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Byron Ginocchio
Sept 1915 Nov 2014
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Byron Ginocchio, 99, of Turlock passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving, November 27th surrounded by family. Byron was born in Tranquility, California and spent 98 years living in Stanislaus County. He graduated from Denair High School in 1934 where he was student body president and was the oldest living graduate from his class. In 2012, Byron enjoyed being the grand marshal of Denair High School’s Centennial Parade. 

After graduation from high school, Byron worked on the La Grange Gold Dredge in 1940.  He worked at Kinnear Machine Works till he enlisted in United States Army. In 1945, he worked as a machinist making propeller shafts for Liberty Ships. As a United States Army Veteran, Byron returned to Turlock and founded and operated Byron’s Machine Works where during this time he invented the Speed-EE Lift Irrigation Valve.   Byron then went to work for Turlock Irrigation District as their machinist until he retired in 1980. He engineered and completed machine work for the power house at the New Don Pedro Dam Project in the 1970’s. 

Byron was a charter member of Turlock Rural Fire Department and a member of the American Legion Post 88 for almost 75 years. Byron has enjoyed being an active member of the Turlock Masonic Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows (past Nobel Grand), and a local square dance group, the Turlock Steppin Pards.

After retirement Byron enjoyed traveling, cruising and restoring old farm equipment especially tractors and Caterpillars.  Byron kept active with his six grandsons going to all of their sports activities and theatre productions.  Each grandson brought so much happiness and joy to his life.  Byron was extremely proud of his last project, a 1967 Mustang Coupe, that he enjoyed driving in his spare time.

Byron is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Pauline; his two wonderful daughters, Cherie Jackson (Jeff Jackson) of Denair and Lori Ginocchio of Turlock and his six grandsons; Brett and Byron Baker, Paul, Jeffry, Jaymie and Timothy Jackson.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Allen’s Mortuary on Friday, December 5th at 1 pm. Graveside services will be private.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Keyes Fire Department, 5629 7th St. Keyes, CA 95328 or the Byron Ginocchio Ag Scholarship Fund, Hughson High School 7419 E. Whitmore Ave. Hughson, CA 95326.  Please share your memories at

www.AllenMortuary.com