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Obituary for Jose Trinidad (Trino) Cornejo
Long-time Dixon resident, Jose Trinidad (Trino) Cornejo, 88, passed away in his home in the loving care of his wife, Maria Trinidad (Trina) Gutierrez Cornejo. He succumbed to his 10-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Trino was a familiar sight in downtown as he enjoyed neighborly conversations, staking out a bench, and waving a greeting to people passing by. His trademark Stetson cowboy hat, flannel-shirt, and well-trimmed mustache are fondly recalled by many in the community.
Trino was born into a large family of nine in Jalostotitlan, Mexico, in 1929. His parents Jose and Maria Ines (Fernandez) Cornejo taught him at an early age the importance of a strong work ethic, infused with the devotion of religious faith. He first met his future wife while walking past the church in Jalostotitlan. He first saw her as she was taking a break outside from teaching catechism. For both of them it was love at first sight. Several attempts later, he courageously went to visit her at home, but her brothers would drive him away because they were very protective of their beautiful sister. But, his persistence won her over, and in a very simple ceremony he married Trina in 1954. The couple celebrated 62 years of marriage last year. They have resided in Dixon since 1955.
Before he settled down, Trino sought out the American dream through adventure and travel. In northern Washington he picked apples with his oldest brother, Ramon. Later he worked as a cowboy in the Lone Star state of Texas. He enjoyed telling the story of how he worked on the famous Kings Ranch, and he would ride his horse for days and days without ever reaching the end of the property while he worked vaccinating cattle. In California he spent time picking citrus fruit and then working in a soap factory. He also worked on the train tracks in Casmalia and in assorted jobs in Santa Monica. In 1950, Trino was one of the 1000 men who signed up in Guadalajara, Mexico, for seasonal work in Northern California as part of the Bracero Program. In 1955, he and his brother Jose de Jesus, were contracted to work on the irrigation systems on the farms owned by John Vinetti. Trino returned to the Vinetti farms for several years, eventually bringing Trina to live with him in Dixon. They still have a postal sign that reads “Trinity Cornejo, Rt. 1 Box 710” as a memento of their first home. Their first daughter, Maria, was born at Dr. Long’s office in downtown Dixon (where the Dixon Printing Shop is now located) and brought home to Vinetti Farms. Their second child, Martha, was born while they were in their other hometown in Mexico. And, their third child, Jose, was actually born at Vinetti Farms since Trino was out changing the irrigation pipes when Trina went into labor, and she had neither phone nor transportation available to her. Needless to say, Mr. Vinetti was a close friend of the family and was chosen to be the godfather to Trino’s first son.
With a young family, Trina insisted that the couple remain in Dixon so their children could get a good education. In 1962, Trino worked briefly for Nishakawa Farms before accepting a job offer from Stoeven Bros. Meat Packing. In 1964, the couple bought their home on East “C” Street where they continue to reside. Trino loved his evening job at Stoeven Brothers. As the night custodian and intake official, he had a dozen or so keys that gave him access to all of the plant and its offices. He was very proud of that set of keys since it represented the trust and responsibility they bestowed on him. When Stoeven Bros. closed in 1981, Trino along with many other workers in Dixon, felt a deep loss. But, he went on to work at Armour Meatpacking in Dixon, and then Hines Nursery in Fairfield. In 1988, Trino started a whole new chapter in his life by commencing his new job at the University of California, Davis, on the facilities staff. He was very proud of his employment at Shields Library. He reluctantly retired in 1993. Trino loved his new country. He was fond of the American flag and collecting bald eagle figurines. But, more than this country, he loved Dixon. A place he called home since 1955. He always expressed his gratitude towards the Vinetti, Robben, and Rossi families for helping him set up his home in Dixon. He was appreciative of all those who made him feel welcomed here like the Allens, the Andersons, the Beckworths, the Williams, and the never-forgotten next door neighbors, the Youngs. He appreciated the sense of community created by the Puyo, Ramos, Ruiz, Lozano, and Martinez families among many others including his brother’s family, the “A” Street Cornejos, and his cousin Ramiro Enriquez and his family. The people of Dixon made him feel like he belonged here. Trino loved Dixon because of that welcoming sense of community. On his weekends, Trino enjoyed the small things that made up what he valued most: attending church at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, buying a box of old-fashion chocolate donuts at Pardi Market for his children, or watching a classic Mexican movie at the Dixon Theater. He often treated his nine children to a trip to Frosty’s after attending church services to buy them an ice cream cone. Those that knew him knew he was happiest being outside. He was accustomed to the Mexican tradition of men gathering in the plaza to talk, and to him downtown Dixon was his plaza. He especially enjoyed sitting in the park adjacent to the old Carnegie Library and talking to whomever wandered by. Trino also loved driving his classic Chevy trucks. His iconic smile and wave will be remembered by many. Trino’s children describe him as generous, loving, and dedicated father. He accepted life with gratitude. Once saying, “Dios me ha llenado las manos con bendiciones” (My live is overflowing with blessings thanks to God). Trino is survived by his wife of 62 years, Trina, his nine children: Maria (Joaquin) Lopez of Dixon; Martha Cornejo of Dixon; Jose (Cheryl) Cornejo of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Salvador (Katie) Cornejo of Prosper, Texas; Abel Cornejo of Dixon; Juan (Gloria) Cornejo of Sacramento; Lupe (Efren) Vela of Sacramento; Lourdes (Scott) Krohn of New Jersey; Efrain (Carly) Cornejo of West Sacramento; and 21 grandchildren, including Amanda (Abundio) Corchado, Esteban Lopez, Julian Castro, Alejandro Castro, Yannessa Castro, Trinity Cornejo-Blas, Adam Cornejo, Andrew Cornejo, Alyssa Cornejo, Krystin Cornejo, Brittany Cornejo, Miguel Cornejo, Alejandro Vela, Marisa Vela, Monica Vela, Jackson Krohn, Sophia Krohn, Mason Krohn, Solea Cornejo, Ana Cornejo, Rose Cornejo and two great-grandchildren: Isabela Orozco and Sofia Corchado. He is survived by a large extended family which includes his sister Tiburcia (Mario) Gutierrez and his brother Refugio (Eldemira) Cornejo of Jalostotitlan, Mexico. A viewing for Trino will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, October 23, 2017, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, with rosary following at 7 p.m. Funeral services will also be held at St. Peter’s at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 24, 2017, with interment immediately following mass. Donations in Trino’s memory may be made to the Dixon Senior Center (201 Fifth Street, Dixon, CA 95620).
