Victor Stendardo

1954 - 2025

When he left this earthly realm from his home in Modesto it was springtime, and Victor Joseph Stendardo departed peacefully, aware, and as if acknowledging the call to go.

Born to Pasquale and Maria Stendardo in Lyon, France; summers spent in Ugento, Italy, flavored by the arid countryside, the Ionian Sea, tomato sauce, figalini. O Sole Mio he sang.

Kidnaped as a young man by a California girl, his first sentence in English "My name is Victor" to a stranger at the airport. He was also Mon Cheri, Papa, Dad, Grandpa, Pepe; a cherished husband to Laurel, proud father of Chantal and Remy; father-in-law to Janel. Four grandsons: Devondre, Andrew, Brian, Sebastien, granddaughters Sarah and Juliette. We all miss his humor and wit, enduring his absence. Big brother to Jeannette, Martine, Danielle; little brother of Maurice. Known in his European circle also as Vito, Giuseppe, Tonton, Totor. Uncle, cousin and in-law to many near and far.

Victor never felt his English was good enough, but he passed the written test at DMV on his first try after just six months in the US. He was proud to start and run his own electric sign company, and after he closed it during COVID he enjoyed retirement.

He participated in the French group Cercle des Amis, in Sons & Daughters of Italy, in Modesto's annual International Festival, and earlier in Rotary. Helping and encouraging others was second nature to Victor throughout his lifetime and even beyond, as he donated himself to medical science via the UC Davis Body Donation Program, their service of gratitude to be held in September. The family deeply appreciates the many kind gestures of condolence we have received.