Martin Colendich, 88, passed away on July 14, 2017 after a long struggle with cancer. Born and raised by George and Madeline Colendich of Dubrovnik, Croatia. He attended Railroad School, E.A. Hall and was the star running back football player for Watsonville High School – taught by Coach Geiser, who told him “if you play ball for me, I’ll pass you to graduate from high school”.
Martin went on to work by loading lettuce for Bud Vukasovich in Southern California and Arizona; there with his longtime buddy, John “Boogie” Vukasovich decided to go into the farming business themselves. They farmed C&V Farms here in town, growing mostly lettuce. They succeeded in business on hard work, luck and determination. He continued to work until the day he died.
Martin’s favorite things to do were to smoke a good cigar, and eat and drink at his favorite restaurants like The Miramar, The Del Monte, Lorene’s, and The Woolgrowers in Los Banos, California.
Martin is survived by his wife, Lucile “Lou” Colendich; son John (Marla) Colendich and daughter, Kara Colendich; grandchildren, Jeffrey and Kayla; brother, Tony Colendich; nephews, George (Zelma), John (Franka), Mark (Ann), and their children.
A memorial service will take place at Mehl’s Colonial Chapel on Friday, July 21st at 1 pm. Burial will follow at Valley Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Moreland Notre Dame School, Saint Francis High School or the American Cancer Society.
