LEDIO "Lee" FANUCCHI

Ledio "Lee" Fanucchi was born on March 27, 1931, and passed away on November 27, 2014. Lee played football for Central High School Grizzlies. He also played for the Fresno City Rams, where he was inducted to the Wall of Fame. He Played for the Fresno State Bulldogs from where he was drafted into the National Football League by the Chicago Cardinals after receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Plant Science Vitaculture. Lee's second career in the military lead him to several leadership positions around the world finally retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force, returning to Fresno. During Lee's retirement, he dove into his passion for farming, planting vegetable gardens, citrus, nut trees, stone fruit trees and of course grapes. Sometimes grafting several varieties of fruit on one tree. He also explored his passion as a volunteer instructor and master gardener with University of California Davis Agricultural Extension Program. He also volunteered with the Vitaculture program at California State University, Fresno. He is preceded in death by his parents Atillio and Fiammetta Fanucchi, who immigrated from Italy; his brothers and sisters, Geno, Gina Bernice, Constantino, and Atillio Jr.; and his daughter Vanisa. He is survived by Valerie, his loving wife of nearly 60 years; sons, Lee, Liam and wife Sue, and Lance; grandchildren, Jessica, Shaun, and Blake; and many other retlatives. A Funeral Service will be held at the Salvation Army Chapel, 1914 Fulton St., Fresno, CA, on Friday, December 5, 2014, at 10:00 a.m.