Mario Joseph Isnardi

Mario Joseph Isnardi lived a full life, passing away at the age of 99, on the eve of December 31, 2020, at Paintbrush, an Assisted Living an Memory Care facility. While COVID-19 limited his ability to be with his family, he made a virtual appearance that we will treasure forever on Christmas eve.

Mario, also know as Nonno, was born on August 14, 1921. He is preceded by his parents Joseph and Louisa (Little Nonni) Isnardi, his wife, Norma (Nonni) Isnardi, and his daughter Maureen Rotalo. He was born and raised in Fresno, California. Given his time with us on earth he touched many lives and was so loved. Come with us down memory lane as we celebrate his life's adventures.

Mario became a farmer in his mid-teen, inheriting 80 acres from his father. He farmed grapes, raisins, peached, almonds, and figs through his late 50's. In 1940, at the age of 18 he joined the US Army 438 Signal Corps, A-Company which managed all of the Army's communications. During his service he survived Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge, fighting to win the war over Germany.

He returned to Fresno in 1945 to marry his sweetheart Norma, and to raise his three beautiful daughters, Jackie, Kathi, and Maureen. Over the next 40 years, in addition to farming, Mario mastered many things. He owned the bar "Hollywood Inn", was a race car driver, track official for NASCAR, life time member of the Verdi Club, and had a green thumb, and enjoyed making wine in his home cellar.

Mario loved his trips to Reno, you could always find him at the Blackjack table or in a Keno lounge. In his early 90's he was considered a local at Table Mountain. In 2015 he moved to Paintbrush where he made his last impressions. He left Paintbrush shortly after wishing all his friends and caregivers a Happy New Year.

He leaves behind his daughter Jackie Billingsley and husband Del, daughter Kathi Giannecchini, grandchildren, Renee Mathis and husband Dane, Gina Witcher and husband Matt, Kim Beckwith and husband Paul, Vinnie Rotalo, Sara Trinchera and husband James, Nick Giannecchini and wife Susannah, great grandchildren Peyton and Taylor Witcher, Brynn Mathis, Carsen Beckwith, Madelyn Witcher, Morgan Mathis, Hayden Beckwith, Lucas Giannecchini, and Sierra Trinchera.

As Mario would always say, "good night Irene", we too say our goodbyes. We love you and will miss you dearly Nonno. Thank you Paintbrush family for taking such good care of our father these past years, and more recently during the challenging months of the COVID-19 lockdown.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 14, 2021, at St. Mary Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church at 10:00am. Due to COVID -19 restrictions, services are limited to 100 attendees. Graveside services will be attended by immediate family following the Mass.