Obituaries 9-22-16

Raymond Angelo Puccioni
Raymond Angelo Puccioni died peacefully at home in Cloverdale, on August 31, 2016. He was 85. Ray was born in Healdsburg and grew up on the family ranch in Mill Creek before moving into town with his family in 1942. After graduation from Healdsburg High School, he attended Santa Rosa Junior College and spent time playing catcher for the Prune Packers, Healdsburg’s former and current, semi-pro baseball team. Ray met his future wife, Marge, around Fitch Mountain along the Russian River. After spending time in the Army National Guard, they were married in 1957. He worked as a lineman for Pacific Telephone/PacBell for 39 years. He helped convert Healdsburg to direct dial service in the 50s, and was a central reason many rural areas around town had working phones after storms and other service interruptions. Ray was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who spent many years supporting his children and others as a cub scout master, boy scout and explorer leader, baseball coach, and water skiing teacher. He also loved hunting and fishing with his friends. Upon retiring, he found new hobbies in golf and travelling with his wife in their fifth wheel with friends new and old, including the Telephone Pioneers. His children will be forever thankful for an unmatched work ethic, provided opportunities, a lifetime of guidance, support, values, wisdom, unforgettable memories and his own brand of love. Ray is survived by his sister Eileen Nardi, brother Ron Puccioni, daughter Suzanne, sons John, Paul, Mike and Greg, grandchildren Angela, Mark, Megan, Rachelle and Tara, and great-grandchild Kea. He was preceded in death by his wife Marge, and parents Dorothy and John Puccioni. Services will be private and interment will be at Oak Mound Cemetery in Healdsburg. A celebration of Ray’s life will be held at the Wild Oak Saddle Club, located at 550 White Oak Dr. next to the polo field in the Oakmont development, in Santa Rosa on Sunday Oct. 9 between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. Donations may be made in Ray’s name to either Sutter Care at Home Hospice in Santa Rosa or Boy Scout Troop 21 of Healdsburg.
Alan Eugene Podesto
Born in Modesto on December 20, 1950, Alan died on August 8, 2016 after a very short illness. Alan is survived by his brother Donald and his two children, Brent and Justin Podesto. Alan was raised in Modesto, spent time in Marin County and found his real home in Cloverdale. As a young boy he pursued his passion and creativity through pottery, which led to his lifelong career. His laughter and smile will be greatly missed. A celebration of Alan’s life will be held at Ruth McGowan Brew Pub (Back Room) 2-5 p.m. on October 2.