News

Former Captain of Ferko String Band Dies: Joseph Blass Jr. (94)

Joseph H. Blass, Jr. (94) of Havertown, PA, formerly of Philadelphia, PA, passed away on May 13, 2015. Born in South Philadelphia on February 1, 1921, he was the son of the late Joseph H. Blass, Sr. and Marian Blass (nee Brendlinger).

Joseph served his country in the United States Navy during World War II and fought in the South Pacific. He also served as an Officer in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He was employed as a tool maker with General Electric in Southwest Philadelphia.

Earl J. Martin (76)

Earl J. Martin (76), a native of Livingston, CA and a resident of Madera, CA for 74 years passed away Friday, May 1, 2015 at his Madera home. He was a retired owner and operator of Chevron Service Station Cleveland and Hwy 99 for 35 years.

Earl was a police officer from 1960 to 1970 and was a member of the B.P.O.E. Madera Elks Lodge #1918 for 45 years. He was an avid fisherman and lived with the best catch of his life for 57 years, Shirley. Earl was known for his BBQ expertise, specializing in tri-tip and rib-eye steaks.

Owner of Penny Candy Dies at 80: Carole Lee Gostanian

Carole Gostanian (80) was born on December 13, 1934 in Fresno, California to parents, Leo and Vivien (Michaelian) Gostanian. She passed away on April 20, 2015 in Fresno, California.

Carole Gostanian, the colorful and sometimes contentious owner of Penny Candy — a Fresno book shop turned novelty store in the 1960s that sold everything from pet rocks to adult gifts and drug paraphernalia — died last Monday at the age of 80.

Mark Ibrahim (48)

Mark Ahmad Ibrahim (48), passed away suddenly on Tuesday, April 14, 2015. He was born on July 7, 1966, to Sami Ahmad Ibrahim (surviving) and Marie Louise Haas Ibrahim (predeceased) in Los Altos, CA. He graduated from Los Altos High School, class of 1984.

He then attended and graduated from UC Berkeley, class of 1989, where he met his beautiful wife. He learned to manage the family farm, La Vina Ranch, from his father-in-law, Morgan Johnson, and became an expert at growing table grapes and cherries.

Peter Oliver (82)

Peter Gurney Oliver (82) passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2015. He was born on July 3, 1932 to Louis and Lilian Oliver in Wimbledon, England, and as he would say, "just in time to enjoy the Battle of Britain".

Peter served proudly in the Royal Air Force as a Radio Operator where he was stationed in Malta. Following his military service, Peter emigrated to the United States in 1954 aboard the Queen Mary at the age of 22. After arriving in New York City, within six months he landed a position assisting renown fashion photographer Bill Helburn, which would spark a long and successful career in the industry.

Former MHS Counselor Passes: Matilda Torres (69)

MADERA - Matilda “Tini” Torres passed away on Good Friday, April 3, 2015. She was born on May 17, 1945 in Madera, CA where she resided for all her life. She attended California State University, Fresno, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree. She then proceeded to earn her teaching and counseling credentials. She began her career as a teacher and then transitioned into her counseling role at Madera High School where she worked for over 37 years.

She was a faithful parishioner of St. Joachim’s Catholic Church. Matilda was a longtime leading member of the Latinas Unidas, a charter member of AMAE, and a member and supporter of other organizations dedicated to the support and education of Latinos and other minorities. She spent most of her time caring for others in need, celebrating life with her family, and tending to her beautiful gardens.

Mary Peters (82)

Mary Peters (82), a native of Belfield, ND and a resident of Madera, CA for 43 years passed away Easter Sunday, April 5, 2015 at her son's home in Madera. Mary worked for 40 years at Peters Brothers Nursery & Landscaping wearing many hats while working there. Mary was a great housewife going above & beyond the call of duty.