Joe Vierra
Joseph Lloyd Vierra of Gustine passed away April 28 at 85 years of age.
Mr. Vierra the third of five children of Joe and Rose Vierra, was born at the family ranch on Fahey Road near Santa Nella.
He was a 1945 graduate of Gustine High School.
Mr. Vierra was a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Korean War. He was wounded in combat, and was awarded the Purple Heart. He belonged to the local Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts.
He worked as a groundskeeper for the Gustine Unified School District for many years.
Mr. Vierra loved baseball and was an umpire for more than 30 years. In recognition of his long-term service, the city named one of the Schmidt Park diamonds Joe Vierra Field.
Mr. Vierra was a parishioner at the Shrine of Our Lady of Miracles, and belonged to the Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by four children, Joe Vierra Jr. of Salinas, Michael Vierra of Goleta, Bernadette Vierra of Modesto and Roseanne Vierra of Delhi; two sisters, Inez Martin and Cecelia Sproviero, both of Gustine; two brothers, Eugene Vierra of Los Banos and Lloyd Vierra of Gustine; a granddaughter, Maggie; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Olivia in 2004.
Interment will be in San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, Santa Nella. Services are pending.
Remembrances in Mr. Vierra’s name may be directed to the city of Gustine for use in support of baseball activities.