Published in Visalia Times-Delta on Nov. 2, 2013
Pete (Pietro) Giotta 10-16-29 - 10-29-13 Pete Giotta was born in Visalia, CA in 1929 to Italian immigrant parents, the youngest of six children. His father, Nicolo Giotta, had immigrated in 1916 from Putignano in southern Italy and his mother, Carmela, followed in 1920 along with their 8 year old son, Vito. They settled into a small house on Bridge St. in Visalia in 1921, where they raised their children: Vito, Ida (Romanazzi), Antoinette (Trigleth), Louise (Ellis), Louie and Pete. Pete attended Visalia schools and as a teenager worked on his father's 10 acre ranch on Pinkham Rd. on the outskirts of Visalia using a horse-drawn plow. He became a State and Federal inspector at the age of 19, working in California packing houses, giving the bulk of his paycheck to his parents to help with support of the Giotta household. In 1950, Pete met Carmaline Toledo, who shared his passion for dancing, at a dance at the P.P.A.V. Hall in Visalia. She was the daughter of John and Carmalina Toledo, Portuguese immigrants, who owned a dairy in nearby Tipton. They married in 1955 and raised two children, Barbara (Kidd) and Johnny. Pete joined the army in 1951 and served as a combat soldier in the infantry during the Korean War. After six months of combat duty, he was put in charge of the mess hall because of his brief employment in a restaurant while attending C.O.S., and he was soon promoted to staff sergeant. During this experience he found he really enjoyed cooking, so the food was good, and he became an expert quantity cook, which served him so well later as "Chief Chef" in the Sons of Italy kitchen. Upon his return to Visalia, Pete joined his brother Vito as a partner in a grocery store in Ivanhoe known as Save Mor Market, later expanded to become Save Mor "Supermarket" under their excellent management. In the early 60's Pete and Carmaline bought the former Finni ranch on Ave. 328, just a mile south of the market, and one could often find him riding his tractor around the property, loving being a farmer. All the grandchildren and many of the nieces and nephews have fond memories of being driven around the ranch on a trailer during one of the many family parties hosted at the Giotta ranch. Never to be deterred or held back, Pete soon began development of a chain of convenience markets throughout the area known as the Git N Go's, which incorporated the first self-service gas pumps in Tulare County. By his plan, Pete helped many young men get started in business by becoming partners with them and making them owner-managers of the stores. He also invested in open land surrounding Visalia which was developed with partners in the ensuing years into subdivisions, strip centers and the current Key West Plaza at Goshen and Akers. He always gave credit for his success to the excellent partners he worked with and to his supportive wife who managed their home allowing him the freedom to pursue his goals. Both of his children also worked with him in the various businesses, making it a true family enterprise. Pete had become a member of the Sons of Italy in 1952, but didn't really begin his love affair with the Lodge until the early 60's when he became Vice-President and then President in 1969. The Lodge had become somewhat dormant, but this fire-cracker was to have none of that. Under his leadership and guidance, the membership grew and grew to over 700 members, becoming the largest lodge in the State and eventually the nation. His tireless devotion to the lodge and its affairs resulted in the building of the current Hall in 1975 (for which he obtained his contractor's license to oversee the construction) and the park, which was dedicated in his name on October 20, 2013, an event he was able to attend and enjoy before his hospitalization on October 24, which led to his demise. In 1988, Pete received the Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year Award, citing his many years of service to the community. His volunteer spirit formally began in 1966 as chairman of the Tulare County fundraising campaign, and from there to events at the Sons of Italy such as an annual Blood Donor Drive complete with "themes", the interfaith "World Day of Prayer", Hospice and Sansum Diabetes Research Institute fundraisers, and many others. Any time an event was held to raise money for any cause, Pete and Carmaline were the first ones to make a monetary donation, as well as their time and efforts in making every event a success, which they inevitably were. Though Pete would never pay for much of anything without first making an attempt to get the "family discount", he would then turn around and give generously to any cause or person he felt worthwhile. Many grocery receipts were forgiven at the stores, many children were sent to college, many restaurant bills were paid, benevolent trips provided, mercy flights, etc. "Generous" is the term many people will say when asked about him as he touched so many and never sought credit or recognition. Pete is survived by his wife and faithful, loving partner, Carmaline and his devoted children Barbara (Donnie) Kidd and Johnny (Camille); his sister Ida and Lawrence Romanazzi; His six grandchildren: Manuel (Stacie) Souza, Christie (John) Roberts, Pete (Tanya) Giotta, John Giotta, Stephanie Scarbrough, Stacie (Shawn) Lager, and spouses, 12 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren, numerous brother and sister in-laws, and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, Sons of Italy sisters and brothers, and far too many friends to even count. The legacy he leaves behind is priceless and he will be missed. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the donor's favorite charity or the Pete Giotta Park Fund. A Rosary will be prayed on Thursday, November 7, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Visalia. A Mass of Christian of Burial will be Celebrated on Friday, November 8, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Visalia. Arrangements by Miller Memorial Chapel.
