August Joseph Paolercio

MStg. August "Augie/Gus" Joseph Paolercio, 94, died peacefully amongst family and friends in Fresno, CA, May 8th, 2015. A decorated Marine Corps Veteran from World War II, he was awarded (2) Distinguished Flying Crosses, multiple Air Medals/Gold Stars, a Presidential Citation by Harry Truman, and a Purple Heart.

Augie was born on August 10, 1921 in Fresno, CA to immigrant parents, Michele Paolercio and Carmela Cappello. He was a graduate of Central High School 1939. During World War II, he flew in 144 missions as a radar radio operator, gunner, and pilot with the First Marines First Division 144th, 311th, and the 312th fighter squadrons from August 21, 1942 to July 20, 1948.

In 1947, shortly before being honorably discharged, August married the love of his life, Lauris May Benson. In 1948, they welcomed their first daughter, Janice. After welcoming Janice, Augie began working for Chancellor & Lyons as a travelling salesman, while continuing to farm 40 acres of his family's vineyard. Two years later, Augie set fire to his entrepreneurial spirit and began Shaw City Auto Parts. In 1953, the couple welcomed their second daughter, Nancy and in 1961, welcomed their only son, Alan. In 1971, Augie moved the business across the street, where he remained for the next 9 years. In 1980, a new location was built at Shaw & Golden State Ave in Fresno, CA, where it remains in operation by his son, Alan.

Augie was a brave and loyal soldier, as well as a helpful and loving father and husband. His children remember him as a supportive father who encouraged them to pursue their goals, by valuing family, hard-work, and determination.

Post war, his love for flying continued; he and his son Alan flew many of their own "missions" together, until his late 80s. He was also an avid snow-skier, church league softball player, motor home adventurer, Bridge member, and car enthusiast...all of which he jokingly claimed was "going to work." Augie held a passion for farming and in his post retirement days, was often found sleeping at his on-your-honor produce stand. He was a faithful member of the Church of Shaver Lake and God's Family Church in Fresno, CA. He was also a repeated sponsor for the Wounded Warriors foundation. Augie was a generous, witty, dedicated, loving, flirtatious, comically deaf, and a "poor, deserving old man."

He is survived by his three children, Janice Paolercio (West Plains, MO), Nancy and Robert Drake (Hemet, CA), and Alan and Cindy Paolercio (Fresno, CA) and his six grandchildren Everett, Lauren, Jennifer, Devin, Amy, and Anthony, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Michele & Carmela, beloved wife Lauris, and his five siblings Louise, Minnie, Pete, Carmen, and Michael.

Visitation will be held at Lisle Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 from 10:00 am to 7:00 p.m.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, May 14, 2015 at Fresno Memorial Gardens at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Jim Dixon Officiating.

The family would like to thank Oakmont Assisted Living at 5605 N Gates Ave Fresno, CA 93722 for their love, compassion, and care given to Augie these past few months.