John C. Franklin

Mr. John C. Franklin passed away on Sunday, May 25, 2008 at the age of 73. John was born in Coolidge, TX on December 25, 1934 and a resident of Madera for the past 38 years where he was a Painting Contractor. John enjoyed playing his guitar with his friends and riding his motorcycle.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years Rennie, his five sons John Franklin, Jr. of Arroyo Grande, Jack Franklin of Victor, ID, Jim Franklin of Madera, Mark Franklin of Jackson Hole WY, Donald Franklin of Atascadero, CA his brother Carl Franklin of Madera, nine grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

Visitation will be held on: Wednesday, May 28, 2008 from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Thursday, May 29, 2008 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm at Jay Chapel, Madera, CA

Funeral Service will be on: Thursday, May 29, 2008, 1:00 pm at Jay Chapel, Madera, CA
Interment to follow at: Arbor Vitae Cemetery, Madera, CA
 

Rocky William Valorosi

It is with great sadness that the family of life long Madera resident Rocky Valorosi announces his passing on May 23, 2008.
Born September 15, 1933 to Luigi and Anita Valorosi, Rocky started at Alpha Elementary and was a graduate of Madera Union High School 1952. In high school, he earned the honor of State Farmer and was active in varsity football.

As a young man, he served his country in the United States Army during The Korean Conflict. Returning to his home town in 1955, he started his career as a farmer: which became his passion for his entire life. Two years later, he bought his first truck and also started to commercially haul concrete irrigation pipe for Rogers Materials. He continued in trucking, hauling Ag commodities throughout California and since 1967 also was engaged in custom grape harvesting.

In the mid sixties, a partnership was formed with the Unti family, to grow and commercially market a wide variety of fruits, melons, and vegetables lasting 15 years. As soul proprietor, Rocky supplied a bountiful harvest of fresh crops to local grocery stores, restaurants, and his valued customers until his passing. Rocky was eager to plant new varieties, with his focus always on exceptional taste for the consumer. His farm has produced a wide variety of crops including wine grapes, fruit and nut tree crops, row crops, and vegetables.

"As a farmer, man himself became closely attached to the landscape and firmly rooted to the soil"

Rocky's community involvement included Madera Elks, Madera Co. Farm Bureau, San Joaquin Valley Antique Flywheelers, Antique Caterpillar Machinery Owners club and Madera Young Farmers. He enjoyed good wine, great food, and visiting with his many friends. His enthusiasm for the preservation of antique farm equipment gave him much joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Tomas and Robert Valorosi.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years Marcia, his sons Raymond and wife Shelly, Bill and his wife Debi, and his daughter Jennifer Valorosi. He was a loving grandfather to Vincent and is also survived by his brother Ernest Valorosi, his sister Rose Meister, his Uncle Willie Filiponi, his Aunt Louise, Bill Weakland, numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2008 from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Jay Chapel, Madera, CA A Vigil will follow at 7:00 pm also at Jay Chapel

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 30, 2008, 11:00 am at St. Joachim Catholic Church, Madera, CA
Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery

Remembrances may be made to: Madera County Historical Society P.O. Box 150 Madera, CA 93639 or Madera Community Hospital Foundation 1250 E. Almond Ave.
Madera, CA 93637 or St. Joachim School Build Fund 310 North I Street Madera, CA 93637

Matthew M. Valdez, a lifelong resident of Madera, passed away on May 19, 2008 at the age of 42. Matt was born on April 23, 1966 in Fresno and had attended Madera Schools where he received his education. He was a currently a self-employed handyman and had formerly worked in security for Wal-Mart stores both in Fresno and Madera

He is survived by his parents Mary and Gilbert Valdez of Madera, by his daughter Megan Valdez of Madera and by his brother Mark Valdez of Santa Monica, Ca. He is also survived by his uncles, aunts and cousins.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, May 23, 2008 at 1 PM in St. Joachim Catholic Church in Madera.

Remembrances may be made to The Holy Family Table of St. Joachims Parish, c/o 401 West 5th Street, Madera, Ca. 93637.