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Tommy Sesti Savala, age 94, of Fresno, CA passed away on March 26, 2016. He was born on September 22, 1922, in Santa Ana, CA. Tommy was preceded in death by his wife, Stella Savala; his parents, Carlota Sesti Savala, a 1976 Mother of the year and the first Hispanic to receive honor, and her husband, Gaspar Savala; sister, Sally Savala; and brothers, Candy Savala, Robert Savala and Edward Savala. Tommy will be missed by his children, Tommy Jess Savala Jr., Shirley Savala Rubiolo and her husband Greg Rubiolo, Sylvia Savala, Sandy Smith and her husband Warren Smith; his sister, Arlene Najera and her husband and dad's best friend, Jess Najera, Joyce Flores and her husband Lou Flores of Napa, CA, Fred Savala, Rudy Savala and his wife Mary Ellen Savala, founder of the San Joaquin River parkway. He also leaves many nieces, nephews and extended family members and friends. Tommy served his country in World War II in the United States Army Air Corps. Upon completion of his service, he established Tommy Savala Plastering Co.; served three elected terms as a member of the Pinedale School Board Trustee, Nelson Elementary School (Tommy S. Savala), Pinedale, CA. Tommy's persistence and board of trustee vote finalized the union of Clovis and Pinedale as a Unified School District and was instrumental in providing bus transportation for Pinedale students. He was part owner and editor of a Hispanic tabloid newspaper, El Mexicano, Fresno, CA. Tommy was also co-founder and president for six years of the Pinedale Boys Club of Fresno, CA; was appointed to the Fresno County planning commission for a four year term in Fresno, CA; on special appointment by California Governor, George Deukmejian, to serve as a committee member, during the formation of the North America fair trade agreement; was Fresno County Ambassador representing Fresno County Torreon Coahuila; Director of Self-Help Enterprises of Fresno, CA, where he directed staff and initiated financing via government assisted loans helping many families in rural Fresno County. Tommy was also a charter and founding life member of the VFW Post 8900, Fresno, CA. Amongst all of his accomplishments, Dad gave whole heartedly to countless individuals and businesses to allow them to prosper within the Fresno community. Visitation will be held at Chapel of the Light Funeral Home on Sunday, April 17, 2016, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Vigil Service will follow at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sierra Ward on Monday, April 18, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Washington Colony District Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the VFW Post 8900; or to Arte Americas-Casa de la Cultura fund in Fresno, CA.

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Tommy Sesti Savala

September 22, 1922 - March 26, 2016