Justin Micheli

Justin Joseph Micheli, 97, passed away in Live Oak, CA on May 26, 2013 at home surrounded by his family. Justin was a loved and cherished son, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend. He was an admired and respected farmer and businessman. A true member of the greatest generation. Justin was a fi rst generation American, who embodied the ideals that have made this country great – hard work, love of family and generosity of spirit. Justin and his twin brother, Roy, were born on Christmas Eve 1915 in Marysville. Shortly thereafter, the family, which included his older brother Al, moved to Sacramento. After graduating from Sacramento High School in 1933, Justin went to work for Bank of America. He met the love of his life, Angie Sclifo, in 1938, and was married on June 20, 1942. During World War II, Justin served in the Army Air Corps Finance Division. His stories of his time in Cairo, Egypt and Abadan, Iran were plentiful and showed how proud he was to have served this country that he loved so much. In 1946, Justin moved his family from Sacramento to Live Oak to join his brothers in a farming operation that his uncle, Dan Pasquini, started in 1928. In the early years, the Micheli brothers, grew peaches, prunes, rice, tomatoes, seed crops and dried beans. Justin's son, John, and Roy's son, Joe, took over the day to day farming operations in 1981 and today those reins have been passed down to the next generation. However, even after he ""retired,"" Justin still went to the offi ce every morning and drove the orchards every day. He could not step away completely from his love of farming and the land that had given him so much. Justin served on the Board of Directors for Pacifi c Coast Producers from 1977 to 1997. He was a People to People Ambassador, a 50-year member of the Elks Club and a member of Amici Italiano Club, Roseville Duck Club, Pacifi c Coast Producers, California Prune Board, Diamond Walnut Growers, and Sacred Heart/Our Lady of Guadalupe parish. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Norm Alberts of Alamo; his son and daughter-in-law, John and Susan Micheli of Live Oak; his four grandchildren and their spouses, Katie Alberts and Lori Siegel of Danville, Justin and Candice Micheli of Live Oak, Angie and Derek Holmberberg of Alamo, and Angelo and Debbie Micheli of Live Oak; his six great grandchildren; his cousin, Benn Pasquini of Yuba City; and many nieces and nephews. Justin was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Angie Micheli; and his brothers, Al and Roy Micheli. Justin was laid to rest Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at East Lawn Memorial Park in Sacramento. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on ¢ ursday, June 20, 2013, at 10 am at St. Isidore Catholic Church in Yuba City. Remembrances may be made to Rideout Hospice, 939 Live Oak Blvd., Yuba City, CA, 95991, Community Memorial Museum, 1333 Butte House Road, Yuba City, CA, 95993, or the charity of your choice.

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