Monday, February 27, 2012

REMEMBERING "FIGLIA DELLA COSTA" LENA (FISTOLERA) SHAW

Lena G. Shaw
Feb 12, 1914 - Feb 22, 2012
Resident of Santa Cruz
Lena G. Shaw passed away peacefully on February 22, 2012 at her Maple House residence, she was 98.
Lena was born February 12, 1914, the daughter of Paul Barbara Fistolera. Her childhood years were spent in Swanton where she attended Swanton School and Aqua Puerca School. She later moved with her family to Yellow Bank where her father ran a dairy. She rode the train into Santa Cruz to attend Santa Cruz High School where she graduated.
Following High School Lena worked at Polleti's Packing Shed, the Davenport Cash Store and taught citizenship classes. She worked for Penniman Title Company for many years until her marriage to John E. Shaw. John was the love of her life. They were married at the Carmel Mission in 1956. Lena's wedding dress was hand crocheted by a friend which later became the discussion of the ceremony because, although the dress was beautiful the more Lena moved in the dress the longer the dress became.
Lena was a resident of Maple House from 2002 until her passing.
Lena enjoyed traveling on road trips with her husband to Oregon and Northern California. After the passing of her husband, she continued to take road trips to Truckee and Tahoe with her sisters, Inez Grossi and Vivian Rodoni.
Lena enjoyed gardening, especially the vegetable gardens she and her husband planted on a city owned plot off Trescony Street in Santa Cruz. They planted these gardens for many years. They were several other gardens that were planted on this city owned plot, but Lena and her husband's space was the best looking and always produced the most vegetables. Lena enjoyed the flowers and plants on her own manicured yard. She continued planting flowers and vegetables when she moved to Maple House.
Lena had other talents such as woodcarving, ceramics, crocheting, sewing and baking Gravenstein apple pies (her favorite) from the apples grown on her tree.
Lena is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, John E. Shaw in 1999, by her parents, Paul and Barbara Fistolera, sisters, Inez Grossi, Winnie Giraudo, Zelda Ceragioli, Nora Della Santina and Vivian Rodoni. The Fistolera sisters including Lena all lived to the minimum age of 93 except for her sister Nora who was just shy of her 101st birthday. With Lena's passing the Fistolera generation has come to an end. Lena's smile and loving persona will be missed by all that knew her.
Services will be held on Wednesday February 29, 2012 at the Oakwood Memorial Chapel 3301 Paul Sweet Road Santa Cruz. Friends and family are invited to call beginning at 11:00 AM until the service time which is 1:00 PM.
Memorial Contributions may be sent to Hospice of Santa Cruz County 940 Disc Dr Scotts Valley, CA. The family would like to thank the staff at Maple House for their compassion and loving care of Lena during her residency.
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IVANO SAYS: The above Remembrance of Lena was first published in the Santa Cruz Sentinel:
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/

As the very well written Remembrance above states, Lena was the last of the Fistolera sisters. In "La Nostra Costa (Our Coast) I have a Chapter end note (p. 251) regarding these remarkable sisters. "Lea (Grossi) Lambert, the daughter of Settimo and Inez (Fistolera) Grossi, has reminded me that there were six Fistolera sisters: Inez, Winnie (Giraudo), Nora (Della Santina),
Zelda, Vivian (Rodoni) and Lena (Shaw). Her grandparents, Paul and Barbara Fistolera had a rancio in Swanton. Later Lea lived on a ranch with her father and mother, just north of Laguna."

Truly, a remarkable legacy. Addio, Lena. Until we meet again across "Il Ultimo Ponte".

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

REMEMBERING "AMICO DELLA COSTA" DOMINICK "DAN" PETROLINO

IVANO SAYS: The following Remembrance of Dan was first published in the Santa Cruz Sentinel: www.santacruzsentinel.com





