Melvin David Cardoza Sr. of Hilmar passed away July 5 at 79 years of age.
Mr. Cardoza was born to Mary and Frank Cardoza Sr. in Los Banos.
He resided in Gustine and Sugar Pine before moving to Hilmar.
Mr. Cardoza was a member of the Gustine High Class of 1952. He was very active in high school sports and agriculture, and continued to play baseball after graduating.
He worked on the family dairy alongside his father and brothers. He left the dairy business and became a truck driver for many years.
In his younger years, Mr. Cardoza was involved in the Native Sons and Lions Club, was a member of the Santa Nella Volunteer Fire Department and served on the Gustine school board. His most important job was that of husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.
Mr. Cardoza retired to Sugar Pine, where he enjoyed fishing, playing cards or cribbage, and tending his garden.
He was a skilled woodworker who crafted and refinished many beautiful pieces. Mr. Cardoza also had a snow plow business, which allowed him the opportunity to help others and in which he took great pride.
Mr. Cardoza is survived by his wife of 44 years, Marlene Cardoza; seven children, Melvin Cardoza Jr., Andy Cardoza, Rick Cardoza, Rodney Walter, Cathy Mendonca, Debbie Smith and Patti Hill; a brother, Frank Cardoza Jr.; a sister, Laura Heiser; 16 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Dixie Lee Cardoza; a brother, Joe Cardoza; a grandson and a niece.
A rosary will be held tonight (Thursday) at 7 p.m. at Hillview Funeral Chapel, Gustine. A prayer service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 12, at the chapel.
Inurnment is private