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Don Henry Andrino, age 81, of Turlock, California was born March 10, 1942 in French Camp, California, passed away on January 29, 2024 in Sacramento, California. Don was preceded in death by his parents Estaban and Elizabeth Andrino, brothers, USAF Lt. Richard J. Andrino, Frederick Andrino, and Robert Andrino; sisters, Adaline Ababan, Cherry Anuber, and Elinore Estante; and daughter-in-law Dana Andrino. Don is survived by his children Suzette Gray (Dennis), Donna Andrino, Henry Andrino (Susan), and Adam Andrino, seven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Don is also survived by many nieces and nephews of whom he was very close to. Don was raised in Turlock and graduated from Turlock High School in 1960. Proud to serve his country, Don enlisted in the United States Navy in 1959, at 17 years old while still in high school. In 1959 he completed the Course of Instruction for Reserve Seaman Recruits. Immediately following his high school graduation, Don attended bootcamp in Bainbridge, Maryland. He proudly served as an Engineman on the USS Albatross earning a written commendation for exemplary performance from 1961-1963. After his discharge from the Navy, Don owned and operated a Texaco Service Station in Turlock. During this time, he met and married Judy Peterson in 1966. They raised four children together and enjoyed the fruits of their labor in their grandchildren. In the early 1970's Don went to work for the State of California, Cal State Stanislaus, and attended night classes at Modesto Junior College earning an Associate’s Degree with teaching credentials. Thereafter, he began working as an instructor of small engine mechanics with the California Department of Corrections. After working many years at Sierra Conservation Center in Jamestown and Deuel Vocational Institute in Tracy, he retired in 1997. Retiring for Don was not really being retired. Soon after his retirement from the State of California, he started a hay-hauling business with his sons, Henry and Adam. Don enjoyed working more than anything, especially with his sons. Throughout his life, Don enjoyed hunting, fishing, and racing pigeons. He received many awards from the American Pigeon Racing Union and was a member of the Modesto Houndsman Club. Don was an avid coin collector, antique slot machine collector, and enjoyed gambling. He knew the way to every casino within hundreds of miles and was all too happy to take his kids or grandkids with him. Always teaching “strategy” and the “odds" on the way. Don was a strong man with a kind heart. He never came to a family function empty handed. He enjoyed making a dish to share and was proud to tell you how he made it. He loved his friends and family beyond words. Don was loved beyond measure and will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers please consider donating in Don's name to the Veteran's Hospital of Northern California -VA NCHCS www.va.gov/northern-california-health-care/work-with-us/volunteer-or-donate/ Services will be held at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Road, Turlock, California, on Friday, March 8, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., viewing will be from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Military funeral honors/burial will follow at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, 32053 McCabe Road, Santa Nella, California, scheduled to begin promptly at 1:30 p.m.

Tributes

Don Henry Andrino

March 10, 1942 - January 29, 2024