Valentino "Tino" Laurence Nunes, 95, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026 in Merced. He was born on March 24, 1931 in Los Banos to Frank & Mary Nunes.
Tino graduated from Los Banos High School where he lettered in several sports. He excelled in football where he was a star running guard. In 1949, they won the league championship! In basketball, during the Gustine tournament, he was one of only 5 players chosen to be on the All-Star team.
In FFA, Tino's hog, Sweet Pea, won Grand Champion at all of the local fairs multiple years in a row. He also won showmanship in both the hog category and the Round Robin category.
Tino served as a radio communications operator while in the Army during the Korean War, achieving the rank of sergeant.
He farmed his whole life, retiring at the age of 83. He loved the SF Giants and 49ers and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
Tino is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Betty; his parents, and his brothers, Frank and Amos. He leaves behind his son, David (Marie) and daughters, Claudia and Linda, as well as many grandchildren & great-grandchildren whom he loved deeply. He also leaves behind his brother, Joe.
Dad will always be in our hearts. He was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend.

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