Pete (Pietro) Giotta 10-16-29 - 10-29-13 Pete Giotta was born in Visalia, CA in 1929 to Italian immigrant parents, the youngest of six children. His father, Nicolo Giotta, had immigrated in 1916 from Putignano in southern Italy and his mother, Carmela, followed in 1920 along with their 8 year old son, Vito. They settled into a small house on Bridge St. in Visalia in 1921, where they raised their children: Vito, Ida (Romanazzi), Antoinette (Trigleth), Louise (Ellis), Louie and Pete. Pete attended Visalia schools and as a teenager worked on his father's 10 acre ranch on Pinkham Rd. on the outskirts of Visalia using a horse-drawn plow. He became a State and Federal inspector at the age of 19, working in California packing houses, giving the bulk of his paycheck to his parents to help with support of the Giotta household. In 1950, Pete met Carmaline Toledo, who shared his passion for dancing, at a dance at the P.P.A.V. Hall in Visalia. She was the daughter of John and Carmalina Toledo, Portuguese immigrants, who owned a dairy in nearby Tipton. They married in 1955 and raised two children, Barbara (Kidd) and Johnny. Pete joined the army in 1951 and served as a combat soldier in the infantry during the Korean War. After six months of combat duty, he was put in charge of the mess hall because of his brief employment in a restaurant while attending C.O.S., and he was soon promoted to staff sergeant. During this experience he found he really enjoyed cooking, so the food was good, and he became an expert quantity cook, which served him so well later as "Chief Chef" in the Sons of Italy kitchen. Upon his return to Visalia, Pete joined his brother Vito as a partner in a grocery store in Ivanhoe known as Save Mor Market, later expanded to become Save Mor "Supermarket" under their excellent management. In the early 60's Pete and Carmaline bought the former Finni ranch on Ave. 328, just a mile south of the market, and one could often find him riding his tractor around the property, loving being a farmer. All the grandchildren and many of the nieces and nephews have fond memories of being driven around the ranch on a trailer during one of the many family parties hosted at the Giotta ranch. Never to be deterred or held back, Pete soon began development of a chain of convenience markets throughout the area known as the Git N Go's, which incorporated the first self-service gas pumps in Tulare County. By his plan, Pete helped many young men get started in business by becoming partners with them and making them owner-managers of the stores. He also invested in open land surrounding Visalia which was developed with partners in the ensuing years into subdivisions, strip centers and the current Key West Plaza at Goshen and Akers. He always gave credit for his success to the excellent partners he worked with and to his supportive wife who managed their home allowing him the freedom to pursue his goals. Both of his children also worked with him in the various businesses, making it a true family enterprise. Pete had become a member of the Sons of Italy in 1952, but didn't really begin his love affair with the Lodge until the early 60's when he became Vice-President and then President in 1969. The Lodge had become somewhat dormant, but this fire-cracker was to have none of that. Under his leadership and guidance, the membership grew and grew to over 700 members, becoming the largest lodge in the State and eventually the nation. His tireless devotion to the lodge and its affairs resulted in the building of the current Hall in 1975 (for which he obtained his contractor's license to oversee the construction) and the park, which was dedicated in his name on October 20, 2013, an event he was able to attend and enjoy before his hospitalization on October 24, which led to his demise. In 1988, Pete received the Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year Award, citing his many years of service to the community. His volunteer spirit formally began in 1966 as chairman of the Tulare