August 1, 1936 - January 16, 2021
Fred was born August 1, 1936 in Stockton, CA and passed away peacefully on January 16, 2021 at home in Linden, CA.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Adeline Podesta, his wife of 48 years marriage, Patricia Podesta, his son Joseph Avansino, and his first wife Tanya Archer Podesta. He is survived by his sons Fred Podesta III (Beth), James Avansino (Ann), Victor Podesta (Monica), daughter Tara Bryant (Scott), and daughter in law Leslie Avansino; grandchildren Jessica Costigliolo (Jason), Freddy Podesta IV, Gianna Goins (James), Becca Cruse (Colton), Victor Podesta Jr., Gina Podesta, Nicole Podesta, Brooke Bryant, Mia Bryant, Andrew Avansino, Paul Avansino, and five great grandchildren. He is survived by his sisters Marie Dal Porto (predeceased by brother-in-law Albert Dal Porto Sr.) and Irma Flor (Dino). Fred is also survived by many nephews, nieces, cousins, and leaves behind many lifelong friends he considered family.
Fred was raised in Linden, CA and graduated from Linden High School. He started working with his father on the family farm in Bellota, where his love of farming was born. This would be the pathway for the rest of his life, a passion he shared with his family.
Fred enjoyed cooking with family and friends. Many times, he would cook and cater for charities, clubs, and events with Patti. Friends and family were always welcome into Fred and Patti's home, whether it was at their cabin in Arnold, vacation home in Indio, or at their home in Bellota. He enjoyed traveling, NASCAR, and especially being a part of his children and grandchildren's endeavors. He was a member of numerous agricultural associations throughout the years. Fred was also an icon in the equestrian world where he owned and trained many world class show jumping champions.
Fred's true passion was farming. Fred was known throughout the state for his knowledge and ability to grow bell peppers, peaches, pears, cherries, asparagus, walnuts, grapes, and much more. When Fred was not farming for the family business, Podesta Farms, he loved working in his garden and raising animals.
Fred was greatly loved and will be deeply missed.
A special thank you to the many caregivers touching Fred's life.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions in his name to the Linden Peters Volunteer Firefighters or a charity of choice.
A celebration of Fred's life will take place at a later date when we all can safely gather and share our memories.
VISITATION
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 from 1:00p.m. to 4:00p.m. at the Vineyard Chapel in Cherokee Memorial Park, Lodi CA, 95240.
SERVICE
A service will be held the following day on Thursday, January 28th, 2021 at 11:00a.m. at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240.
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Podesta family.
