Ignacio "Nacho" Musino

Ignacio was born in Five Points, California. He was a migrant worker who settled in the Stanislaus County area. As a child he would pick many different types of fruits and vegetables that ended up on many of our tables; such as, apricots, peaches, tomatoes, grapes, asparagus, and many others, which makes it hard for many of his family members to eat these fruits and vegetables without thinking of him. He attended Westport Elementary and at the same time he worked on a dairy, which had to be a hard task for any kid. He also attended Ceres High School where he excelled in track & field and was known to his team mates as "Skeeter". He also acquired a letterman award there all while maintaining his duties as a field worker; a must for a better living for him and his family. Straight out of high school, Nacho enlisted in the United States Army and after received his basic training at Fort Ord, he was sent to Vietnam in 1962. He was released by Honorable Discharge on June 24, 1967. Two weeks after being discharged he met Rosemary K. Tosta on a blind date, one year later they were happily married and had adventures together until his passing. He worked at many places such as; Kenny Shoes, where he sold shoes to Tri-Valley laborers, Foster Farms laborers and many others. He attended Modesto Jr. College were he helped organize (M.E.C.H.A.) Mobimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan. He applied for (C.R.L.A.) California Rural Legal Assistance in 1977, where he was hired and became a respected advocate, colleague, and mentor for the rural poor. His family was the most important thing to Nacho, work being included in as his Family. Nacho felt that though some thing did change dramatically for his clients as a result of his work and the work of others, so many things remained the same just with a new face. Nacho didn't mind getting his hands dirty by telling officials that they needed to do what they were elected to do and as unprofessional as it may sound he was the voice of so many others that could not be heard. During his passing he realized how effective he was in his work and said "It was all worth it". He told us to never give up even though we don't see results all the time, but that they will come and it will be worth it. There is a passage that Rosemary would like everyone to read from the Bible that reminds her of Nacho; John 4:24-39. Ignacio was preceded in death by his parents, Ignacio and Maria Musino; grandparents, Refugio and Epigmenia Alverez; sister, Virginia Tapia, and grandson, Christopher Rocha. Ignacio is survived by his wife of 43 years, Rosemary K. Musino; sons, Arthur Musino and Ignacio T. Musino,; daughter, Patricia Rocha; grandchildren, Dylan Musino, Ethan Musino, Leslie Musino, Victor Musino, Joseph Musino, Monica Musino, Veronica Musino, Ignacio S. Musino, Raymond Bargas, Jennifer Rocha; great-grandchildren, Belen and Bailey Bargas. He is also survived by his sister, Rosie (Oscar) Henao; brother, Jose Musino; 10 nieces, 4 nephews, and many extended family and friends, he loves you all.