Angelo Mirizzi

Angelo Mirizzi was reunited with his beloved wife Mary on December 30, 2016, nearly 11 years to the day from her departure. His countless sayings and “words of wisdom” will be greatly missed, often repeated, and forever remembered by many. His life exemplified unwavering faith, devotion to family, passion for farming, and a tenacious work ethic. Angelo was born to Franco and Graziella Mirizzi, June 29, 1921, in Oakland, CA. In 1924, he and his family returned to Putignano, Italy, after the loss of his mother. At the urging of his father, in September 1937 he would board a ship out of Naples and return to the U.S. to pursue his “American dream.” Upon his return, his Uncles and the Italian community of Oakland, lovingly embraced him and made him their adopted son. He attended St. Patrick’s Catholic school, where the Sisters recognized his intelligence and eagerness to succeed. They nurtured these gifts and helped Angelo develop his lifelong and abiding faith, which served him all his days. He graduated in 1939 and, shortly thereafter, completed trade school as an accomplished plasterer. In 1942 while waiting to report for Army duty, he and his Bay Area “buddies” traveled through Visalia, a little “jerk water” town as he would say. There he would fall hopelessly in love with Mary Barletta, a cute, little Italian girl working at J.C. Penny. Theirs was a love story of the “Tracy & Hepburn,” “Bogart & Bacall,” “Newman & Woodward” variety. They married on May 15, 1942, in Visalia, while he was on leave from Camp Haan, in Riverside, CA. Angelo was not “all work, and no play.” Family gatherings were joy filled occasions where card playing (either scopa or poker) afforded countless hours of joking, laughter, and teasing. Introducing his grandchildren and great grandchildren to the arts of “life on the ranch” was a treasured pleasure; irrigating, riding the tractor or spray rig, picking fruit, and walking the fields, was always time well spent. His Italian lodge brothers and sisters could count on him to cook spaghetti, or BBQ steaks, and still find time for a spin on the dance floor or a game of bocce ball. Planting the summer garden and fava beans for winter were comforting rituals as well. His parish involvement, travel, and following politics fed his soul and his curious mind. In his later years, his love of opera and his little dog Shushil filled the spaces of memories lost. He enjoyed a full life, by the grace of God. Angelo is survived by daughter Barbara Lindros and Lindy Delaney of San Diego, daughter Sharon and Don Kaplan of Visalia, grandchildren Vickie Horton (Dave), Angelo Kaplan (Kristine), and Cameron Kaplan, and great grandchildren Grace, Ben, and Jack Horton. He leaves behind beloved nieces, nephews, and friends in both Italy and America. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any of the following charities: America’s VetDogs-The Veteran’s K-9 Corp 866-838-3647 www.vetdogs.org Bethlehem Center 559-734-9522 www.gscparish.org/service-ministries/ Sequoia Riverlands Trust 559-738-0211 www.sequoariverlands.org Visitation will be held at 4 PM till 6 PM on Sunday, January 15, 2017at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel. A rosary will be prayed at 7 Pm on Sunday, January 15, 2017 at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel. A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Monday, January 16, 2017 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church followed by Military Honors. Burial is Private. A memorial tribute may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com

Angelo Mirizzi

June 30, 1921 - December 30, 2016