JOSEPH “AARON” DEVENCENZI, JR.

9/19/1931 – 1/28/2017 of Stockton

Joseph Aaron Devencenzi Jr. passed peacefully with his family by his side on January 28, 2017. He made it well known that he was ready to go home to our Lord and Savior and be reunited with his wife. As most knew him by his middle name Aaron, he was married to the love of his life, Loretta Bertolli for 62 years before her passing in 2014.

Aaron was born on September 19, 1931 on the ranch that he loved and farmed his entire life. He was baptized at the original site of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Stockton and attended Greenwood School, Stockton Junior High School and Stockton Junior College. He was the president of FFA in high school, was one of the original founders of the Stockton Farmers Market, a fourth degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus and an assistant Scout Master. For many years he donated time and brought great cheer to local schools and family friends as Santa Claus.

As a third generation farmer, he raised many crops but was best known for his cherries, sweet corn, apples, and walnuts. Many friends and family were recipients of his generosity, receiving the” best produce ever”. He farmed the home ranch on Alpine Road east of Stockton, Brack Tract, and various other locations.

Generosity, commitment, perseverance, and compassion were qualities of this humble and well-loved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. He loved being outdoors, on his tractor, reading and watching westerns, helping others, and breakfast and coffee with friends. His love of animals was very apparent by the entourage of dogs and cats that followed him on the ranch. He raised cows, sheep, chickens, rabbits, pigs, ducks, and horses. He was active for many years in the Lodi Italian Club. Several times he fished and cruised in and around Alaska with family and friends. He and his wife Loretta enjoyed vacationing at Pacific Grove and Monterey.

He was preceded in death by his wife Loretta (Bertolli) Devencenzi, parents Joseph Aaron and Benita (Vignolo) Devencenzi . He is survived by his sisters Susan Ghio and Evelyn Furhring. His loving and devoted children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; Michael Devencenzi (Rita), grandchildren Jessica Holmes (Sean), and Peter Devencenzi; Rocco Devencenzi (Norma) and grandchildren Laura Devencenzi, Phillip Devencenzi (fiancé Tatiana Dieudonnee Long) and great grandchild Zarah; Daniel Devencenzi and grandson Benjamin Devencenzi; Aaron Devencenzi (Susan) and grandchildren Joseph R. Devencenzi, David Devencenzi (fiancé Amy LeTourneau), Sara Nickels (Christopher) and great grandchild Jackson.

Family would like to recognize and thank all of the staff at Arbor Assisted Living and Arbor Skilled Nursing, Vitas (Hospice) Health Care, Father Sam Woods and St. Joachim’s Catholic Church in Lockeford. We would a like to thank cardiologist Dr. Steven Block, the staff at Lodi Memorial Hospital and Lodi Health Palliative Care for their support and patience. The family would also like to thank all the friends and relatives who visited and supported our Dad through the years.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2017 from 4-7 p.m. at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, Ca 95240. Family and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m., Friday, February 3, 2017 at St. Joachim Catholic Church, 13392 Lockeford Ranch Road, Lockeford, CA 95237. A reception will follow with a private family burial. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Aaron’s name at the Lodi Pregnancy Resource Center in Lodi, CA., or to a hospice of choice.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.cherokeememorial.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.lodinews.com/guestbook.