JAMES OCHINERO

December 14, 1915 - September 16, 2012 James Robert Ochinero passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, September 16, 2012, with his two loving daughters by his side. Blessed with good health his entire life, he was 96 years of age. Jim was born to Italian immigrants, Tony and Anna Marie Ochinero on December 14, 1915, in Fresno, Ca., the middle of nine children. Jim attended Catholic grammar school and graduated from Fresno Technical High School in 1933. Following graduation, Jim was employed by the Fresno Macaroni Company. It was there he met his future wife, Josephine Amoruso, the love of his life, originally from Worcester, Ma. They were married at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church on April 18, 1937, and were blessed with 68 years of marriage until Josephine's passing in 2005 at the age of 90. The majority of Jim's working years were spent as a fig grower, farming with his older brother, Frank Ochinero, and their father, Tony Ochinero, who had started the business. Toward the end of World War II, Jim was drafted and served stateside for a few months in the United States Army. This was not one of his favorite times or experiences especially when one heard "Mr. Picky Eater" describe the food offered. His wife was expecting their first child and Biloxi, Mississippi, was not home. The Army did grant him a leave prior to his daughter Sharon's birth. Second to his love of family and friends was Jim's passion for cars which began at a young age and lasted to the end. In April, 2010, he lost both his Cadillac Seville and Buick Reatta due to a daytime house fire started by lightning. Nora Sanchez, his longtime faithful caregiver, purchased the damaged Reatta and after searching far and wide for parts, had it restored. Jim was thrilled and enjoyed riding through town chauffeured by his Reatta's new owner. He never failed to remind Nora that there weren't too many of that type of car around. Friends and relatives often came to Jim seeking advice when they were ready to purchase a "new" used car. He loved helping them find a good deal. Throughout his life, Jim had a fantastic sense of humor. His upbeat personality was accompanied by a contagious laugh and happy smile. A true gentleman, polite at all times, he showed respect and genuine concern for others. An example of his generosity was shown by delivering fruits and vegetables to friends and relatives. Jim was a past member of the Fresno Dante Club, Italian Catholic Federation, Branch 32, and Young Men's Institute, Madera Council #60, formerly Council #78. At the time of his passing, he was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Special thanks and recognition are extended to Jim's caregivers, Nora Sanchez, Sonia Bidros, Maria Manzano and Bertha Garcia. Their love, concern, encouragement and tenderness are appreciated; they were his cheerleaders. Rose Cerbo, a professional cook, added to Jim's longevity. She prepared many delicious meals in her home and delivered them to Jim and Josephine. Jim and Rose were each other's greatest fans. In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by his older brothers, Joseph and Frank Ochinero; older sisters, Mamie Rossi and Grace Yovannides; and younger sisters, Rosalie Bonsignore-Wampler and Elizabeth "Betty" Fry. Jim is survived by his devoted daughters, Sharon Frieders of Lodi and Linda Ochinero of San Jose. He is the beloved Papa of Craig Frieders and his wife Laurie of Walnut Creek, and Justin Frieders DC of San Francisco. Precious twin great-grandchildren, Crofton James Frieders and Claire Beverly Frieders of Walnut Creek made him a "Grand Papa" almost two years ago. He is also survived by two sisters, Alvena Day of Homewood, Ca. and Anna Laura "Jane" Ferdinandi of Fresno and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home, on Tuesday, September 25, 2012, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Recitation of the Holy Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, on Wednesday, September 26, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. Entombment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the donor's favorite charity. Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns and Blair Funeral Home, 1525 East Saginaw Way, Fresno, California (559)227-4048