Anthony George Ferreira

ANTHONY GEORGE FERREIRA

George passed away on Tuesday, August 30, 2005. He was born in 1926 to Antonio and Angelina Ferreira, a prominent valley Portuguese dairy and farming family. George and five brothers were in the U.S. military in WWII and George was discharged in 1945. Shortly afterward, he started training in boxing and became the San Joaquin Valley Amateur Champion. George was a member of the Carpenters Union most of his adult life and retired in 1991. He worked on large military and commercial sites such as Vandenberg AFB and Diablo Canyon power plant in Avila Beach. George and his wife JoAn began their lives together in Pismo Beach where he constructed his Ferreira's Motel and JoAn worked for Bank of America. The bank moved JoAn to the Salinas Valley in 1979, and George worked for the union in that valley until JoAn retired in 1988. He had constructed their homes in Soledad and the Watsonville area and after her retirement, they moved back to the San Joaquin Valley. They moved to Clovis and purchased a bookstore in Fresno which they have operated for the past 12 years. George has a very large collection of boxing posters and memorabilia on display at the store. George was very passionate about all aspects of life. He participated in rodeo events and Portuguese celebrations in the valley, Pismo Beach and other areas. He and JoAn traveled extensively and he especially loved cruising. George was a true and loyal friend. He loved his wife, his stepson Mike and his wife Helen, all his nieces and nephews and especially his Schnauzer Fritz. He was preceded in death by his sister, Angie Brase; and brothers, Tony, Joe, Tom, Charlie and Alfred Ferreira. George is survived by his wife JoAn; his stepson, Michael Fortner and his wife Helen; brothers Dave of Reseda and John and Frank Sr. of Fresno; his beloved nieces and nephews; and JoAn's existing family. Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Chapel on Wednesday, September 7, 2005, from 12:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Graveside Service with military honors will be at Fresno Memorial Gardens on Thursday, September 8, 2005, at 10:00 a.m. Remembrances may be made to the Nancy Hinds Hospice, 1616 W. Shaw, Suite C-1, Fresno, CA 93711. WHITEHURSTSullivan, Burns & Blair Chapel1525 E. Saginaw 227-4048