Frank M. Toste

He was born in Riverdale, California, to Joseph Toste and Mary Carreiro, who were Portuguese Immigrants from the Azore Islands. He was one of six brothers and had one sister. When Frank was a young boy his family moved to Kerman, California, where they had a small dairy and a humble existence. He attended grammar school at Empire School and Floyd School, and then went to Kerman High School.

During World War II Frank served in the US Army. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant, and was attached to the 441st Medical Collecting Unit where he served as cook after completing the Cook and Bakers School. His tour of duty in Northern Africa, Italy, France and Germany provided experiences that broadened his world and influenced the rest of his life.

After returning home from the War he met and married the love of his life, Iva Jean Heintz of Kerman. He worked as a dairy herdsman for several years. In 1956 he and Iva Jean started their own business, Hillview Dairy Farm near Easton, California, and later moved it to the Kerman area. The leadership skills he developed in the Army and his personal tenacity and commitment to hard work made him a very successful farmer and dairyman. He instilled these values in his children and grandchildren, and took a great deal of pride in what he achieved during his life... his farm and family being the greatest of his accomplishments.

In the final weeks of his life he was still giving instructions to his family on farming and dairying. He was a friendly man, people enjoyed his company, and he was respected in his community. Frank left behind an incredible legacy, but also a very large empty spot in the hearts of his family and friends.

Frank was proud of his Portugese heritage and was active in his local Portugese Fraternal organizations. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Cabrillo Civic Club, the VFW, Farm Bureau, and the Dairy Herd Improvement Association.

The family would like to especially thank his caregivers Maria and Betty, and his hospice nurse Anne.

Frank is survived by Iva Jean Toste, his wife of 63 years; his sons, Frank Toste Jr and his wife Becky, Ron Toste and his wife Robin, and Scott Toste and his wife Christina; his grandsons, Frank Toste III and his wife Maria, Jason Toste and his wife Cheryl of Las Vegas, Jacob Toste and Andrew Toste; his grandaughters, Marlene Borges and her husband Kenny, Anneka Anderson and her husband Jimmie, and Roni Aust and her husband Dustin; five great-grandsons; two great-granddaughters; his brother, Willie Toste; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kerman on Tuesday, July 17, 2012, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. followed by Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick Catholic Church on Wednesday, July 18, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Fresno Memorial Gardens.

Remembrances may be made to Children's Hospital Central California, 9300 Valley Children's Place Madera, Ca. 93636; or St. Patrick's Catholic Church, PO Box 375, Kerman, Ca. 93630.