Dominick A. "Dan" Petrolino
Aug. 25, 1928 - Feb. 19,2012
Resident of Santa Cruz
Dominick A. "Dan" Petrolino, passed away on February 19, 2012 at Dominican Hospital. He was 83. Dan was born on August 25, 1928 in Long Island, New York, the son of Luigi and Ermalinda (d'Andria) Petrolino. He moved to New Jersey as a young child and after high school graduation moved with his parents to California, settling in Mt View. Dan attended Santa Clara University and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
A resident of Santa Cruz since 1963, he worked many years for Sylvania and later for G T E retiring in 1990. Dan loved baseball and grew up going to Yankee Stadium. He continued to love the Yankees throughout his life. He spent summers going to the Jersey shore and camping in the Catskill Mountains.
He was a devout member of Holy Cross Church. He was also a member of the Marconi Club and the Italian Catholic Federation. He spent many years deeply involved in the Italian Catholic Federation and he served as Grand President of ICF from 1990-1993. He traveled extensively with the I.C.F. and through the organization met many dear and life- long friends.
Dan is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Diana Petrolino; two daughters, Patricia McNeal and Cori Gabbert; son-in-law, Mike Gabbert; two grandchildren, Alyssa McNeal and Alexis McNeal; sister-in-law, Betty Del Chiaro and nephew, David Del Chiaro. He is also survived by several cousins in California, on the east coast and in Italy.
A vigil prayer service and rosary will begin at Holy Cross Church 126 High St., Santa Cruz, CA, on Friday February 24, 2012 at 6:30pm. A Mass of Christian burial will follow beginning at 7:00 pm. A private interment will take place at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Benito Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel. Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com to sign the online guest book or to express your condolences to Dan's family.
The family wishes to express their sincerest appreciation to Dr. Surinder Kumar, Dr. Neil Sawhney and to the staff of Dominican Hospital Telemetry Care, ICU and Satellite Dialysis Center for their wonderful care and support.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Holy Cross Church or to your favorite charity .

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IVANO SAYS (CONT'D): I will always remember all those parties held at the old Holy Cross Hall. As you cross "Il Ultimo Ponte" I am certain that Joe Gemignani, John Bruzzone, Jim Spinetti, Sal Locatelli and the rest of the ICFers who went before you, will be waiting for you --ready to throw another big party. Addio, Danny, until we meet again "Across Il Ultimo Ponte."

Sunday, February 12, 2012

FIGLIO DELLA COSTA (SON OF THE COAST) LIDO CANTARUTTI ON FRONT COVER - COMMUNITY EDUCATION MAGAZINE



















IVANO SAYS: Remember Lido Cantarutti. He was kind enough to be our guest speaker at "La Nostra Costa Revival II" (Photo Above) at the Swanton Berry Farm "su per la costa". Well, a photo of our "famoso figlio della costa" (famous son of the coast). and a "figlio di Furlans" can now be seen on the cover of 'Community Education Magazine'. Congratulations Lido e Sempre Avanti.








Dear Ivano,

Recently the College of Marin made me very happy when they decided to place
my picture on the cover of their current course catalog! I thought you
might like to see a copy of what they came up with.

This year will mark my 27th year of teaching at the College, which I have
enjoyed very much. And it also will be my 36th of directing the Italian
Film Festival. Both have been a source of great satisfaction.

Regards,

Lido

Tuesday, February 07, 2012

REMEMBERING TOM MARKETELLO - FIGLIO DELLA POLIZIA (SON OF THE POLICE)

IVANO SAYS: The below Remembrance of Tom was first published in the Santa Cruz Sentinel: www.santacruzsentinel.com









