Attilio “Til” Pezzatti – Master craftsman

After lengthy illnesses, Attilio “Til” Pezzatti passed away,
Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008 (just shy of his 97th birthday), with his
wife and daughter at his side. During the last years of his life,
he managed his illnesses with grace and dignity and amazed everyone
around him with his “never give up” attitude.
Til will be remembered as a loving and devoted family man and a
master craftsman by his co-workers, family and friends. He enjoyed
building and fixing just about anything. He loved fishing with his
grandchildren/great-grandchildren, watching all sports, bowling,
traveling, gardening and sharing many stories about “the old days”.
In his free time, cherished memories were made with family and
friends at his Sierra cabin.
Til was born in Ivrea, Italy on Jan. 31, 1911. After the death
of his mother, at nine months of age, he immigrated to America with
his father, grandmother and grandfather through Ellis Island, New
York. The day his ship arrived at Ellis Island is the same day the
“Titanic” sank in the Atlantic. Til was very proud of his American
citizenship, but never forgot his roots from Italy, traveling there
with his wife to seek and find more family members.
At 18 years of age, Til began his lifelong career as a custom
furniture craftsman, literally starting from the ground up (by
sweeping tacks off the floor). For the next 50 years, he worked for
Dependable Furniture Manufacturing Company in San Francisco,
eventually becoming one of the co-owners. Occasionally, Til taught
furniture/upholstery classes and mentored many future craftsman. He
was a 55 year member of the Island City Masonic Lodge #215,
Alameda, Ca.
Til was preceded in death by his parents Maggiorino and Maria
Pezzatti and his sister Mary Slavazza. He is survived by his
beloved wife of more than 74 years Olivia (Ghiggeri) Pezzatti (“the
girl next door”). He is also survived by his loving daughter
Beverly Johnson and her husband Jim of Santa Rosa, CA; grandson
Michael Johnson and his wife Joan of Chandler, AZ; granddaughter
Kari Branigin and her fiancé Everett “Bud” Bruner of Windsor, CA;
great-grandchildren Ryan and Jena Johnson of Santa Rosa, CA;
Andrew, Haley and Danielle Branigin of Windsor, CA; and many
nieces, nephews, extended family and special friends.
Til will be dearly missed, but “not forgotten” by all that knew
him. “Poppie, so long for now, ‘til we meet again, WE love
you!”
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Dr.
Lawrence Williamson, Dr. Patrick Devlin, Dr. Jerome Chin, Dr. Ian
Anderson, Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital and numerous medical staff
for the professional care and support given during the past seven
years.
Family and friends were invited to attend the following services
on Monday, Jan. 28, 2008, at Santa Rosa Memorial Park Chapel, 1900
Franklin Ave., Santa Rosa: viewing from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.;
Masonic service immediately following at 11:30 a.m. Pastor Tim
Maloney officiating. Interment at Santa Rosa Memorial Park. In lieu
of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinsons
Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018
or Shriners Hospitals for Children-Northern California, 2425
Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817.