Mark R. Gonnella – Occidental Union Hotel’s co-owner

Mark R. Gonnella died at home in Occidental surrounded by his
family on March 10, 2007. He was 51.
Gonnella was a member of the large Occidental family that has
owned and operated the Union Hotel restaurant for several
generations. Gonella and his brother Daniel were the current lead
managers of the family business which also included two restaurants
in Santa Rosa. He died following a recent bout with cancer.
Gonnella was known and appreciated for his many contributions to
the Occidental community and local charitable activities, including
Bob Burke’s Kids.
He is survived by his wife Tracy T. Gonnella of Occidental and
children Francesca R. Gonnella and Theodore M. Gonnella; and
step-children Shane Christiansen and Morgan Christiansen, all of
Occidental.
He was the son of Lucille M. Gonnella and the late Daniel A.
“Mahoney” Gonnella and was the son-in-law of Vera Butisbauch of
Occidental.
He is also survived by his brothers of Michael Gonnella and his
wife Marie of Layton, UT. Daniel Gonnella and his wife Julane and
Frank Gonnella and his wife Barbara, and sister Mary Theresa
Gonnella, all of Occidental.
Gonnella was born, reared and educated in Occidental. He has
been associated with the family business for the past 40 years.
Gonnella was a member of the Bodega Harbour Golf and Men’s Club,
Druids Grove #94 of Occidental and the Sonoma County Farm
Bureau.
Funeral Services are scheduled for today (Thursday, March 15,
2007) at 10 a.m. at St. Philip Catholic Church, Occidental, where a
Funeral Mass will be celebrated. A Vigil Service was held
Wednesday, March 14 at the Church. Arrangements were by the Parent
Sorensen Mortuary of Sebastopol.
The family suggests contributions may be made to Memorial
Hospice, 821 Mendocino Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95401 in memory of Mark
R. Gonnella. Interment will be in the Druids Cemetery,
Occidental.