County fundraising campaign, and from there to events at the Sons of Italy such as an annual Blood Donor Drive complete with "themes", the interfaith "World Day of Prayer", Hospice and Sansum Diabetes Research Institute fundraisers, and many others. Any time an event was held to raise money for any cause, Pete and Carmaline were the first ones to make a monetary donation, as well as their time and efforts in making every event a success, which they inevitably were. Though Pete would never pay for much of anything without first making an attempt to get the "family discount", he would then turn around and give generously to any cause or person he felt worthwhile. Many grocery receipts were forgiven at the stores, many children were sent to college, many restaurant bills were paid, benevolent trips provided, mercy flights, etc. "Generous" is the term many people will say when asked about him as he touched so many and never sought credit or recognition. Pete is survived by his wife and faithful, loving partner, Carmaline and his devoted children Barbara (Donnie) Kidd and Johnny (Camille); his sister Ida and Lawrence Romanazzi; His six grandchildren: Manuel (Stacie) Souza, Christie (John) Roberts, Pete (Tanya) Giotta, John Giotta, Stephanie Scarbrough, Stacie (Shawn) Lager, and spouses, 12 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren, numerous brother and sister in-laws, and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, Sons of Italy sisters and brothers, and far too many friends to even count. The legacy he leaves behind is priceless and he will be missed. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the donor's favorite charity or the Pete Giotta Park Fund. A Rosary will be prayed on Thursday, November 7, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Visalia. A Mass of Christian of Burial will be Celebrated on Friday, November 8, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Visalia. Arrangements by Miller Memorial Chapel.
Published in Visalia Times-Delta on Nov. 2, 2013
Pete (Pietro) Giotta 10-16-29 - 10-29-13 Pete Giotta was born in Visalia, CA in 1929 to Italian immigrant parents, the youngest of six children. His father, Nicolo Giotta, had immigrated in 1916 from Putignano in southern Italy and his mother, Carmela, followed in 1920 along with their 8 year old son, Vito. They settled into a small house on Bridge St. in Visalia in 1921, where they raised their children: Vito, Ida (Romanazzi), Antoinette (Trigleth), Louise (Ellis), Louie and Pete. Pete attended Visalia schools and as a teenager worked on his father's 10 acre ranch on Pinkham Rd. on the outskirts of Visalia using a horse-drawn plow. He became a State and Federal inspector at the age of 19, working in California packing houses, giving the bulk of his paycheck to his parents to help with support of the Giotta household. In 1950, Pete met Carmaline Toledo, who shared his passion for dancing, at a dance at the P.P.A.V. Hall in Visalia. She was the daughter of John and Carmalina Toledo, Portuguese immigrants, who owned a dairy in nearby Tipton. They married in 1955 and raised two children, Barbara (Kidd) and Johnny. Pete joined the army in 1951 and served as a combat soldier in the infantry during the Korean War. After six months of combat duty, he was put in charge of the mess hall because of his brief employment in a restaurant while attending C.O.S., and he was soon promoted to staff sergeant. During this experience he found he really enjoyed cooking, so the food was good, and he became an expert quantity cook, which served him so well later as "Chief Chef" in the Sons of Italy kitchen. Upon his return to Visalia, Pete joined his brother Vito as a partner in a grocery store in Ivanhoe known as Save Mor Market, later expanded to become Save Mor "Supermarket" under their excellent management. In the early 60's Pete and Carmaline bought the former Finni ranch on Ave. 328, just a mile south of the market, and one could often find him riding his tractor around the