David Paul MeredithBorn; 5-13-39 in Edgeware, England to James Noel and Sarah May Meredith
Entered into eternal life; 11-22-16, at home with his wife of 58 years and his family at his side
77 years young Resided in Morada, CA
Born in England during World War 2, Paul was separated from his family in September 1940, as their family home was bomb damaged and were forced to evacuate. They were reunited 5 years later and immigrated to Canada in 1948, making their way down to Oregon and ultimately Lodi, CA. Paul became a naturalized citizen of the United States in August 1966.
Paul met the love of his life, Joyce Jeanette Fehling, at Lodi Union High School and married on April 18, 1958. They shared a full, joyous life consisting of 58 years of marriage and starting their Army of Love that consists of 5 children, 12 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.
Paul had numerous jobs throughout his life, doing whatever he needed to do to provide for his large family, at times juggling 3 jobs at one time. He spent over 15 years as a refrigeration mechanic for the Fruit Growers Express Railroad in Stockton, CA. Upon closure of the FGE Railroad, Paul became a successful entrepreneur. He started The Family Janitorial Services, serving numerous businesses in the San Joaquin County, with his wife and children contributing to the business.
He later became a Vocational Instructor for the California Youth Authority of the State of California. Paul found great fulfillment in his career there, knowing he was contributing to the life of inmates by teaching them real-world skills that could be used once their time was served.
Paul was happiest spending time with beloved wife, Joyce and precious dog, Maddie, whether at home or traveling to various timeshare locations domestically and abroad. He was an avid golfer, spending time with family members and his golfing buddies on various golf courses, with a can of Bud Light nearby. He was a die-hard Oakland A’s and Raider Fan. In fact, his last word spoken was “touchdown” as he watched his beloved Raiders win on MNF with his family at his bedside.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Sarah and James Meredith of Swansea, Wales, daughter, Shelly May Scott, and grandson, Joshua Neff Christy of Lodi, CA.
Paul leaves behind his devoted wife, Joyce Meredith of Morada, daughter, Julie Christy and son-in-law, Neff of Lodi, daughter, Shirley Meredith of Livermore, son, David Meredith and daughter-in-law, Allison of Lodi and daughter, Diana Meredith and partner, Eric Johnson of Galt, sister, Nerina Williams of Swansea, Wales and sister, Barbara Brown of Rocklin, Ca.
He leaves his legacy to be continued by his grandchildren, Jeremy Christy, Larry Wilson, Meredith Guidry, Samantha Ang, Sarah Scott, Bradley Scott, Michelle Scott, Amy Meredith, Chris Meredith, Matthew Winterhalder, Andrew Rowe and great-grandchildren, Alexa, Cyrus, Abigail, David, and Liam.
SERVICES
A Celebration of Paul’s Life will be held at; Cherokee Memorial, Chapel of the flowers - Lodi, CA Nov. 30, 11am Reception immediately following at – Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 1540 W. Lodi Avenue, Lodi, CA Donations can be made to The American Cancer Society or Hospice of San Joaquin County
Born August 10, 1923, in Farris Oklahoma 9 weeks premature and weighing 2 lbs. The doctor arrived at the home after her birth saying she would not survive. Her dad wrapped her up and put her in a shoe box on a wood stove door making an incubator for her. She survived a difficult birth. She was the first born of 7 children.
At 7 years old, a diphtheria epidemic ran through the small farming community. Little brother Doyle 3 died of the disease. Everyone on the farm had to be inoculated for the Diphtheria. She took off running when it got to her turn. Her grandpa Richardson chased her down a half mile, brought her back kicking & screaming to get her shot.
She grew up on the farm. Went to Farris school graduating 8th grade. For high school, she rode the school bus to Atoka Oklahoma 16 miles away. She graduated in 1942 valedictorian of her class. She later earned a teaching certificate and taught first through 4th grade. She only taught school for 3 months as she did not like teaching. She then went to Ponca city to a school where she was trained to be a "Rosie the Riveter" for Boeing aircraft.
