Reno was preceded in death by his beloved wife Meredith Cornaggia, his son, Reno Joseph Cornaggia III, his parents, Reno Joseph Cornaggia I and Rose Marie Cornaggia, and his brother and sister, Dennis Cornaggia and Elsie Cornaggia.
He is survived by his brothers, Anthony Cornaggia and Joseph Cornaggia, and his six remaining children Patrick Cornaggia, Chris Cornaggia, Jan Cornaggia, Rosli Cornaggia, Kamil Price, and Tiffani Waldron. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, who were blessed by his example and love.
Reno was raised in San Juan Bautista, California and later attended Bellarmine all boys Catholic boarding school in San Jose, California. He had a love of baseball, an entrepreneurial spirit, and was always pursuing new ventures and opportunities. At the age of 18 he enlisted in the US Army. This gave him the chance to travel overseas and experience more of the world before settling down in Chowchilla, California. He loved his hometown and it remained close to his heart throughout his life. Here is where he opened and ran a local bakery for 30 years, married his beautiful wife Meredith, and together they raised 7 children. Woven deeply into the fabric of his community, Reno immersed himself into many local organization like Lions Club, YMI, and the high school “chain gang”. He was an avid coin collector, and a lover of all sport related events and activities. A devoted Catholic, Reno’s faith was the foundation of his life. He loved his church loyally, and quietly gave to those he believed were in need.
Reno believed that work was honorable. He spent his life working hard and taught his children to do the same. One of the greatest gifts he gave his family was a strong work ethic. He showed by example that dedication, persistence and responsibility were values worth passing on.
He was a man of contrasts in the best way. He could be hard but supportive, demanding but compassionate. He only expected from those he loved what he believed they were capable of. Beneath his strength was a tender heart that was deeply devoted to his family.
Reno had a playful side that his family will never forget. He loved spending time together, enjoyed embarrassing his children whenever the opportunity presented itself, and could challenge just about anyone to a game of checkers, chess, or ping pong with confidence. His children will always have the image of their dad wearing his worn pants and apron around town after putting French bread into the oven, never concerned about appearances. He lived simply, authentically, and with a loud confidence.
Though his family grieves his passing, they rejoice in knowing he has been reunited with the love of his life. A love that blossomed, endured and built a legacy to help shape generations to come.
His life was a blessing.
His memory a treasure.
His love a gift that will remain forever in the hearts of his family.
A Mass Service will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at St, Columba Catholic Church, 213 Orange Avenue, Chowchilla, California.
Graveside following Mass at the Chowchilla District Cemetery, 23359 Road 14 1/2, Chowchilla, California.
Please join us in remembering Reno Joseph Cornaggia II by visiting our Memorial at www.wordenchapel.com
Through this site, we invite you to view and share cherished photos and videos, share fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Cornaggia Family or share the obituary with others via social media and email. Arrangements are under the direction of Palm Memorial Worden Chapel, Lori Whatley, Funeral Arranger