property, loving being a farmer. All the grandchildren and many of the nieces and nephews have fond memories of being driven around the ranch on a trailer during one of the many family parties hosted at the Giotta ranch. Never to be deterred or held back, Pete soon began development of a chain of convenience markets throughout the area known as the Git N Go's, which incorporated the first self-service gas pumps in Tulare County. By his plan, Pete helped many young men get started in business by becoming partners with them and making them owner-managers of the stores. He also invested in open land surrounding Visalia which was developed with partners in the ensuing years into subdivisions, strip centers and the current Key West Plaza at Goshen and Akers. He always gave credit for his success to the excellent partners he worked with and to his supportive wife who managed their home allowing him the freedom to pursue his goals. Both of his children also worked with him in the various businesses, making it a true family enterprise. Pete had become a member of the Sons of Italy in 1952, but didn't really begin his love affair with the Lodge until the early 60's when he became Vice-President and then President in 1969. The Lodge had become somewhat dormant, but this fire-cracker was to have none of that. Under his leadership and guidance, the membership grew and grew to over 700 members, becoming the largest lodge in the State and eventually the nation. His tireless devotion to the lodge and its affairs resulted in the building of the current Hall in 1975 (for which he obtained his contractor's license to oversee the construction) and the park, which was dedicated in his name on October 20, 2013, an event he was able to attend and enjoy before his hospitalization on October 24, which led to his demise. In 1988, Pete received the Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year Award, citing his many years of service to the community. His volunteer spirit formally began in 1966 as chairman of the Tulare County fundraising campaign, and from there to events at the Sons of Italy such as an annual Blood Donor Drive complete with "themes", the interfaith "World Day of Prayer", Hospice and Sansum Diabetes Research Institute fundraisers, and many others. Any time an event was held to raise money for any cause, Pete and Carmaline were the first ones to make a monetary donation, as well as their time and efforts in making every event a success, which they inevitably were. Though Pete would never pay for much of anything without first making an attempt to get the "family discount", he would then turn around and give generously to any cause or person he felt worthwhile. Many grocery receipts were forgiven at the stores, many children were sent to college, many restaurant bills were paid, benevolent trips provided, mercy flights, etc. "Generous" is the term many people will say when asked about him as he touched so many and never sought credit or recognition. Pete is survived by his wife and faithful, loving partner, Carmaline and his devoted children Barbara (Donnie) Kidd and Johnny (Camille); his sister Ida and Lawrence Romanazzi; His six grandchildren: Manuel (Stacie) Souza, Christie (John) Roberts, Pete (Tanya) Giotta, John Giotta, Stephanie Scarbrough, Stacie (Shawn) Lager, and spouses, 12 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren, numerous brother and sister in-laws, and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, Sons of Italy sisters and brothers, and far too many friends to even count. The legacy he leaves behind is priceless and he will be missed. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the donor's favorite charity or the Pete Giotta Park Fund. A Rosary will be prayed on Thursday, November 7, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Visalia. A Mass of Christian of Burial will be Celebrated on Friday, November 8, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Visalia. Arrangements by Miller Memorial Chapel.
