and went home on August 19, 2014. He was a resident of Madera for the past 62 years where he worked for the Madera Unified Transportation District as a Bus Driver until his retirement. Duane was a veteran of WWII having served in the U.S. Navy and a member of the Fourth Street Church of God in Madera.

Retired Chowchilla Fire Fighter Passes at 85: Frank Borba

Frank Borba, 85, a resident of Chowchilla since 1948 passed away on Friday, August 8, 2014. Frank was diagnosed with Parkinsons in 2007 and with the loving care of his daughter Joyce Borba and granddaughter Jolie Borba he was able to remain at home even in the midst of declining health.

Frank was born in Dixieland, CA to Joseph Cardoza Borba and Telvena Mary Alves-Borba. He was the third of eight children, Joe Borba, Evelyn Robinson, Mary Borba, Inez Lovelace, Elvera Garrison, Telvina Chumbley, and Albert Borba. He was raised on a dairy and attended school in Dixieland.

Local Butcher Dies at 45: Derek Sambueso

Derek Kent Sambueso (45), born on April 17, 1969, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 25, 2014 at his home in Madera at the age of 45. His parents, Dim and Julie Sambueso, raised Derek in Madera.

Derek attended Madera High School and graduated in 1987. He was a member of FFA and received numerous awards. Derek worked along side his father and uncle at Gus' Food Locker for 26 years. He was a member of Madera Elks Lodge and St. Joachim's Catholic Church.