News

Patricia Rea McKee Berry (90)  -  Our Beautiful Mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great- great grandmother, and wife and best friend of David Berry. Celebrated her 91st birthday with the King of Kings on December 14, 2020. We are deeply saddened by our loss but overwhelmed with the joy and the gratitude of our lives that we shared with her.  She managed to have a very special relationship with each and every family member including two daughters / four grandchildren / eight great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.  She prayed every night for each and every one of us…. by our names.

Born in Madera in 1929 on a small ranch she was the youngest of four.  In High School, she met the “man of her dreams” and married him (David Berry) in a small Methodist Chapel. They just recently celebrated their 74th Wedding Anniversary. They worked together side by side in the Construction Business until after 50 years she retired to have some fun with her great-grandchildren.  They traveled many places near and far but their hearts always took them back to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico where we, as a family, celebrated many Holidays and Happy Occasions. …down South of the Border.

Robert Keith Fleming (90) was born in St.Louis Missouri. His mother and father were Lenore Reynolds and Jim Fleming. He had 2 brothers named Jack Fleming and Bill Franklin. At the age of four Robert was adopted by his uncle Luis Bradfield and moved to Olpe Kansas. He lived a young cowboy’s life. He helped his uncle by herding cattle and in assisting in cattle drives. By the age of 17, he had moved to Madera Ca. His First Job there was at the Schoettler tire and service station. He went to Madera High School and was known as a great dancer.

After high school, Robert joined the Navy and became an aerial photographer. He was stationed at Oakland Naval Base. After his discharge from the Navy, Robert re-enlisted and spent another 6 years back at Oakland. Robert returned to Madera again, and worked at Cerioni’s clothing store, and married Josephine Pira. Also during this time, he trained in the insurance business and became a State Farm insurance agent.

He had 2 boys with Josie and Continued to work in Insurance. In 1974 Robert moved to Fresno and married to Kathy Watanabe. He had a third son named Eric. Robert’s new career in Fresno was car sales. He worked at Slavich brothers Mercedes Benz, Gardner Cadillac and Fresno Lexus. In the late 80’s Robert married Doris Emerzian. He worked as a funeral home consultant and attendee.
Robert eventually retired and enjoyed trips to Pismo Beach where he and Doris stayed in his trailer surf fishing.

Robert Is survived by his oldest son, Mark and his son Jeff, and his wife Sophia along with their kids Cruz and Adam. Mark’s daughter Stephanie and husband Brent and their son Calvin. Robert’s second son Scott, and his wife Cheryl along with their two kids, Angelina and Luca. Roberts third son Eric, and his wife Jessica and son Mason.

Robert loved life, was a hard worker and loved to make people laugh. He loved his many pets and would spoil them rotten. He wrote great speeches and enjoyed public speaking.

Chris Pistoresi (69) passed away on Wednesday, December 16, 2020, just eight days shy of his 70th birthday, after a short, but fierce battle with cancer. He was a lifelong Maderan, Chris was born on December 24, 1950, to Emilio and Mary Alice Pistoresi.

He graduated from Madera High School and with his father, operated Pistoresi Dodge Chrysler. On August 17, 1974, he married the love and light of his life, Pam Henderson. They raised two sons, Joey and Keith.

Don L. Floyd (93) of Madera passed away at his home on December 11, 2020. Don was a resident of Madera for the past 59 years. He was born in Sugar Creek Township, Indiana on March 5, 1927, to Ray L Floyd and Flossie Glaze Floyd. Following high school, Don was drafted into the United States Army in 1945 where he served in the 1st armored division in Germany at the end of World War II.

John H. Sudduth (84) passed away peacefully on December 3rd at the age of 84 with his family nearby. We are comforted in knowing he is in heaven. John was born in Kansas City, Mo, and attended Kansas State University graduating with a degree in Grain Milling. He married his beloved wife, Shirley, in 1958 and had three children: Robert, Linda and Peter. He was employed at Topeka Mill and Elevator in Topeka, KS where he was highly regarded in his industry and recognized as one of the best at his job. In 1978, he advanced his career by accepting a sales/buying position with Valley Grain Products in Madera, CA. He continued after its sale to ADM and retired soon after.

John was heavily invested in his community. In Topeka he was active in the 20/30 Club and in Madera he joined the Madera Breakfast Lions Club where he was a member for 43 years with perfect attendance. He served as President twice, Zone Chairman, and on many committees, which included the Lions Foundation Eyeglass Collection Program, Camp Pacifica Lions Camp, and CA Fish and Wildlife Pheasant Hunt for the Physically Challenged. He participated in events such as serving a hot lunch in the field for the Pheasant Hunt participants, delivering tri tip dinners, and managing the Lions Booth at Town and Country Park. In 1999, John was nominated and awarded the highest award in Lionism, the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for humanitarian service to his community. He was a living example of the Lions Club motto in word and deed: We Serve.

Antonette Tilde Sesock (74), passed away in November. 20, 2020, peacefully with her family by her side after her courageous battle with cancer ended. She was born to Anthony and Letty (Pelanconi) Monie on May 9, 1946, in Whittier, CA. She attended St. Joseph and St. Louis of France for her elementary education and was a graduate of Bishop Amat High School in La Puente, in 1964.

Antonette enjoyed singing and was a member of the Glee Club performing at the Shriners auditorium 3 years consecutively. She met her future husband, Thomas Sesock when he had a layover at the Los Angeles Train Station in 1962 as he was on his way to Kansas City with the FFA. They were engaged at Dodger Stadium and were married in January. 29, 1972.