Dante I. Giusti

Danny was born in Navarro, CA to Italian immigrants 90 years ago. He had 1 brother and 2 sisters. His sisters, Rose Gaspari and Olga Palmieri, aged 97 & 93 respectively, are still residing in the Santa Rosa area. He also has 2 half-brothers, Luciano and Julio in Italy.

Danny's family returned to Italy after his mother's death when he was 4. Prior to his 18th birthday, Danny returned to the United States via Ellis Island and settled in the Fresno area.

He joined the army and was deployed to the Philippines. There he proudly served as a mechanic in the motor pool. That suited him fine as his English was not that good, but he could fix almost anything. His commanding officer was so impressed with his abilities, that he became the commander's personal mechanic while stationed there.

After the war, he farmed with his brother and later worked as a small engine mechanic for 40 years with Jensen & Pilegard.

Family was everything to Danny. He met his wife Virginia at a dance at the Old Fresno Barn. They married in 1947 and spent 57 wonderful years together before her passing in 2004. They had 2 children, Aliceann and Mark. They were also blessed with 2 grandchildren, Eddie and Kevin Pierce and 2 great grandchildren, Alex and Jackson Pierce.

As most of you know, Virginia was the talker and Danny was the listener. He was the quiet one who spoke only if he had something worthwhile to contribute to the conversation. They made a great team.

He was always there to give a neighbor a helping hand or tune up someone's lawn mower. He enjoyed card games with friends and fishing with his buddies. He was active with the American Legion Post 594, the Volunteer Fire Department, bowling leagues and played Bingo with the family at the Edison Social Club.

After retirement, he got back to his farming roots by having one of the most bountiful gardens around. He and Virginia canned everything from their coveted strawberry jam to bread & butter pickles. Friends, neighbors and relatives looked forward to a new batch every year.

If you ask people to describe Danny, they always, without exception, would say he was a hard worker, never complained and was a genuinely nice man. He was very even tempered and never said a bad word about anyone.

As we say goodbye to him, we will remember his honesty and integrity, his quiet joy and laughter. He shared himself not with just his family and friends, but to anyone he met in his lifetime. We will dearly miss him.

Dante is preceded in death by his wife Virginia Ruth Giusti, and survived by his son, Mark Giusti and his wife Sandy , daughter , Alice Pierce and her husband Lloyd, grandchildren. Edward and Kevin Pierce, great grandchildren, Alexander and Jackson Pierce, sisters, Olga Palmieri and Rose Gaspari, of Santa Rosa: and half brothers, Julio and Luciano Giusti of Italy.

Viewing will be held at Lisle Funeral Home on Thursday, October 20, 2011 from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm.

Graveside service Fresno Memorial Gardens on Friday, October 21, 2011 at 10:30 am.

Remembrances may be made to Nancy Hinds Hospice, 1416 W. Twain, Fresno, Ca. 93711 or your favorite charity.

Arrangements under the direction of Lisle Funeral Home, Fresno, CA.