Obituary: Monte Pistoresi
- For The Madera Tribune
- 26 minutes ago
- 3 min read
For The Madera Tribune
Monte Pistoresi.
Monte Pistoresi, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on April 23, 2025, at the age of 86. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and the many lives he touched throughout his extraordinary life.
Born on July 18, 1938, in Miramonte, California, Monte was the son of Pete and Irene Pistoresi. After graduating from Santa Clara University in 1960 with a degree in Business Administration, Monte answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Army and completing assignments at Fort Benning, Fort Holabird and the Presidio.
In 1963, he returned to Chowchilla to work for his family’s Chevrolet dealership. His father had started an ambulance service with one vehicle in 1942, which served the Chowchilla area. Recognizing the need for professional emergency care, Monte trained in the brand new EMT-1 and EMT-2 Pilot programs, becoming a charter member of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.
The dealership closed in 1981, but Monte, along with Bill Ritchie and Bryan Ladd, secured the ambulance contract for the City of Madera. By 1982, Pistoresi Ambulance Service was operating three ambulances with ten employees. Eventually Monte became partners with his son Ted and, after 45 years of service, Pistoresi Ambulance operates 10 ambulances and employs 63 people. Ted will proudly continue to operate the business, continuing a three-generation tradition of lifesaving service.
Monte’s dedication to service extended far beyond his professional work. He poured his heart into coaching the Chowchilla Lions Little League team and had 10 consecutive years of championship teams. He umpired Little League games in both Chowchilla and Madera. His love for the game, and for nurturing young people, led him to create and contribute to the American League Umpire Association’s Madera Chapter. He took local umpires to San Bernardino for specialized training, which raised the standard of umpiring throughout Madera at that time.
Monte served his community tirelessly. He held leadership roles on the boards of the Madera Community Hospital Foundation from 1990-1998 then transitioned to the hospital Board of Trustees from 1998-2024. He was a member of Madera Kiwanis Club, Madera Elks, Madera NAACP, and the Madera County Emergency Medical Care Committee, just to name a few. His charitable spirit was reflected in his many donations, including Children’s Hospital of Central California and St. Joachim’s Church.
Throughout his life, Monte was honored with numerous awards. He was named Citizen of the Year by the Madera Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Chowchilla Chamber of Commerce. He received Distinguished Citizenship Awards from both the Madera Elks and Kiwanis Clubs, the Martin Luther King Committee Humanitarian Award, and was named Madera Rotary’s Business of the Year. He also received an Apostolic Blessing from Pope John Paul II in gratitude for his support of St. Joachim School.
Yet Monte’s proudest accomplishment was always his family. He shared 65 joyful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Leona. He leaves behind four children and three daughters-in-law: Tim (Jonae), Mike (Celeste), Patti, and Ted (Patty); seven grandchildren: Katie, Vincent, Stephen, Nick, Sami, Selena, and Thomas; and six great-grandchildren: Gianna, Vienna, Ellie, Enzo, Violet, and Aurora.
Monte’s devotion to his family and to everyone around him was unmatched. His generosity and endless encouragement touched not just his family but also his employees and countless others who saw him as a mentor, a role model, or a father figure.
Monte had a special way of making everyone feel included. He was quick to make friends with any child or pet thanks to his endless supply of treats. At any gathering, you could find him wandering around the room to make sure glasses were full and spirits were high. He loved showing guests his Elvis memorabilia and, when the mood was right, playing lively Italian songs on his accordion.
Monte Pistoresi’s remarkable legacy is one of faith, kindness, service, and love. His life reminds us that the greatest measure of success is not in what we accumulate, but in the lives we lift along the way.
A rosary service will be held at 6 p.m. on May 7, 2025, at Jay Chapel in Madera.
The funeral service is at 9:30 a.m. on May 8, 2025, at St. Joachim’s Church in Madera, officiated by Fr. Stephen Spencer, OSJ.
A luncheon will be held after the service at San Joaquin Winery in Madera, and burial will take place at 2 p.m., at Chowchilla Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Little League of Madera at 1516 Howard Road #181, Madera, CA 93637. Please put “Monte Pistoresi Memorial” in the subject line of the checks.
Monte’s family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this time of remembrance.
