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Mayor Joseph David Gunter
April 18, 1947 - June 29, 2020
Born in Odenton, Maryland
Resided in Salinas, California
Longtime Salinas resident and Mayor of Salinas, Joseph Gunter was 73 when he passed away unexpectedly Monday night at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital.
Joe was born April 18, 1947 in Odenton, Maryland. His father was in the Army, and they traveled the country from base to base until he landed in Fort Ord. He attended local high schools and graduated from Junípero Serra High School. After high school, Joe proudly joined the Marines and served for 4 years during the Vietnam War. He was a proud Marine and always wore his Marine service pin on his jacket or the cap on his head.
Joe joined on with the Salinas Police Department within 5 days of his return from Camp Pendleton. He served 6 years as a patrol officer. He then was promoted to detective for 26 straight years. Joe’s designation was “David 1” for the 26 years he was a detective meaning he was the senior most detective on the force. He also served as Police Academy and Driving Instructor. Joe served the Salinas PD for 32 years. He retired in 2002. Joe had a short-lived retirement going back to work the next day as a Reserve Officer for the Salinas Police Department conducting background investigations until 2012. His restless attitude as a community leader continued as he went on to become Mayor of the city he loved so much. He served as Mayor for 8 consecutive years in Salinas heading projects such as the new Salinas Police Department, new Youth Alisal Sports Fields, homeless housing, the Veteran’s Day Parade, the California Central Coast Veteran’s Cemetery at Fort Ord and much more. Throughout the years, Joe participated in many other organizations. He served as the President, Board member and coach of the Bobby Sox Softball League, the Director of Security of the California Rodeo, the President of the Board and volunteer of the Salinas Women’s Crisis Center, Board member and Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of Central Coast Credit Union, Tappin’ Dads founding member, the President and Director of security of the California International Airshow, and more. He loved the community and the city of Salinas. He dedicated over 50 years of service to his country, community, and the people.
Among many of Joe’s passions beyond family was barbecuing. He even had advertising for his own barbecue service. His world-famous chili bean recipe won at several cook-offs.
He is preceded in death by his father Roy Gunter and his mother Melva Gunter.
Joe is survived by his wife, Lisa Eisemann Gunter, his children Jodi (Ed) Bennett, Dana (Scotty) Fogle, David Gunter, Terrin (Justin Lemmon) Eisemann-Gunter, his grandchildren Jonathan Bennett, Matthew Bennett, Scotty Fogle, Skyler Fogle, Joey Fogle, Abigail Gunter, Evan Gunter, his siblings Sandra (George) Coe, Robert (Barbara) Gunter, Michael Gunter, and Mary (Roger) Fiest.
Visitation will be held 12:00p.m. to 4:00p.m. Saturday, July 11, 2020 at Struve and Laporte Chapel, 41 W. San Luis Street, Salinas, CA. 93901.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Mayor Joe Gunter Memorial Fund for the Veteran’s Day Parade at: www.cfmco.org/JoeGunterMemorialFund
or at: Mayor Joe Gunter Memorial Fund for the Veteran’s Day Parade, 2354 Garden Road, Monterey, CA 93940.
Private memorial services will be held at California Central Coast Veteran’s Cemetery
Celebration of life processions will be determined at a later date.
Benny Kazuo Wakayama
September 1, 1935 - July 9, 2020
Born in Hollister, California
Resided in Salinas, Califorrnia
When we think about our dad certain words pop into our minds- smiles, kindness, work ethic, loyalty, and love. My sister, our husbands, our children, and I are lucky to have been influenced by him and we are grateful for your love and friendship to him.
Benny Kazuo Wakayama passed away Thursday, July 9, 2020 after a relatively short battle with cancer at age 84. Benny was born in Hollister to Fusajiro Frank and Toshiko Grace Wakayama. He had an older brother, Bill and 2 years later his younger brother Larry was born.
