Willie C. Toste

Willie Toste was born on December 24th, 1931, in Kerman, California. He passed away peacefully on April 12th, 2025, in Fresno, California. He was born, raised and lived his entire life (93 years) in Kerman. He was a first generation American. His parents (Joseph and Mary) were Portuguese immigrants from the Azores who had seven children; he was the youngest child.
Willie was a farmer for 80 years. He worked on the family dairy from a young age until he was called to serve his country. He served with the US 6th Army Corp of Engineers in Alaska during the Korean War. When he returned home he started his own farming operation. He married Carol Etcheberry in 1957; they were married for 57 years. They had four children who helped on the farm. He was a proud member of the Kerman VFW Post 8470, Kerman Portuguese SBF, and the Kerman Co-Op Gin.
Willie was close to his parents, sister, and five brothers. He made sure to visit them often and took care of his mother, Mary, until she moved into a rest home. He had a strong personality and never met a stranger due to his deep valley roots. He was known for his quick wit and sense of humor; he always had a joke or remark at the ready.
Willie will reunite in heaven with his wife, Carol, sons Richard and Steven, parents, Joseph and Mary, sister, Edith Goulart, and brothers Joe, John, Paul, George and Frank Toste and their spouses as well as his in laws, Mike and Helen Etcheberry, along with many extended family members and friends. He is survived by his daughter, Julie Toste and son, Bill Toste, along with many extended family members.
Recitation of the Rosary followed by a Funeral Mass will be on Monday, May 5, 2025 at 10 AM at St. Patrick's Church in Kerman. Interment will follow at Fresno Memorial Gardens.
Remembrance can be made to:
Kerman Portuguese Hall (SBF) P.O. Box 23, Kerman 93630,
Kerman VFW Post 8470 P.O. Box 332, Kerman 93630, or the donor's favorite charity.
Services
Recitation of The Rosary followed by Funeral Mass
Monday
May 5, 2025
10:00 AM
St. Patrick Catholic Church
15437 W. Kearney Blvd
Kerman, CA 93630
Cemetery
Fresno Memorial Gardens
175 South Cornelia Avenue
Fresno, CA 93706 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Willie, please visit our Tree Store.