Louie S. Ghione died Saturday morning at 88 at the Mabie Skilled
Nursing Facility after a period of failing health.
Louie S. Ghione died Saturday morning at 88 at the Mabie Skilled Nursing Facility after a period of failing health.
Born in Gilroy, he was as former owner and operator of Ghione’s Service Station for more than 30 years and also was a local rancher. He graduated from San Benito High School where he played football and basketball. He also was a boxer and participated in the Golden Gloves Tournament.
Louie served in the U.S. Army as Sgt. 1st Class during World War II. He was in the 35th Engineer Unit, and in the invasion of Normandy, he became a prisoner of war in Germany. Louie also worked on the Alcan highway. He was a former member of the Hollister Exchange Club, Chamber of Commerce, E.Clampus Vitas, Lion’s Club and V.F.W. Post 9242. He was a former Member and one of the founders of the local Boosters Club. Louie was an avid fisherman and hunter.
His wife, Louzetta Ghione, died in 1977. He is survived by his children, Christine Shacklett, Lucy Ghione and Topper (Margie) Ghione, all of Hollister; grandchildren Jamie Ghione, Brynn Gho and Nicole Shacklett, all of Hollister; T.J. Ghione of Morgan Hill, and Kelly, Jessica and Greg Ghione, all of Hollister and great-grandchildren Connor Ghione of Morgan Hill and Chase Shacklett of Hollister. Brother of Annie Bartle and Josephine Rose, both of Hollister, and the late Tudy Powell, Esther O’Neil, Rena Fitzpatrick, Eugene Ghione, Peter Ghione and Frank Ghione. He also is survived by many nieces and nephews.
Louie was proceeded in death by Margy L. Arzie, his close companion for 15 years. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home with graveside services to be held Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at Calvary Cemetery, 100 Hillcrest Road, Hollister. A reception will follow at Paine’s Restaurant, 421 East St., to which friends are invited. Contributions are preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association in care of the funeral home.
