Ralph L Pizarro

Long-time Farmersville and Visalia resident Ralph Pizarro died peacefully in his home on October 12, 2010.

Ralph was born in 1925 in Farmersville, California and attended grammar school with his three siblings, Esther, Manuel and Alfred. In 1942, after graduating from Visalia Union High School, he joined the army. He served in combat in the European theater, returning in 1946, and was married in 1948. He was the father of three children and was an active parent who established strong values and encouraged his children to excel in their studies. Ralph returned to his own studies, while working full time, and earned a BS and MS in Criminology from California State University, Fresno.

Professionally, Ralph worked as a juvenile probation officer in Visalia, eventually rising to head the juvenile division and served as a Juvenile Court Referee. He left county service in 1977, when he was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to the state parole board, serving two terms before retiring.

Ralph was highly active in Farmersville civic affairs. He served for many years on the school board, including a term as president. At various times he headed the Farmersville Memorial District Board of Directors, the Farmersville V.F.W., and various youth baseball associations. He also served a term as president of the Tulare County Peace Officers Association and in 1970 Farmersville recognized him as Man of the Year.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Mecilia Pizarro, his wife of 25 years Margie (Harris) Pizarro, his sister Esther (Pizarro) Santos and former wife Marie (Renzi) Pizarro.

Ralph is survived by his children: Diane Pizarro, Larry Pizarro (Cherie), Dino Pizarro (Michele), Ron Smith (Debbie), Tim Smith (Karen) and Deborah (Smith) Barnes (Steve). Additionally, Ralph is survived by his two brothers, Manuel Pizarro and Alfred Pizarro, eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Ralph loved talking politics with his family, listening to jazz, watching baseball and Fresno State softball. He will be missed.

The Holy Rosary will be prayed on Wednesday, October 20th, 6:30 p.m. at Miller Memorial Chapel with Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, October 21st, 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Visalia. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Condolences may be offered at www.millerchapel.com under direction of Miller Memorial, Visalia