Stephen Gazzera Jr.

Stephen Gazzera, Jr.
July 16, 1928-January 24, 2013
Resident of Los Altos
Our father was born on July 16, 1928 in San Francisco, CA to Stefano and Maria Gazzera. He went to be with our Lord on Thursday, January 24, 2013 with his family and friends at his side. He is survived by his children Stephen III (Susan), Michael (Tonya), and Nicole (Rick), his loving wife Pat, and his grandchildren Joseph, Taylor, Benjamin, Elise and Micaela. His beloved wife Peggy, mother of his children, preceded him in death in 1997. In 2004, he married his wife Patricia and they shared many years of joy and laughter.
He was such a loving father, so generous and caring to his family. We could not have asked for more from a father. He was our hero and we will miss him very much. For his family and friends, there was no greater example of love, warmth, loyalty, generosity, and devotion.
Steve attended Saint Joan of Arc grade school and St. Ignatius High in San Francisco. He and his parents owned and operated the Monte Carlo Caf#233; restaurant in what was then known as the Butcher Town district of San Francisco. After high school he and his parents moved to Mountain View. Steve went on to attend Santa Clara University and became the outstanding graduate of his Law School class of 1952.
After law school, Steve served with honors as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in Korea from 1952 to 1954. Upon return to California, he started his law practice in Mountain View and continued his practice up to the Friday before his death. Early in his career he also owned and operated Maison de le Liqueur in Mountain View and the El Dorado Caf#233;, the first high class cocktail lounge on Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino. He was a proud attorney and businessman, much loved and respected by his clients and associates. He loved travel and was an avid hunter and fisherman. No one could organize hunting trips like our Dad. They were legendary.
Steve had many friends from diverse backgrounds who loved and trusted him. Many saw him as a mentor. Our Dad loved to entertain friends and family. It was a great joy for him to "break bread" with those he loved. He was a master story teller. With every story he told, he had his audience on the edge of their seats in suspense, or roaring with laughter. He will be greatly missed.
We would like to thank his friends and family that were with him in his final days. Your presence meant the world to him and us. We would like to offer sincere thanks for the courtesy and professionalism of the medical staff at El Camino Hospital.
Friends are invited to attend a Vigil service on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at 7:30 PM at the Los Altos Chapel of Spangler Mortuaries, 399 So. San Antonio Road, Los Altos and a Mass of Christian Burial, Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 10:00 AM at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 473 Lincoln Ave., Los Altos.