Melesio Mendez Serrato passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, December 22, 2012 at the age of 87. He was born on June 1, 1925 in Acuitzeramo, Michoacán, Mexico. He called Tracy, CA his home of over 60 years working for various farms and irrigation district.

He loved agriculture, naturally had a “green thumb” and truly enjoyed harvesting  the fruits of his labor and sharing them with his family. His passion were his family, listening to Mariachi music, family barbecues, gardening, baseball and especially watching his children and grandchildren play softball, where he was constantly in the stands.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marciano and Serapia Mendez Serrato. Also preceding him in death were his two brothers, Salvador and Alfred Serrato, three sisters, Maria de Jesus Hurtado, Carolina Perez, and Oliva Navarrete.

He is survived by his wife Josephine Serrato, his children Willie Serrato (Mary), Robert Serrato (Rosemire), Martha Duenas(Anselmo), Melesio Sereve Serrato Jr., Gilbert Serrato (Nena), Louie Serrato (Anna), Eddie Serrato and Yolanda Montes (Aldo), all of Tracy. Also surviving are twenty two grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, his brothers, Marciano Serrato of Valley Center, CA, and Alfonso Serrato and Roberto Serrato of Escondido, CA.

Fry Memorial Chapel, 550 South Central Avenue, is honored to serve the Serrato family. A visitation will be held Wednesday, January 2, from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the chapel, followed by a Rosary at 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be held in his honor on Thursday, January 3, at 11:00 am at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 165 East Eaton Avenue, Tracy. He will be laid to rest at the Tracy Public Cemetery. An online guest book is available at www.frymemorialchapel.com for condolences and special messages to the family.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday, December 29, 2012