Beloved Biker and Father Jason Menefee Passes Away at 48

Jason Kennedy Menefee, a devoted father and passionate motorcycle enthusiast, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025, at the age of 48. He succumbed to metastatic melanoma, with his fiancée, Hanna Hildebrand, by his side, providing unwavering support and care during his final days at their home in San Juan Bautista, California.

Born on April 27, 1977, in Dinuba, California, Jason was the son of Douglas Kennedy Menefee and Julia Celeste Giannandrea. He spent much of his childhood in Santa Cruz, where he formed a deep connection to the area, particularly the historic Victorian home that belonged to his maternal grandparents, Francesco and Nuncia Franceschini.

During his early years, Jason developed a strong work ethic, which he carried throughout his life. As a teenager, he assisted on his grandparents’ ranch in Orosi, California, and honed his skills as a forklift driver at Giannandrea Packing in Sultana. After completing high school, he transitioned into truck driving, with support from his father and friend, Charlie Neal. He eventually earned his Class A license and began a career in trucking, often accompanied by his beloved Chihuahua, Killer.

Jason’s professional journey included significant stints with Hildebrand Trucking, a family-run business in Parajo, California. He took pride in restoring a historic property in Orosi while also working for Elite Trucking. In 2018, he returned to Santa Cruz, where he resumed work with Hildebrand Trucking, focusing on hauling rock and gravel. In the last three years of his life, he found fulfillment as a welder/helper for Caltrain in the Bay Area, a position secured through a family friend.

Beyond his professional life, Jason was known for his love of vehicles, particularly motorcycles. He owned several cherished vehicles, including a 2012 Harley Davidson Street Glide, and shared his passion for motorbikes with his grandfather, Deno Giannandrea. He spent three years as a prospect in the Coast Riders motorcycle club based in Half Moon Bay.

Family was central to Jason’s life. He is survived by his two children, Rita Sophia Menefee, aged 9, and Domenico Kennedy Menefee, aged 7, both of whom he adored. He was known for his trademark beard, which he grew to an impressive length and styled into two braids, even winning a Best Beard contest in Sacramento in 2016. Jason enjoyed various hobbies, including disc golfing, camping, and attending concerts, and was renowned for his storytelling and culinary skills, especially his barbecued steaks.

A viewing and rosary service for Jason Menefee will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on December 23, 2025, at the Chapel of the Light in Fresno, California. This will be followed by a graveside service at Mountain View Cemetery at 1 p.m., and a reception will be hosted at Cattlemen’s Steakhouse from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Jason leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and adventure, remembered fondly by his family and numerous friends who appreciated his loyalty and vibrant spirit.