By Sam Gotshall
Vito Masellis and his parents immigrated to the United States from Italy in February 1956, settling in East Ely, Nevada where his grandparents lived and owned the only grocery store. He began his education at East Ely Elementary, embarking on the journey of learning English.
In 1961, they relocated to Modesto, California, where his maternal grandparents lived. He started seventh grade at La Loma Junior High and later attended Thomas Downey High School in 1963. Here, he made many new friends and discovered the cruising scene in Modesto. His nights and weekends were filled with cruising in his 1964 Chevy Impala SS.
After high school, he sold his Chevy Impala and bought a 1963 Corvette split window, which he considered the best car ever. However, he was drafted into the United States Army in 1968 and had to sell his beloved Corvette. He underwent basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington, then moved to Fort Gordon, Georgia, for military police training. Upon completing his training, he served in Frankfurt, Germany.
Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the army in 1970, he eagerly returned home to Modesto. He aspired to work in the electrical field, gaining experience with several different contractors. In 1971, he met Donna, whom he married in 1973. While continuing to work in the electrical industry, he obtained his electrical contracting license and established his own business, Masellis Electric, in 1974. Their family grew with the birth of their first child, Heather, in 1975, followed by Ryan in 1978, and Scott in 1982.
In 1980, Vito served as a reserve police officer for the city of Escalon for five years. He also coached his children’s baseball teams for many years. In his spare time, he pursued his hobby of hot rods and classic cars.
His wife, Donna, was an active member of the Modesto Garden Club. Vito generously contributed his time and materials to install the downtown Floral Clock and perform the electrical work for the club, earning him the title of Man of the Year by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Additionally, the VFW Post 3199 acknowledged his valuable help with the clubhouse project.
Today, Vito maintains his passion for hot rods and classic cars and is a member of the Modesto Area Street Rod Association. He still has a 1961 Impala Bubble Top in his collection and is a member of the Modesto Area Street Rod Association. Vito and Donna have generously contributed to the Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum to preserve our community’s enduring love for automobiles for future generations.
After 50 years, Masellis Electric continues operations with the help of his wife. Vito’s son Ryan, who now runs the company and has added a solar division. Vito remains involved in overseeing the business.
Vito cherishes his memories of growing up in the 60s and the lifelong friends he made. He is grateful to live in America, which he considers the best country on earth.