Thomas Marketello
March 25, 1932- Jan. 29, 2012
Resident of Santa Cruz
Thomas Marketello was born in Oakland, California, to Edna Delmas and John Marketello. When he was two, his parents divorced and Edna married Marvin Roberts. He went to Catholic schools in Oakland and El Cerrito High School.
He had his first paying job at 11 as a newspaper carrier in San Francisco, earning his Schwinn Bicycle from the newspaper. In those days, the paperboys had to collect the money from their customers. One was particularly devious by trying to pay his with a $50 or $100 bills knowing Tom would not have the change. Tom got permission from his supervisor to return his change in pennies, thus ending his duplicitous action and illustrating Tom's burgeoning tactics in settling problems.
As a preteen, he and his buddies were often in trouble with their parents and the law as they spent much time in designing pranks that got them into trouble and all for the sake of having a lot of laughs. They often hung out at Playland, at the beach in San Francisco. One prank being getting into patrol cars and moving them while the policeman was directing traffic on Sloat Boulevard. Another was practicing war games in the sand dunes with practice grenades stolen from the Presidio.
It was under these conditions, and being bored with school, that these five ninth grade buddies decided to enlist for the Korean conflict at age 15 with the law not far behind them. They were underage, but managed to find and pay a "fake father" and lied about their ages. It was 1947, and they found themselves heading for boot camp in San Antonio, Texas.
He was sent to Okinawa where the Provost Marshall asked if he wanted to be an MP. The old adage, "if you can't beat them, you join them" seemed to apply and he became a member of the 528th Military Police Air Force Squadron. He liked the discipline and order of the service and particularly driving all the equipment with his new military driver's license. One of his enjoyable assignments was with Bob Hope entertaining the troops and escorting the movie actress Marilyn Maxwell in his patrol car.
Tom soon moved up to the rank of Staff Sergeant. After 5 years, he thought about re-enlisting until his friends talked about all the fun they were going to have after being discharged. After, he felt he had made a mistake because they were all married within 6 months. As it turned out, after a few jobs in the bay area and working for the State Dept. of Forestry while attending college under the G.I. Bill in San Jose, he met Peggy Walker and after 6 months they eloped to be married, she at 19, he at 21 with 5 years of military service behind him.
This was August of 1954, and they decided to move to Santa Cruz in the Pleasure Point area where they lived in a duplex complex with Tom's friends from the bay area- the Kamian, O'Neill, Devine and VanDyke couples. Surfing, sunning on the beach and starting their families was the mode. Tom and Peg moved into Santa Cruz, however, when he became a temporary policeman and then a fireman with the SCFD, and she a long-distance operator.
Right after the flood in '55 and the strike at the telephone company occurred, two of Tom's old buddies called encouraging him to come back up to the bay area to work with them. They moved to Berkeley, where Peggy transferred as an operator, but then took a civil service job as a PBX/Receptionist at Bethlehem Steel Corp. knowing she was now pregnant. They moved to a home in Albany and their daughter Mari was born in 1957. Just before their son was born two years later, they wanted to return to Santa Cruz to raise their children. Tom rejoined to SCPD and they lived on Anthony St. When they needed a 3-bedroom home, they moved to the eastside where they've lived since 1969.
Moving from the Military Police to SCPD was an easy and likable transition for Tom. While in patrol, he met Richard Foerster who became a long-time friend. As pranksters seem to attract each other, one of the episodes of these two during their graveyard shift together was to start up farm machinery and give themselves rides in the dark.
He enjoyed being in patrol even after being shot during a burglary at the Blue Chip store but wanted to join the Traffic Bureau as a motor cop. He enjoyed riding the motor around town meeting the townspeople, leading parades, and riding in the beach area during the summers. He felt strongly about his duty to protect and maintain order. Out of the multitude of jobs he held in his life, riding the motor turned out to be his happiest one. He became Sergeant and the Lieutenant of Traffic Division with a crew he admired tremendously and maintained friendships with till his death. Over the years, some of those motor cops included the now deceased Frank Boze, Bob Bunter, and Jay Sharmer. Today, Joe Haebe, Jeff Locke, Dave Larson, Steve Belcher, Ken Boe, Jim Conner, and Tom Vlassis were all still meeting with him at Gilda's on the wharf almost every morning.
Tom became the only municipal motorcycle officer in the state at that time to ride as a lieutenant. Later, Chief Pini asked him and Richard Foerster (having left their pranksterism finally behind) to become Deputy Chiefs. Tom did not want to give up the motor and declined. Pini persisted and the deal was finally made where he could still ride. Tom stayed as Deputy Chief of the patrol, traffic and detective divisions for about 3 years, but was never happy exchanging City Council meeting times with those on the motor. He left the department at age 50, serving twenty-five years; and with a disability retirement based on his numerous motorcycle injuries acquired over the years.
