Obituaries 8/4/16

Richard Cummins
Longtime Cloverdale resident Richard Cummins, age 68, died on July 30 after suffering a massive stroke which left him incapacitated for several weeks before his demise. Richard was born in Stockton and lived his early years primarily in Oroville. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of California, Davis. He married his college sweetheart, Sue Cummins, and they spent 47 wonderful years together. For Rick, the most important relationships in his life centered on his family, and his strong love for his son Brett and his daughter Danica was evident to any who knew him well. In recent years, that love extended to his daughter-in-law Catherine, his grandson Luca, and his son-in-law Greg Norton. Rick worked for the Cloverdale Unified School District for 35 years, most of which were spent as the district’s school bus supervisor. He took great pleasure in his relationships with the children he drove on a daily basis and he was beloved by them in return. Rick was a person who looked after the welfare of others. This was the most important aspect of his personality. Since his retirement in 2005, furthermore, Rick continued his caring ways through what became, to him, his new family. He joined the Cloverdale Kiwanis Club and made lasting friendships with others who are trying to make the world a better place for all.
Besides the immediate family already mentioned, Richard is survived by a host of people who love him. These include Rick’s brother, Rodney Cummins, who was by his side at his death. Rick’s other siblings, all of whom were cherished by him, are Deann Swan, Dawn Huff and Tina Arnoff. Rodney’s wife, Kelly Cummins, was also particularly close to Rick and his family. His nieces and nephews, including Erin and Jared Williams and Tyler and Scott Cummins, all loved him as well. Additionally, Rick and his grandson Luca had a very close, special relationship.
A memorial service will be held for Richard at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 6, at the East Gym/Cafeteria of Cloverdale High School at 509 N. Cloverdale Blvd. in Cloverdale, California. The service will be a celebration of Rick’s life. Anyone who wishes to prepare a few words to say about Rick is welcome to speak. Rick’s body has been cremated, and his family plans to spread his ashes in the hills of his beloved Sierra Nevada Mountains, near his favorite campsite. Rick’s phenomenal love of children has spurred his family to request that attendees give donations to the Children’s Miracle Network in lieu of flowers, and specifically to the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in Oakland, which Rick visited several times in his support of projects done by the Cloverdale Key Club. Donations can be made in one of three ways. An account has been set up at the Chase Bank in Cloverdale. A “GoFundMe” account has been established for online donations. Donations will also be collected at the memorial.
Alba G. Saccomano
Alba G. Saccomano died on July 26, 2016. She was 82 years old. Alba was born on March 8, 1934 in the small town of Villanova (Vilegnove) del San Daniele in the northeast corner of Italy. Alba was the youngest of three children born to Angelo and Angela Maria Zolli. The first 18 years of Alba’s life were spent growing up, working and dreaming in Italy, as well as surviving WWII. Alba remembered telling her favorite aunt that one day she was going to America. That was just the first of many dreams that came true during her life. On March 29, 1952, she married Lodovico (Ludwig) who was living in Geyserville on his family’s ranch. Alba made this long journey by herself, leaving her country and family to start a new life, but later admitted it was well worth it. Faced with the challenge of learning English, she studied hard and became a U.S. citizen within a short time. She was extremely proud of being a U.S. citizen. Together Alba and Ludwig built their own home in Geyserville, where they lived for 50 years. The next proud moment came in 1957 when her son Paul was born. Alba enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, and cooking – her favorite. Alba’s passion for cooking was enjoyed by many, whether it was served at home or work. Alba worked as a pastry chef at Chateau Souverain, where she was known as the “Madonna of the Kitchen.” After retiring from Chateau Souverain, she took several trips back to Italy, the last trip in 1997, and in general enjoyed life after work.
According to her family, Alba was an amazing woman, a wonderful wife and mother and a kind, good, loving, honest, helpful, beautiful, religious person to all. She will be missed by many. Alba is proceeded in death by her husband Ludwig, and is survived by her son Paul, her nephew David and his beautiful wife Lynn, and her nieces Lauren and Brittany (Zac). Alba loved being Lauren and Brittany’s Zia. This is also true for anyone who knew her as Zia or Mamma.
The family offers a special thank you to the following: Peggy O., Debbie and Barbara, Bryce M., Pat and Gail P., Vilma N., Dr. Carlos Garcia (Kaiser), the residence and staff at Golden Living London House Sonoma (especially Christina, Pedro, Bambi, Barbara, Ann, Cherly, Berit and Jack), and the staff at Hospice of the Bay.
Grazie a Alba, Anna, Ivano, Melva, e Marilena e tutti La Famiglia Zolli, Tutti La Famiglia de Saccomano, Bruno e Rosanna Londero e famiglia, Neda P. e famiglia Pischiutta.
Her service was held on Monday, August 1 at 10 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Healdsburg. Entombment took place at Oak Mound Cemetery, Healdsburg following the mass. Contributions can be made to Saint John’s Church as well as a favorite charity in Alba’s name.