Patrick Nicholas Monno

Patrick Monno at the age of 84 our beloved Dad and Grandpa went to meet the Lord on October 4, 2019 in Kingsburg, California. He was born March 17, 1935 (St. Patrick's Day) in Anaconda, Montana to Nicola and Armenta (Mindy) Monno. Patrick was born into an Italian family, 3rd of four children and the only son.
He attended Anaconda High School where he played many sports. His passion was football. He set records in 1953 at the East/West Shrine Game, an All-Star football game, which included players selected from the entire state of Montana. To this day his records for "Most Points Scored By An Individual"-18 and "Most Touchdowns Scored By An Individual"-3, have been tied but not broken. After high school Pat earned a full ride scholarship to the University of Montana to play football. He left college in 1959 to join the Army. He was stationed in Germany and continued his passion of playing football throughout all of Europe while in the service. He was Honorably discharged in 1963.
In 1962 he married Patricia Ann Solem in Fresno, California. They immediately moved up north to Pacifica, Ca where he became a pharmaceutical sales rep. Pat & Trish enjoyed their time up north and took full advantage of everything the Bay Area had to offer. They divorced in 1979 but remained very close friends until his passing.
In 1964 his only child Rayna was born. Patrick was involved in every activity of his daughters and was always her greatest supporter.
After moving back to Fresno Patrick spent most of his life as a car salesman, working for Herman Theroff and then Dan Day Pontiac. In 1976 he moved the family to Visalia, Ca after buying and going into partnership with Arnold Wiebe in a car dealership. For a short time Patrick lived in Laughlin, Nevada where he owned and ran an Italian Deli. Later he sold life insurance for GE Financial and worked for Sun Valley Farming.
Pat always loved golfing. He spent many days playing rounds with his friends and teaching his grandchildren to love the game as much as he did at Sierra View Golf Course where he seemed to be his happiest. He also loved fishing and enjoyed many trips to San Diego, Mexico and Alaska fishing with family.
Patrick's grandchildren, Tyler & Whitney were his pride and joy. There were many evenings spent out at Grandpa's hunting. Pat never missed their activities, especially the sporting events. He was their biggest cheerleader. Patrick found and donated an original Visalia Saddle Company saddle for the trophy between El Diamante, where his grandchildren attended and Golden West for their big rivalry game.
Patrick spent many hours volunteering at Holy Family Catholic Church in Kingsburg, Ca. He was a member and very active at the Moose Lodge when it was located in Visalia. He was also a dedicated and involved member of the Sierra View Men's Club. His other passions included cooking Italian food and entertaining friends and family at his home, he was always the life of the party and never met a stranger. Patrick was loved dearly and will be missed by many.
Pat is survived by his only daughter Rayna Mendonca, grandchildren Tyler Mendonca & Whitney Cimarusti, sister Anna Smith (Husband Jack), nieces Jacque Smith, Lori Lewis, (husband Clay), nephews Dennis, Daniel, Niko and Bradley Rust and several great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Nicola & Armenta "Mindy" Monno, sisters Lilian Rust and Bette Jean Monno.

There will be a Celebration of Life October 16th, 2019 at Pat's daughter's home located at 1609 W. Main Street, Visalia, Ca 93291 @ 4:00 PM