Ronald Gene Pierini

Ronald Gene Pierini was born in Los Banos, CA on November 18, 1934, the second of 3 children born to Marianne (Delerio) and Italo Pierini. Ronnie attended South Dos Palos Grammar School and Dos Palos High School, graduating in the Class of 1952.

When Ronnie was in his early teens, his mother, Marianne, found herself a single mother with 2 children to raise. Ron was a hard worker from an early age. To contribute to the support of his family, at age 13, he started working every summer at the South Dos Palos Cantaloupe Packing Shed. At the age of 17, his mother passed away suddenly, leaving him and his little sister, Nalda, only 12 years old, all alone. Nalda went to live with Aunt and Uncle, Pierina and John Ricci, while Ronnie finished high school living with Aunt and Uncle, Vee and Les Grimm, both of South Dos Palos.

Ronnie loved his baby sister dearly and even as they then had to live apart, he always made sure she was well taken care of and she got plenty of his attention. He even saved his money and for her birthday bought her first bicycle! Their deep love and commitment to each other held tight their entire lives. While in high school Ron enjoyed playing both basketball and baseball. He excelled at baseball and even aspired of playing at the Pro level. He was good looking, with his striking black wavy hair, bright brown eyes and his kind nature. His laugh was reserved but often reached his eyes before you saw the smile or heard the chuckle. Ronnie loved cruising Dos Palos with his friends, he was a very likable guy. He made many lifelong friendships during his years at Dos Palos High School.

After graduating high school, Ron enlisted in the Army, during the Korean War, and served his country for 4 years. Upon his return, he worked for his Uncle George Delerio, milking cows on his dairy and driving the tractor. For extra income he also tended bar at the Servatorium in Dos Palos. It was during this time, 1956, while visiting Nalda, he met one of her best friends from Dos Palos High. She was the blossoming beauty, Eva Morris, who would soon become the love of his life. Nalda recalls Ronnie being "scared to death" of Eva's Dad. Even these feelings of imminent danger didn't dampen his resolve or deter his desire to court Eva, and win her heart! They began dating, encouraged by Eva's insisting that her Daddy would "love him, once he got to know him!"

After Eva graduated high school, she moved to Fresno to attend Federico's Beauty College. They carried on a long-distance romance for some long months until eloping in Ronnie's green 1953 Chevy to Reno, NV! They were married on New Year's Day 1960, witnessed by newlyweds themselves, sister Nalda and her new husband, Jerry Cooper and Jerry's mother Ozella Silva. Ronnie and Eva settled into married life in an apartment in Fresno. Ron worked as a glazier, replacing window panes and installing new windows. Looking to improve his future, Ronnie was hired by Safeway as a meat cutter where he worked for 33 years and retired in 1994, at the age of 60.

In 1962 Ron and Eva bought a brand new home in Clovis. They were thrilled, Eva decorating and Ronnie caring tirelessly for his meticulously manicured yards. And soon Eva announced she was expecting a baby and Ronnie was so proud! They brought home Kelli Dorrae, and life was good. And then they were blessed with the arrival of Ronald Jon and life was better! They were the perfect happy family. Ron and Eva had a large circle of very close friends, mostly through Safeway, Beauty College, their new neighborhood and the Telephone Company where Eva worked. Many memorable house parties were hosted in the Pierini's garage! Always with music, dancing, eats, drinks, fun and laughter!

In 1972, Ron and Eva bought 5 acres east of Clovis and built a new home. Eva designed the floor plan and Eva's Daddy, Ray, oversaw the construction and did much of the work himself. Their home suited them perfectly and they enjoyed country life with their children.

Eva's parents, Ray and Dorothy, DID learn to love Ronnie and he became very dear to them. They could see how much Eva loved Ronnie and they respected and appreciated his hard work to provide for his family. Eva's little brother and sister, Davy and Susan, adored Ronnie, like a big brother. In later years, Ray and Dorothy appreciated Ronnie's help on their Visalia walnut ranch. On his days off and even after work at Safeway, Ronnie would spend hours on the tractor and irrigating.

All his life Ronnie loved his sports. He was a devout 49ers fan and an orange blooded Giants fan. Throughout the years, Ron and Eva, with Nalda and Jerry and other friends attended many Pro games. Ron also was a fan of NASCAR and was a Rainbow Warrior rooting for Jeff Gordon and his DuPont Chevy. He and friends often went to local races in Hanford and to a few NASCAR races too. Ron and Eva had their local teams too, going to many Fresno State football and baseball games. They even flew with a big group of boosters to Hawaii for a Fresno State Baseball game! Go Bulldogs!! Ron and Eva did some travel besides pro games, going on several cruises with friends. Eva always with a camera in her hand, documented their travels in detail. Ron and Eva traveled and visited often with Nalda and Jerry and their children, Ronda and Rod, in El Nido. The families were very close and spent many Holidays together.

Ron and Eva enjoyed simpler trips too. Every summer, Eva would pack a picnic, they'd hop in their turquoise 1956 Chevy pickup and drive up into the mountains. Ronnie would cut wood and Eva would help load it up. They'd have their picnic and take in the fresh air. Ron said those trips were some of his favorites, just he and Eva, beautiful vistas, working up a sweat with the promise of a warm hearth in winter and a ham sandwich. Heavenly!! Ron truly appreciated the big things in life and more importantly, the little things.

Ronnie's goal in life was to provide for and take care of his family. With Kelli and RJ on their own ways, Ron and Eva enjoyed life as empty nesters. Eva at home with her cats, her dog, her pictures and flowers, enjoying her own paradise. Ronnie, besides tending his yard and 5 acres, picked up a part time job delivering auto parts. He retired again when it was apparent Eva needed more attention. Ron never faltered in Eva's care and never stopped adoring his "sweetheart" Eva. Ronnie was staunch and undeterred in his years of caring for Eva, the love of his life.

Tragically Ronnie lost Eva in May 2015 and his heart was broken. Ronnie persevered, showing his silent strength and faith. For seven years Ronnie went weekly to visit his Sweetheart and took her flowers. She loved daffodils and carnations, pink and red. Ronnie never truly recovered from Eva's passing. There was always a sadness in his heart.

In later years Ronnie was tested with health issues, which he faced with resolve and determination. Despite his own problems, he never stopped making calls and checking in on his loved ones. He was concerned about their wellbeing and challenges, while minimizing his own. Ronnie was a steward of his faith, a diligent worker and had a loving devotion to his family. What is a more admirable description of a man and a life well lived?

Ronnie passed June 6, 2022 and was preceded on the path to Heaven by his infant baby sister, Barbara Jean, his parents Marianne (Delerio) and Italo Pierini, his brother-in-law David Morris, his in-laws Ray and Dorothy Morris and his brother-in-law Jerry Cooper.

He is survived by his daughter Kelli Putnam, son RJ Pierini, his grandson Rocco Ogle, sister Nalda Cooper, sister-in-law Susan (Morris) Fontes, brother-in-law Ken Fontes and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

This is a life story of a man who was an endeared son, a coddling brother, a believing Catholic, an honorable veteran, a faithful and loving husband, father and grandfather. If he was your friend, you had a good one.