Sam Lomanto died at his home on Nov. 7, following a period of
failing health. He was 76.
Sam Lomanto
Sam Lomanto died at his home on Nov. 7, following a period of failing health. He was 76.
A lifelong resident of San Benito County, Lomanto was educated in local schools before serving in the U.S. Army.
He worked as a farmer and rancher for many years growing apricots and walnuts. He owned an apricot cutting shed, a walnut processing facility and harvested tomatoes, which his sons still do.
Lomanto was a member of the Sacred Heart Parish, the Hollister Elks Lodge No. 1436 B.P.O.E, the Gourmet Club and the coffee club that met at Jesse’s Coffee Shop every morning to play Pedro.
He was also coached Babe Ruth baseball while his children were growing up. He was well known for helping his friends work on their farming equipment.
Lomanto enjoyed cooking and devoted many hours during the years making ravioli for the ICF dinner fundraisers and for Elk Lodge functions.
He enjoyed outdoor activities such as fishing and hunting, which he did both locally and out of state. Lomanto was an avid bowler who won many trophies.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley A. Lomanto of Hollister; his Daughter Roseann Forth and her husband Richard, of Oklahoma; sons, David Lomanto and his wife Shelley, and Michael Lomanto and his wife Tonie all of Hollister; grandchildren Jarod Forth and his wife Holly, Hillary Lomanto, Corey Forth, Kyle Lomanto, Milynn Lomanto, Sydney Lomanto, and Noel Solesbee.
Lomanto is also survived by many other relatives.
Friends are invited to attend a memorial mass Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church followed by a memorial service conducted by the Hollister Lodge No. 1436 B.P.O.E. Private cremation has been conducted by Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home and Crematory.
Donations may be made to the San Benito Hospice/V.N.A or the Hollister Animal shelter care of Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home.
