Dr. Marion L. Sani, beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather and longtime Turlock OB/GYN passed away peacefully in his home on January 16, 2026.
Marion, the eldest of Katherine and Deno Sani, was born June 19, 1937, in Reedley, California. Marion was a strong student and a talented athlete, running track, playing football and singing in the choir. He was selected to play in the Fresno City County All-Star football games and fondly remembered Oakland Raiders standout Tom Flores as a high school football teammate. Marion continued his education at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, where he studied to become a pharmacist. It was while he was in college, he met the love of his life Ann (Nip) Tonn. Nip and Marion married in Thermopolis, Wyoming in 1959 and shortly after moved to Merced, California where they started their family and Marion began work as a pharmacist. Over the course of the next six years, Nip and Marion would increase their family to include four sons and two daughters. Marion decided to continue his education and pursued a medical degree, returning to Creighton University where he graduated from medical school. Marion served for two years at Lemoore Naval Base as a naval doctor before moving back to Fresno, finally settling in Turlock in 1972. Marion started a private practice in Turlock, partnering with Dr. James Lilligren for 24 years. In 1996, Marion retired to spend more time with his wife, Nippy. Marion was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting as a member of the Triangle Gun Club and the Moffett Road Gun Club, fishing at Lake McSwain and curing olives from his garden.
Marion is preceded in death by his wife Ann (Nip) Sani and his son, Ed Sani.
He is survived by his brother Ron (Michelle) Sani, daughter-in-law Tami Sani, children Tom (Judee) Sani, Ted Sani, Tuckie (Owen) Burgess, Terry Sani and Tobie (Lance) Doyle.
Grandchildren TJ (Amanda) Sani, Ryan (Shawna) Juarez-Sani, Evan Juarez-Sani, Spencer Sani, Giovanni (Kelly) Sani, Carlye Sani, Gabrielle Sani, Nicholas Sani, Brigette (Tyler) Burgess, Tyler Doyle and Riley Doyle. He is also survived by seven great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at 10AM on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1200 Lyons Ave in Turlock.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Community Hospice, 4369 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95350.
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