In 1942, Dad’s father was one of the first Japanese-Americans taken under Executive Order 9066. As children, we heard how his mom almost went back to Japan. Thankfully she did not, and with my dad, 7, and Uncle Larry, 5, she awaited transport in a stable at the Salinas Rodeo grounds. They were interned at Poston in Arizona. Growing up I heard stories about him playing baseball, forming friendships, attending school, and eating in the mess hall, but never a complaint. Like many Japanese Americans interned, our dad focused on the positive and made the best of the situation he was presented with.
After the war ended, Dad, our grandparents, and Uncle Larry moved to Watsonville, living at the Watsonville Buddhist Temple. Dad told us that buses would come to pick up Japanese Americans to transport them to the canneries in Monterey to work. His father and mother went to work in the canneries, but his father quickly decided he couldn’t tolerate the smell and decided to be a gardener instead. When Dad told us the story, he laughed remembering how disgusted his father was with the smell. Dad’s family moved into a house with extended family and eventually moved into their own house on Elm street in Watsonville. I think all of the cousins recall that home with fondness.
As a child, Dad was often with his father, fishing, helping him with his gardening business, visiting friends or playing and getting into trouble with Uncle Larry. He and all of his family were very active at the Buddhist Temple in Watsonville.
After graduating from Watsonville High School and attending Hartnell College, Dad worked in agriculture. Dad was drafted during peacetime and served in the army at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. Only a few years ago, while eating at Sangs, he fondly recalled driving tractors in Soledad and coming into Salinas to eat at Sangs so many years ago. Dad was an unassuming guy, and rarely talked about himself, so whenever he told a new story about his younger years, it was always a surprise.
Dad had a few other jobs but spent the majority of his career at Naturipe Berry Growers serving in various positions including field inspector, running the freezer plant, and sales from which he retired in 2005. Laura and I loved going to see him at work where we would be treated to a ride on the forklift, a drive through the strawberry fields along with samples, or a twirl on the office chair. Dad knew everyone and I think he took delight in introducing us. Nothing made my dad happier than his family.
In 1963 he married our mom, Marti. They were married at the temple in Watsonville and resided in Salinas for the rest of their lives. They enjoyed their early years of marriage bowling, playing cards, and going dancing with friends. My dad also fished often. Once Laura and I came along, my parents both gave up their hobbies to devote themselves to us. Dad worked long hours and had incredible work ethic, but he always made time to be there for us for the important events. He rarely missed an open house or an awards ceremony. When we needed support to chaperone our activities, he was there. He worked so hard to make sure we had opportunities and lived up to our potential but never pressured us.
We think his most joyous years were during his retirement when he spent most of his time with his grandchildren. He retired in 2005 so he and Marti could care for Lindsay so she would not have to go to daycare. When Ryan arrived in 2009, he was overjoyed to have a boy but would never outwardly admit it. Ryan and Grandpa Benny would grow to be inseparable. Grandpa happily attended all of their open houses, school performances and sporting events. He would often pick them, and even their friends up from school. The birth of Jonah and Emi brought even more joy as he would try to spend as much time with them as possible.
Dad was an active member of the Buddhist Temple of Salinas. He served on the board, supported many temple events, and chaired iHelp, the service group that provided meals and housing to recovering homeless. Both our dad and mom instilled in us the value of community and the importance of giving back.
Dad was preceded in death by his wife, Marti, parents Fusajiro Frank and Toshiko Grace, and brothers Bill and Larry.
He is survived by his daughters Laura Wakayama-Lee, her husband Richard Lee, Andi Tachiki and her husband Jeff Tachiki, grandchildren, Lindsay & Ryan Lee, Jonah & Emiko Tachiki, his sister in-law Muriel Wakayama, and nieces and nephews- Carlene Tamichi, David Wakayama, William Crowe, Linda Byrd, Terri Huserik, Jeanne Wakayama, Frances Carmody, and Frank Wakayama.
Our dad was a supportive and caring husband, dad, uncle, grandpa, and friend. We will miss his smiles, laughter and love and thank you again for your love.
A virtual service will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2020 at 2:00 PM. A YouTube link will be posted once it is available.
https://youtu.be/HHvv3kuqjz0
Richard Donald Piffero
January 28, 1930 - July 8, 2020
Born in Bauta, California
Resided in Gonzales, Californnia
Richard Donald Piffero of Gonzales passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family on July 8, 2020. He was 90 years old.
