Marvin Bruce Gandolfo, 91, passed away Dec. 20, 2011, at Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno.
Marvin was born in Austin, Nev., June 28, 1920, to John Antone and Ida Louise Gandolfo.
He attended school on the family ranch in Reese River Valley.
Marvin was a buckaroo on several ranches in the Austin area as a young man and began a lifelong involvement with rodeo. Although mostly known for his skills at Saddle Bronc riding, he was the Nevada State Champion Bareback Rider in 1948.
He then worked as a hard-rock miner in several Northern Nevada mines including Apex, True Blue, and Mount Hope as well as working for Kennecott Copper Corporation in Ruth. Marvin then formed the Gandolfo Rodeo Company and was a stock contractor and rodeo producer throughout Central and Northern Nevada for many years. During this time he was also a guide/packer for deer hunters looking for trophy mule deer in Central Nevada.
After selling the rodeo company Marvin started a 20-year career with the Nevada Department of Transportation in Austin. Also at this time he purchased The Mountain Motel in Austin.
Marvin married Emma Hammond-Dory on Nov. 1, 1947. They lived in Austin until their retirement to Fallon in 1985. Emma passed away in 1992.
Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, wife Emma, brothers Frank, Don, William, Bert, and Robert, sister Clara, and grandson Tony Clewell. He is survived by his sister Ida Manzini, Yerington, son Emmett "Johnnie" Dory (Barbara) Fallon, daughter Alleen Dory (Andy) Hemet, Calif., son Edward "Buckey" Gandolfo (Theresa) Sparks, and daughter Francine Clewell (Tom) also of Sparks. Marvin is survived by seven grandchildren: Sheila Gordon (Frosty) Sparks, Steve Vigus (Susanne) Virginia Beach, Va., Michelle Crespin (Keith) Tustin, Calif., Chris Gandolfo (Leisa) Sparks, Tracy Gandolfo (Dustin Szabo) Sparks, Angela Gipe (Brian) Sparks, and Lindsey Clewell (Kevin Porter) Sparks. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be at the Austin Town Hall Dec. 31, at 1 p.m., with interment at the Austin Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Fallon High School Rodeo Association, c/o Clay Hendrix, P.O. Box 147, Fallon, Nevada 89406.
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