Mel Hartsoch, Los Banos resident and longtime pharmacist at the Los Banos Drug Store, has died. He was 74 years old.
Hartsoch passed away on Sept. 14, unexpectedly and suddenly, surrounded by his family, including his wife Kim, his daughter Morgan and his son Ryan.
Services have not yet been scheduled.
Many residents of Los Banos remember Hartsoch as the friendly pharmacist for many years at Los Banos Drugs. He was the owner of the business until he sold it in 2019.
In his retirement Hartsoch worked part-time at Sorensen’s Ace Hardware store in Los Banos.
Hartsoch was an active member of Los Banos’ St. Joseph Parish, serving along with his wife Kim, as lector and eucharistic minister. He was also a member of the local chapter of the Knights of Columbus.
He was also an active supporter of Los Banos High School athletics. He served as part of the group that moved the chains at football games. And he was often in the stands, cheering for all the student athletes in various sports, especially his daughter Morgan, his son Ryan and his grandchildren.
He was respected and appreciated by his friends and colleagues.
“My store is just a few doors down from Los Banos Drugs,” said Joanne Hoefer, owner of Phoenix Books. “His drug store for so many years was the anchor of downtown businesses.
“Over the years,” Hoefer said, “so many people would tell me wonderful things about the little acts of kindness Mel did for them, especially when they were down on their luck.”
“Mel was an exceptional Knight of Columbus,” said Ed Amaral, Los Banos attorney and fellow Knight. “At our local council dinner meetings we rarely had dessert until Mel became a knight. As good a cook as his wife Kim is, Mel pointed out that he had personally made the desserts he brought.
“He was also a supporter of 4H and FFA,” Amaral added. “He would often help the parents in these groups by providing over-the-counter medications for animals in distress, including an ointment that helped revive my child’s pig, which had suffered from severe sunburn.”
“For many years, Mel served our parish,” said Cathy Silva, lector and eucharistic minister at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. “He was there every weekend to help in any way he could, including reading and distributing communion. Sometimes he even helped as an altar server when needed.”
“Mel — along with his wife Kim — was always early to report as a bi-weekly sacristan,” said Father John Schmoll, pastor of St. Joseph’s Church for many years. “After his throat surgery, which left his voice significantly weakened, he wanted to know if he could still be a lector at Mass. I reassured him he could.
“I really loved Mel. I miss him tremendously.”
“Mel helped outthe community, including Los Banos High School, in so many ways,” said Anthony Parreira, Trustee of the Los Banos Unified School District. “He lived a life of service above self.”