After retiring, Tom still left the house at the same time in the morning as if going to work. When Peggy asked what he did for the day, he usually replied that he was, "Busy, very busy." When she recently asked him what he like the most about being on the police department he answered, "The camaraderie". The man and the uniform and probably telling people what to do. He always considered his multitude of friends a great part of his life and tried to maintain connections through 4 different coffee groups and clubs like The CAL-TEX Riders, MMOC (Municipal Motorcycle Officers of California), the Northern 10/10 RV Club, the Elks and a public retirement group. He was gregarious, amiable, listened well and told stories of his past experiences that captivated all in the room. He has a legacy at that department that lives on.
Retirement also moved him to become a business partner in the motel business in the early 70's with fellow officer Ken Boe. Together, they drove their motorcycles on many routes through Mexico to Cabo San Lucas, sometimes with other friends as well. Peggy even flew down on her spring break from teaching to stay with him one week in his "burrito wagon" on the beach of San Jose del Cabo. He and Ken drove cars to places like Belize where they could be sold for taxies and fly back home. On one trip, they decided to go through the Panama Canal and on to Peru in a car to sell. But an increase in road blockings by revolutionaries with carbine rifles in Guatemala soon deterred them. Their motorcycle rides together were fast when they were younger, but in their 70's they downgraded to cars and drove at much slower and leisurely speeds. Tom said it was more than once on two-lane roads that cars lined up behind them with drivers flipping them off when finally passing.
Peggy and Tom's relationships with the Marenghi, Ponza, Seghetti and Chapette families were long time and familial. Assistant Chief Ernie Marenghi was on of Tom's greatest friends. When he died, Tom became a surrogate grandfather to his grandchildren Danny and Jennifer. Joyful special occasions have been celebrated with the Seghetti and Chapette families for over 50 years.
Despite his physical disabilities, largely in his back and shoulder, he belonged to the CAL-TEX Riders Highway Patrol Organization where he rode his Goldwing each summer for their annual rendezvous, often with Peggy on the back. This long-time group consisted of John and Faye Glover (one of the founders), Gerry and Fran Mills, Lew and Mary Metcalf, Bud and Ruthie Brillisour, and sometimes Norm and Karyn Sigvardson, Marion and brother-in-law Ed Boze and the Foxes. This organization of officers from many states, meet each summer at a different site within the states, sometimes as many as 600 motors. This offshoot group of friends traveled almost all of the country's highways, back roads, and sights west of the Mississippi over a period of 28 years. Tom and Gerry were consummate collectors (along with his long time friend Ray Walker), so stops at antique and collectible shops were a must upon late afternoon arrivals in the various towns. These summer trips averaged 2-5 weeks with this fun-loving group and produced much laughter and memorable experiences, probably with Tom in the majority of them. These were some of the most enjoyable summers for Tom and Peg.
Good times with friends happened in other groups for Tom as well. He and Peggy were members of the Northern 10/10 RV club largely consisting of retired Highway Patrol Officers and their friends. Traveling to many parts of the state in their Chinook RV, and recently with their two dogs Kenna and Sandy, they enjoyed their many weekend outings of games, food and conversation with other members.
Tom enjoyed his poker nights in his upstairs warehouse den with close friends and son. They could have more laughs just playing penny ante poker for hours.
Playing cards was also part of the agenda with his many male friends held dear over the years in their annual visit to the cabin at Eagle Lake. Before their deaths, he particularly enjoyed these times with Ernie Marenghi and Nick Dinapoli. He didn't like fish, so saw no reason to fish with the rest, just wanted to be with them. Peggy heard that he could get pretty cranky with his group if they didn't adhere to his housekeeping and kitchen standards for living together under one roof.
Tom was a good man! He was loyal, called "Straight Arrow" by those on the department and had a good sense of humor. While frugal and sparing in his everyday living, behind the scenes he would provide financial or emotional support to family members and friends when needed. Many gravitated towards him and remained his friend. He loved vehicles and purchased dozens during his lifetime. Many would want to buy the vehicles he was ready to turn in or sell for new ones because they were in such good shape.
His survivors include his wife, family and two dogs, who will all miss his vital presence in their lives. His family includes his wife Peggy of 57 years, daughter Mari (Joaquin Alameda) and their five children: Lauren Alameda-Reddell (fianc#233; Jason Wahlberg), Lindsay, Leann, Lani (Scott Almand) with 4 children Michelle, Lizzie, and twins Christian and Julian. His son Mike and Betty with their 3 daughters: Katie, Laura, and Meagan and her son Eugene, his first great grandson. Sister Carole (Jim Kilpatrick), niece Gayle, brother, David Roberts. Also considered a family member is James Reddell.
A celebration for Tom will be held on his 80th birthday, March 25 at 2:00 P.M. for all wishing to attend and a specific announcement will appear one week ahead of time in the Sentinel. Tom will be cremated and the spreading of his ashes will be on the Team O'Neill Sea Odyssey with his family and long time good friend Jack O'Neill attending.
Donations may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Cancer Center and/or Hospice.
"I've done everything I've wanted to do in my life, and then some." Tom Marketello

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IVANO SAYS (CONT'D): Addio Tom. Until we see you riding your motorcycle, across "Il Ultimo Ponte" where, once again, everyone is "...young and able, so glad to be alive."