Bonnie Lee Snyder passed away on Wednesday, November 9, 2016. Bonnie was a wonderful, thoughtful and caring wife, mother and grandmother who always put her family first. She loved having her family together whether it was cooking holiday meals, watching sports or playing card games with her grandchildren.
Bonnie is survived by her husband, Phil Snyder, of 58 years in marriage. They first met at the United Methodist Church in Lodi while attending MYF youth group as juniors in high school. They soon graduated together and mom attended Humphrey's Business College. She took her first job as an Administrative Clerk for San Joaquin County. After raising two children, Michael and Debra, Bonnie started her career with Lodi Unified School District in various clerical positions and retired after 17 years as school secretary at Henderson School.
1966 and went into farming, continuing a family tradition that began when his paternal grandfather, Giuseppe, immigrated to the United States from Sestri Levante, Italy in 1895.
Gary married Barbara Anne Scott in 1970, at St. Luke’s Church, in Stockton, and the newlywed couple celebrated their reception at the Italian Athletic Club.
Gary worked hard to provide for his family. Over the course of five decades, he built a flourishing career in agriculture, of which he was extremely proud.
A devoted husband, proud father, and doting nonno, he was equally proud of his family and raised his daughters to be strong, similarly hard-working and uniquely determined women. He was a true steward of the land and spent the little free time he allowed himself hunting and fishing, in California and abroad.
Gary was preceded in death by his father, his wife, and his sister Carol. He is survived by his mother; his brother, Robert; his sister Teresa; his daughter Michelle Caffese Dal Porto and her husband, Richard Dal Porto; his daughter Marie Burkin Caffese and her husband, Christian Burkin; and his grandchildren, Chiara, Rocco and Luciana Dal Porto, and Magnus Burkin.
RONALD LEO VALINOTI, a resident of Lockeford, California, passed away peacefully at his home on November 7, 2016, at the age of 81 following a protracted struggle with cancer. Ron was born in Tracy, California to Domenico (“Dan”) Valinoti and Isabel Delmuto-Valinoti on August 14, 1935. He attended St. Anne’s Catholic School and Lodi High School and was a member of the 1954 Lodi High School championship track team that was inducted into the Lodi Sports Hall of Fame on March 31, 2000.He Ron served his Country for 2 years on active duty in the Navy during the Korean War followed by eight years as a reservist. Following active duty, he attended U.C. Davis before transferring to Cal Poly where he received his bachelor’s degree in dairy science. Later, he continued his education and received a master’s degree in business administration.
Ron’s career began in Berkeley, California during the tumultuous 60’s where he worked as a health inspector for the Alameda County Health Department. He transferred to the San Joaquin County Environmental Health District in 1974 where he worked until retirement in 1993. He served as Director of the Health District from 1987 until his retirement. During his tenure, the District received national recognition for achievement in providing outstanding food protection services to the community. Following retirement, Ron continued in community service as a member of the board of directors for the Mokelumne Rural County Fire Protection District. He enjoyed pursuing other entrepreneurial interests including managing the family real estate holdings and his used car dealership.
Ron’s energy was unlimited and unending. He abhorred idleness. He was relentless in his pursuit of whatever task was at hand, including his battle with cancer. He was always willing to lend an ear or helping hand to anyone who asked. When consulted, he offered humble and sage advice on matters ranging from growing perfect tomatoes to charting important life decisions. He promoted hard work and discipline in all aspects of his life and instilled courage, motivation, and self-confidence in those who worked with him or knew him. Ron especially enjoyed spending time with his family at his beloved mountain cabin near Bear Valley.
Ron is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 60 years, Sharon; his daughter Dr. Jan Valinoti; son-in- law Dr. Parnell Galloway; son Kenneth Valinoti; daughter-in-law Shannon Hardin; brother Dan Valinoti; sister-in-law Barbara Valinoti, and sister-in-law Rose Mary Wiech. He is further survived by six adoring grandchildren: Mari Galloway, Sarah Galloway, Cristiana Giannini, Elisa Valinoti, Joseph Valinoti and Kai Valinoti and several nephews and nieces. The family extends its warmest regards and appreciation to the several caregivers who cared for Ron and provided him loving care during his final days.