Richard was born in Banta, CA on January 28, 1930 to his Swiss immigrant parents, Ricardo and Gemma (Codoni) Piffero. When he was a baby, the family relocated to Gonzales, CA where Richard would spend the rest of his life in the town he loved.
After graduating from Gonzales High School in 1949, Richard was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served his country in the Korean War. He earned the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds he received in action. After a lengthy recovery, Richard was honorably discharged. Richard fell in love with Shirley MacDonald of Soledad, CA and they were married in 1955. They purchased a home in Gonzales where they raised their three girls, Janice, Debbie and Carole. On May 15, 2020 Richard and Shirley celebrated their 65th Anniversary.
Richard was a kind, gentle and caring man with a strong work ethic and always had a smile on his face. He was a proud patriotic American who was equally proud of his Swiss heritage. He liked to play Pedro and hunt deer, watch westerns and sports and was always ready for a ride in the hills. Richard was a Culligan Man and his long time South County route allowed him to develop many lasting friendships. He was an active member of the Gonzales American Legion Post 81, the Swiss Rifle Club and St. Theodore Church. He also touched many young lives as a Gonzales 4-H Swine Leader.
Richard is survived by his wife Shirley, his daughters Janice Martin, Debra (Lee) Vinson and Carole (Elida) Piffero. He was Grandpa to Peyton (Jenna), Garrett and Collin Vinson and Logan and Haley Martin. He is also survived by his twin sister Delores (Alvin) Silva. Known as Richie or Uncle Richie, he also leaves behind many family members and dear friends.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Sergio, Arthur and Alvin and sister Erna Domenighini. His mother-in-law, Agnes MacDonald, held a special place in his heart. Forever in our hearts, we will love you and miss you for the rest of our lives.
Private funeral with military honors took place on July 13, 2020 in Gonzales.
Donations may be made in Richard’s memory to St. Theodore Church P.O. Drawer B Gonzales, CA 93926 or your favorite charity.
Antonia Ernestina Espinosa
November 11, 1928 - July 5, 2020
Born in Chicago, Illinois
Resided in Salinas, California
Antonia Ernestina Espinosa was born on November 11, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois and passed away peacefully in Salinas, Ca on July 5, 2020. She was 91 years old.
Antonia was a housewife and had a passion for sewing beautiful dresses.
She will be remembered for her long stories, sharp memory and being the family historian. She had a gift for recollecting every family birthday and genealogy that dated back over 100 years.
Antonia was preceded in death by her husband Pulcherio Espinosa. Sisters Carmen Chagoya, Maria Donato, and Natalia Guerrero.
Antonia is survived by her only daughter Antonia Espinosa Torres. Grandchildren Rita Castro, Abelardo (Fanny) Arellano, Abraham Arellano, Enid (Damaso) Donato, Maria Lopez, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Visitations for all that wish to pay their final respects will be held 3:00pm to 6:30pm Thursday, July 9, 2020 at Struve and Laporte Chapel, 41 W. San Luis Street, Salinas, CA 93901. Due to the pandemic restrictions, it will be a walk through viewing with rotating visitations. Must wear a mask and keep a 6 ft social distance.
Private Mass will held on Friday, July 9, 2020 at Madonna del Sasso, 320 E. Laurel Drive, Salinas, Ca 93906. Due to the unprecedented times a private burial will follow immediately after the mass at Garden of Memories.
Celebration of life precessions will be held at a later date.
Gus Scourkes
October 14, 1923 - September 14, 2020
Born in Lincoln, California
Resided in Salinas, California
Gus Scourkes, a resident of Salinas for 46 years passed away peacefully Monday, September 14, 2020 at the age of 96 after a brief illness. He was born on October 14, 1923 in Lincoln, California to parents Nick & Evgenia Scourkes who immigrated to the United States from Greece. They settled in Lincoln to work at the Gladding McBean Pottery factory. Gus was the oldest of three children; two of which were twins, Theodore and Mae. A few years later they moved to San Francisco where the family established residence.
