LEO FACCHINI

LEO JOHN "BILL" FACCHINI

August 10, 1932 – September 24, 2025

Leo John "Bill" Facchini, 93, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025. Born on August 10, 1932, in Grangeville, California, Bill was the last surviving member of the original Facchini family.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 69 years, Bell Facchini; his parents, Marco and Isolina (Crispi) Facchini; and his siblings Julia Adams (George), Lilly Adams (Bob), Flora Neal (Russell), Elda Hulbert (Seldon), Carrie Facchini, and Mike Facchini.

In the early 1950s, Bill was drafted into the United States Navy and served for two years in Pensacola, Florida. After being discharged, he hitchhiked all the way home to Grangeville. In a remarkable act of kindness, the driver who picked him up ended up dropping him off just down the road from his family's home.

After returning home, Bill began working at Maccagno's Bakery. It was during this time, while cruising in his 1956 Chevrolet through downtown Hanford, that he caught sight of a young woman who would soon become the love of his life - Bell Cardoza. Their chance encounter led to a devoted marriage that lasted nearly seven decades.

Bill went on to work for Hostess Cake/Wonder Bread, where he spent over 30 years delivering baked goods across the region. He never had two days off in a row - always working with quiet consistency, taking only Wednesdays and Sundays to rest. Even though his work was humble, his children never lacked. There were always shoes on their feet, food on the table, and love in the home. He rarely took a vacation, but his commitment to his family never wavered.

A generous and selfless man, Bill was always willing to give - no questions asked. Random neighborhood kids would knock on the door at 10 p.m., and he would do whatever he could to help. He and Bell hosted massive Thanksgiving celebrations with Bell's side of the family, often welcoming over 75 people into their home. Christmases were spent with Bill's side and became legendary two-day feasts filled with ravioli, pizza, beer rocks, spaghetti, laughter, and love. To the very end, Bill never passed up a good bowl of spaghetti.

He loved sweets, sports, and politics. His home was always stocked with Twinkies, Ho Ho's, Ding Dongs, and fruit pies - his favorite. Sometimes he'd stop by the house in his Hostess truck on the way back to the warehouse and let his kids raid the back. He loved watching his children and grandchildren play sports, never missing a baseball, softball, or football game. A home run meant a banana split from Superior Dairy, and a post-game A&W root beer became a cherished tradition.

In his later years, Bill enjoyed tending to the land his family had purchased when they immigrated to America. He found peace in caring for it, preserving a living legacy. He loved to sit at the dining table with a cup of coffee and a newspaper, and he loved to laugh - often and with everyone.

Bill is survived by his three children: Tina Cardoza, Mark Facchini (Luanne), and Steven Facchini (Karin). He leaves behind a loving legacy in his grandchildren: Kaelyn Elledge, Grayson Cardoza (Taylor), Brennen Facchini (Alex), Morgan Hooten (Willie), Hudson Facchini, Hannah Facchini, Ilissa Facchini, and Jenna Facchini (Nate). He was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Lillian Elledge, Eden Hooten, Ezra Hooten, Hazel Cardoza, and Matthew Miller.

Bill Facchini lived a life anchored in love, humility, and steady devotion. His quiet strength, generous heart, and joyful spirit will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege to know him.

Funeral service will be held at Whitehurst McNamara Funeral Home on October 14. Viewing will begin at 8:30 a.m. A Rosary will be recited at 10:00 a.m. at St. Brigid Catholic Church, followed by the funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place at Grangeville Cemetery. Lunch and refreshments will be served at Hanford Fraternal Hall following the interment.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Valley Christian Home for the loving care provided to Bill over the past two years, as well as to Bell and Aunt Elda Hulbert in years prior.