Leo Masini

Leo A. Masini of Granger, WA died Friday, April 22, 2016 in Yakima at Apple Creek Adult Family Home. Mr. Masini was born and raised in Yerington, Nevada, the eldest of 3 children. Italian was the only language spoken at home, so he didn’t learn English until he started school. While attending San Jose State College in California, he met and then married Thelma (Colby) in November of 1951. Son, Grant, was born in 1953 and then Leo finished his degree at University of Reno. Leo moved his family to the Yakima Valley in 1961, and was a farmer most of his life in Toppenish and Granger. He exceled at taking a run-down field and turning it into a productive farm. Although he primarily grew concord grapes, he also raised alfalfa hay, potatoes, sweet corn, wheat, asparagus, mint, onions, and beef cattle. Driving his grape picker and overseeing the fall harvest was Leo’s favorite time of the year. Getting his grandkids involved in many aspects of the farm was essential. Besides introducing them to tractor driving, they all have unique memories of working with Grandpa. Gina remembers sorting onions, Scott learning how to use the welder and cutting torch, and Heather the thrills of being a grape bin watcher! In the process, Leo passed on the priceless value of hard work!! Leo and Thelma always tended a large vegetable garden and enjoyed sharing out of their abundance with others. Over the years, not only his three grandchildren, but many a family were welcomed into their home or onto the porch to share a meal or a cold drink. Leo liked to visit, which may explain one of his favorite sayings, “I’ve never met a person from whom I could not learn something from.” (He even had this motto painted on the door of one of his farm vehicles!) Working on Minneapolis Molin tractors and traveling across the US-- as far as Ohio-- to get parts fueled this “hobby” and provided ample opportunities for making new acquaintances. He and Thelma made several trips to Italy, meeting and visiting relatives, and exploring his Tuscan heritage. One especially meaningful, trip there was with his sister, Florence and her husband, Ugo. Then again in 2001, when Leo took his son, Grant, and oldest granddaughter, Gina, on a three week visit to meet family and explore the country together. These excursions were deeply special to Leo and he loved to share highlights and memories from these times with others. Family was important to Leo; “La moda Italiana” (the Italian custom). So losing his wife and partner of 61years to Alzheimer’s in 2012, consequently, was a challenge to this ideal. Fortunately, Leo lived his last 4 years quite peacefully at Applecreek Adult Family Home in Yakima. Even in the midst of some dementia and limited mobility, he managed to become a favorite of many who came in contact with him there. Looking everyone in the eye, coupled with an infectious grin, Leo was always ready to engage in conversations blended with Italian, Spanish and English words. Leo and his family are thankful for the many acts of gracious generosity from all the wonderful caregivers at Apple Creek Adult Family Home and Heartlinks Hospice. Kind words, chocolate bars and simple touches were deeply meaningful to him. THANK YOU “Bellinas!” Leo is survived by his son, Grant (Sally) Masini and three grandchildren; Gina Madson (Chris), Scott Masini & Heather Masini; a sister, Florence Giorgi and a brother, Carroll Masini, both of Yerington, Nevada. Leo was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma, and his parents, Antonio and Annie Masini. A private service will be held at a later date. Donations can be made to Heartlinks Hospice. Arrangements by Valley Hills Funeral Home-Zillah. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Leo Masini, please visit our flower store.