Armando Edward Ghimenti

Armando Edward Ghimenti, also known to be called Sam, Sonny, or Junior, was born Saturday, May 17, 1941 to Almando and Gena Ghimenti, and passed on Thursday, August 31st, 2023 at the age of 82. He is preceded in death by his father, mother, and brother, Don. He is survived by the love of his life-his wife of 62 years, Grace, his children Ralph (Susan), Tony (Teri), Jeana (Paul), and Joey (Niki), 9 grandchildren (Kristen, David, Gregory, Allison, Michael, Samantha, Ryan, Noah, and Ella), and 6 great-grandchildren (Brantley, Reese, Lauren, Mateo, Audrey, and Levi).

Armando attended Central Union High School. As a teenager, Armando worked at Danny Cetrone’s gas station, which inspired him to open a station of his own in Highway City. He owned and operated multiple Shell gas stations in the Fresno/Madera area for over 40 years. When his brother, Don, returned from Vietnam, Armando brought him in as partner to the business in 1971. Then in 1977, they opened another business, A&D Auto Parts, on Shaw Avenue and continued to operate until 2002.

Armando had a love of all things cars and racing, from attending classic car shows to serving as a crew member of “The Spirit of Madera” racing team, owned by Vernon and Carolyn Reitz. He enjoyed traveling to the races with the team and his dear friend, Gary Meisner.

With the help of his father-in-law, Ralph DiRedo, and father, Almando, Armando built their family home on Shaw Avenue in the early 1960s where he and his wife, Grace, raised their four children and hosted regular family gatherings.

Holding true to his Italian heritage, connecting over meals was an important part of his life with family barbeques and regular dinners with cousins and friends. Grace and Armando looked forward to regular get-togethers with her sister, Christie, and brother-in-law, Louie, who would come visit from Bakersfield. Whether it was creating ravioli from scratch for Christmas dinner to hosting holiday parties at the gas station and parts store, there was never a shortage of food or friends and family for celebrations.

Armando enjoyed spending weekends at the coast, frequenting the Pismo Beach/Morro Bay area and going to some of his favorite restaurants, Giuseppe’s and The Harbor Hut. While there, they would often spend time with their friends, Gary and Jan. Armando and Gary liked going to Harry’s to enjoy a drink, while Grace and Jan would go shopping.

Through the years, he spent his mornings walking the dog, sipping coffee, and enjoying donuts.

A wonderful son, brother, husband, dad, and poppa, he was a man who always made sure that those he loved were cared for. He is immensely loved and forever missed.

A visitation for Armando will be held Sunday, September 24, 2023 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E Nees Ave, Fresno, California 93720. Following the visitation will be a celebration of life from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Verdi Club, 2532 N Marks Ave, Fresno, CA 93722.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Ghimenti family.