Clarence Minetti, 93, was born in Cayucos, CA on February 8, 1918. He passed away peacefully in the company of family on March 28, 2011. He is remembered as a restaurateur, rancher, businessman, public servant and community leader.
Clarence moved with his parents to Guadalupe, CA in 1925 and graduated from Santa Maria High School in 1935. After school, he worked in ranching and dairy operations. He married Rosalie Maretti in 1940 and learned the cattle business from her father, Charles Maretti, owner of Corralitos Ranch in Guadalupe. When Mr. Maretti passed away in 1947, Clarence became responsible for leading the family ranching operation. He and Rosalie lived on the ranch and recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.
Clarence and Rosalie established the Far Western Tavern in Guadalupe in 1958 along with Rosalie’s cousin, the late Richard Maretti, and his wife Jean. The restaurant remains a landmark of Santa Maria Valley hospitality and Santa Maria Style Barbecue. Like the rancher he was, Clarence took a hands-on approach to getting things done in the community. His efforts were defined by his humility, hospitality, cowboy ethics and love of people. He seemed to have time for everything and everyone.
During his lifetime of service, Clarence served as the arena director of the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo from 1953 to 1986; general chairman of the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo from 1967 to 1993; president, director and member of the Guadalupe Joint Union School Board from 1948 to 1964; Santa Barbara County Grand Juror in 1964 and 1974; and other positions. His work on behalf of the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo was commemorated with the christening of the Minetti Arena at the Santa Maria Fairpark.
His honors include Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce Citizen of The Year (1975); Santa Barbara County Fair Livestock Man of The Year (1985); Honorary Vaquero of Old Spanish Days Fiesta (1988); Honorary Member of Los Rancheros Visitadores (1959 – forward); COLAB Family Heritage Award (2003); and Marian Medical Center Foundation Celebrate Philanthropy! Honoree (2009). He was also the “Number One” member of the Vaqueros de Los Ranchos.
Clarence is survived by his beloved wife Rosalie and their children: son Tyke Minetti and wife Sheryll; daughter Marie Will and husband Steve; and daughter Susan Righetti and husband Paul.
He was adored by his grandchildren: Tom and Sara Minetti; Jason and Michelle Smith; Toby and Kim Goodwin; Jayme Goodwin; Renee and Mark Fowler; and Tim and Jana Righetti.
He took immense joy in his 10 great-grandchildren: Kyle, Brooke, Kayla and Grace Minetti; Olivia and Luke Goodwin; Jack Goodwin; Regan Fowler; and Ryan and Alexis Righetti.
Clarence was also survived by his sister, Lois Braunheim, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Wesley and Jeanette Tartaglia, and sister and brother-in-law, Mary Jean and Bill Ruiz; brother-in- law and sister-in-law, Ralph and Wilma Maretti, and longtime business partner Richard Maretti.
A rosary will be held Sunday, April 3, 2011 at 3:00 pm at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, April 4, 2011 at 12:00 noon at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the Guadalupe Cemetery. Visitations will be held Saturday from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
• Marian Medical Center Cornerstone Campaign, 1400 E. Church St, Santa Maria CA 93454
• St. Joseph High School Scholarship Fund, 4120 S. Bradley Rd, Santa Maria CA 93455
• Friends of the Fair-Minetti Arena Fund, 937 S. Thornburg St, Santa Maria CA 93458
• Rancheros Visitadores Memorial Fund, PO Box 1065, Santa Barbara CA 93105
• Or to a favorite charity
Arrangements are under the direction of Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary, Crematoryand Memory Gardens.