Pete (Pietro) Giotta 10-16-29 - 10-29-13 Pete Giotta was born in Visalia, CA in 1929 to Italian immigrant parents, the youngest of six children. His father, Nicolo Giotta, had immigrated in 1916 from Putignano in southern Italy and his mother, Carmela, followed in 1920 along with their 8 year old son, Vito. They settled into a small house on Bridge St. in Visalia in 1921, where they raised their children: Vito, Ida (Romanazzi), Antoinette (Trigleth), Louise (Ellis), Louie and Pete. Pete attended Visalia schools and as a teenager worked on his father's 10 acre ranch on Pinkham Rd. on the outskirts of Visalia using a horse-drawn plow. He became a State and Federal inspector at the age of 19, working in California packing houses, giving the bulk of his paycheck to his parents to help with support of the Giotta household. In 1950, Pete met Carmaline Toledo, who shared his passion for dancing, at a dance at the P.P.A.V. Hall in Visalia. She was the daughter of John and Carmalina Toledo, Portuguese immigrants, who owned a dairy in nearby Tipton. They married in 1955 and raised two children, Barbara (Kidd) and Johnny. Pete joined the army in 1951 and served as a combat soldier in the infantry during the Korean War. After six months of combat duty, he was put in charge of the mess hall because of his brief employment in a restaurant while attending C.O.S., and he was soon promoted to staff sergeant. During this experience he found he really enjoyed cooking, so the food was good, and he became an expert quantity cook, which served him so well later as "Chief Chef" in the Sons of Italy kitchen. Upon his return to Visalia, Pete joined his brother Vito as a partner in a grocery store in Ivanhoe known as Save Mor Market, later expanded to become Save Mor "Supermarket" under their excellent management. In the early 60's Pete and Carmaline bought the former Finni ranch on Ave. 328, just a mile south of the market, and one could often find him riding his tractor around the property, loving being a farmer. All the grandchildren and many of the nieces and nephews have fond memories of being driven around the ranch on a trailer during one of the many family parties hosted at the Giotta ranch. Never to be deterred or held back, Pete soon began development of a chain of convenience markets throughout the area known as the Git N Go's, which incorporated the first self-service gas pumps in Tulare County. By his plan, Pete helped many young men get started in business by becoming partners with them and making them owner-managers of the stores. He also invested in open land surrounding Visalia which was developed with partners in the ensuing years into subdivisions, strip centers and the current Key West Plaza at Goshen and Akers. He always gave credit for his success to the excellent partners he worked with and to his supportive wife who managed their home allowing him the freedom to pursue his goals. Both of his children also worked with him in the various businesses, making it a true family enterprise. Pete had become a member of the Sons of Italy in 1952, but didn't really begin his love affair with the Lodge until the early 60's when he became Vice-President and then President in 1969. The Lodge had become somewhat dormant, but this fire-cracker was to have none of that. Under his leadership and guidance, the membership grew and grew to over 700 members, becoming the largest lodge in the State and eventually the nation. His tireless devotion to the lodge and its affairs resulted in the building of the current Hall in 1975 (for which he obtained his contractor's license to oversee the construction) and the park, which was dedicated in his name on October 20, 2013, an event he was able to attend and enjoy before his hospitalization on October 24, which led to his demise. In 1988, Pete received the Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year Award, citing his many years of service to the community. His volunteer spirit formally began in 1966 as chairman of the Tulare County fundraising campaign, and from there to events at the Sons of Italy such as an annual Blood Donor Drive complete with "themes", the interfaith "World Day of Prayer", Hospice and Sansum Diabetes Research Institute fundraisers, and many others. Any time an event was held to raise money for any cause, Pete and Carmaline were the first ones to make a monetary donation, as well as their time and efforts in making every event a success, which they inevitably were. Though Pete would never pay for much of anything without first making an attempt to get the "family discount", he would then turn around and give generously to any cause or person he felt worthwhile. Many grocery receipts were forgiven at the stores, many children were sent to college, many restaurant bills were paid, benevolent trips provided, mercy flights, etc. "Generous" is the term many people will say when asked about him as he touched so many and never sought credit or recognition. Pete is survived by his wife and faithful, loving partner, Carmaline and his devoted children Barbara (Donnie) Kidd and Johnny (Camille); his sister Ida and Lawrence Romanazzi; His six grandchildren: Manuel (Stacie) Souza, Christie (John) Roberts, Pete (Tanya) Giotta, John Giotta, Stephanie Scarbrough, Stacie (Shawn) Lager, and spouses, 12 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren, numerous brother and sister in-laws, and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, Sons of Italy sisters and brothers, and far too many friends to even count. The legacy he leaves behind is priceless and he will be missed. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the donor's favorite charity or the Pete Giotta Park Fund. A Rosary will be prayed on Thursday, November 7, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Visalia. A Mass of Christian of Burial will be Celebrated on Friday, November 8, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Visalia. Arrangements by Miller Memorial Chapel.
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