David Fausone

1940 - 2018

David Plano Fausone
May 30, 1940 - April 13, 2018
David Plano Fausone passed away on April 13, 2018 at the age of 77. David was born on May 30, 1940 in Merced, California to Vincent and Margaret Fausone. Like his father and grandfather before him, he was a farmer. He began farming his own crops with his brother when he was 11 years old, raising tomatoes on five acres. He would farm hundreds of acres for nearly 60 years before he retired. Among the many crops he raised, David farmed tomatoes, bell peppers, almonds and pistachios. He was among the first farmers in the San Joaquin Valley to farm pistachios commercially.
David grew up and lived his life in Le Grand. He attended Savana Elementary School and Le Grand High School. He graduated from Le Grand High School in 1958 and began his collegiate studies at California State University, Fresno. During his high school and college years, he was very active in Future Farmers of America. He received the highest honor in the FFA when he was awarded the American Farmer Degree. He was a California State FFA Officer in 1959-60, holding the office of State Reporter. He remains the only member from the Le Grand FFA Chapter to hold a state office.
David had a strong commitment to his community. He was a volunteer firefighter serving out of Station 86 in Planada. He was a member of the Italo-American Club in Merced. He coached little league baseball for Le Grand summer leagues and he was a 4-H leader for the Le Grand 4-H Club. He was elected to the Le Grand Elementary School Board of Trustees in 1979 and served on the Board for 20 years.
David had a great sense of humor and an exuberant laugh. He always had a joke or funny story to tell. He enjoyed socializing with family and friends, especially over a cocktail and a good meal. He was a gracious host and he loved to cook. He started K and D Catering with his friend Ken McPherson and they spent many happy times catering weddings, parties and events, often donating their services for fundraisers benefiting their community's organizations.
Above all, David loved his family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Margaret Fausone. He leaves behind his brother, Vincent Fausone, Jr., his sons, Ernie (Kerri) Fausone and Joe (Tammy) Fausone, and his daughter, Jeannette (Jim) Pacheco. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jori Joseph, Justin (Bethany) Fausone, David (Monica) Fausone, Jamie Joseph, Jessica (Dale) Fuller, Steffani Fausone, Jensen Pacheco and Michael Pacheco; three great grandchildren, Leah McKay, Jemma Fausone and Stetson Fausone; and a fourth, Joseph Fausone, on the way.
There will be a rosary held for David on April 25, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at Ivers and Alcorn Funeral Home. Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on April 26, 2018 at St. Patrick's Parish in Merced. Interment will follow at Turner Helm Cemetery in Le Grand.
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