In 1941, Gus began working with PG&E; as a mail boy in the General Office in San Francisco.
He was drafted in 1943 and served three years in the Army in WWII on the front lines in France & Germany. Upon his return, he graduated from the University of San Francisco and returned to work for PG&E; where he worked his way up to Division Personnel Manager in San Francisco.
He married his true love, Anastasia Samoulides on June 13, 1948. They raised three children, Jeanne, John & Michael. Gus was a wonderful and passionate family man who provided every opportunity for the growth and development of his children. He became active in the YMCA as it gave him an opportunity to share many enriching experiences with his children.
In July of 1964 Gus was appointed Division Personnel Manager of the Colgate Division and moved to Yuba City, California where he became active in the community. He ran for City Council in 1970 and became Vice Mayor.
In 1971 Gus moved to Salinas with his family after he was again promoted to Division Personnel Manager-Coast Valley Division. During his time in Salinas, he was involved in several community organizations and was on the board of The Steinbeck Foundation, St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, and the Hellenic Cultural Institute. Gus retired from PGE in 1986 and remained in Salinas where he developed a passion for traveling, wine making and golf. He was a member of the Monterey County Winetasters Association.
Gus truly experienced “The American Dream” with his parents move to America to provide for a better life for their children. He and his siblings were taught to speak only Greek before attending school. They quickly learned through trial and error and some humiliation that they needed to assimilate into and embrace the American culture. Despite some of the hardships they endured, Gus never complained. He was a great role model and mentor, a spiritual and wonderful man, and one who always lived and shared the happiness in life with his laughter and his never-ending smile.
Gus was preceded in death by his daughter Jeanne and his sister Mae. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Anastasia Scourkes, his two sons, John & Michael Scourkes, his brother Ted Scourkes and numerous nieces and nephews.
Trisagion Service will be held at 7:00p.m. Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at the St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 326 Park Street, Salinas, CA. 93901.
Entombment Service will be held at 11:00a.m. Thursday, September 24, 2020 at the Greek Orthodox Memorial Park, 1148 El Camino Real, Colma, CA. 94014.
James Irvine Armstrong Jr.
January 18, 1935 - September 15, 2020
Born in Salinas, California
Resided in Salinas, Ca
James Irvine Armstrong Jr. who was born to James Irvine Armstrong and Lois Anderson Armstrong, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2020.
Irvine was the 4th generation of a pioneering Salinas Valley ranching family. He was the senior class president of his Salinas High school class and went on to graduate from Stanford University where he earned a degree in Economics and was a member of the Psi-Chi Fraternity. After graduation, Irv returned to his family roots and ran the Armstrong Cattle Company on the Gonzales Mountain Ranch as had the generations before him. It was at this time that he also married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Carol Curtice Armstrong.
Always a believer in community involvement, Irv served on many committees including being the past president of the Monterey Cattlemen's Association as well as 40 years for the Salinas California Rodeo where he ran the scoreboard and worked the rough livestock arena. Irvine was a multi-talented individual that excelled at most any endeavor. He was exceptionally gifted at shooting and was an avid hunter. He is famously quoted as stating "Don't get married during deer season, I won't be there!" His quick wit and fun sense of humor captivated us all with endless storytelling to the delight of his family and friends.
After the mountain ranch was sold, he launched a career with Valley Nitrogen and then later Salinas Valley Radio Telephone which we now know was the beginning of the cell phone evolution. After his retirement he spent his golden years with "the boys" at the Elks where he could always be found playing a competitive pinochle game.
Irvine was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Carol Armstrong and survived by his three children Scot (Michelle) Armstrong, Jim (Carolina Valdez) Armstrong, and Lynn (Ken) Mundee, as well as his grandchildren Sam and Katie Armstrong, Micheal and Briteny Armstrong and Tom and Jake Mundee.
A private family gathering will be held in his honor. In the words of his oldest grandson "Heros get remembered, but legends never die"
Donations can be made in his honor to the American Cancer Society.
