Alfred C. Buratto

At the age of 93, surrounded by his loved ones, Alfred "Alfie" Buratto died peacefully on October 4, 2010 of heart failure at Sonoma Valley Hospital. Al, a 65 year resident of Sonoma, was born in Powell River British Columbia on August 3, 1917 to Italian immigrants Clemente "Joseph" Buratto and his wife Mary (Sicco) Buratto. At the age of seven, Al moved with his family to Port Angeles, Washington where he lived uuntil graduating from high school. Al's childhood was defined by hard work, simple means, love of country and devotion to family. A true Italian American work ethic that he lived by and has passed down to his family. In 1936, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served until he was honorably discharged in 1945. He was the Chief Machinist Mate on the USS Childs during World War II and participated in five South Pacific invasions, including Iwo Jima and the transporting of General MacArthur to Leyte Island. After the war Al joined his father and sister in Sonoma, California where they worked as a family in a diner he opened known as "The Idle Hour". It was at the diner that he met his future bride, Francis Montini. Al and Francis were married in 1946, together they built a home, raised their children, and found joy watching their first born grandchildren grow. Al retired in 1979 after a successful career in sheet metal, and tending bar at local establishments on weekends. Alfie's hobbies included fishing, traveling, and cooking his many signature Italian dishes. Above all else Big Band music and golf were his favorites. For a short time Al and Francis lived on a golf course in Washington until Francis passed away in 1985. Al returned to his home in Sonoma in order to be close to his family and friends. In the years that followed, Al has enjoyed the companionship of Fran Brocco and her family. He considered the Brocco's to be an extension of his own family. Al was a member of the Petaluma Elks Lodge, a Native Son of the Golden West, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is survived by his son Joseph Buratto Sr. (Carrie); beloved grandchildren: AnneMarie Falbo (Tony) Windsor, Joseph Buratto Jr. (Stacy) Bakersfield, Tessa, Francesca, and Louis Buratto, Santa Rosa. His great grandchildren: Kyle, Kaleb, Willie Kole Buratto and Sidney Falbo. Mr. Buratto is also survived by his brother in law Chuck Hill and niece Gayle Amman (Cary) who he loved like a daughter, and her sons Cary and Luke. He also leaves behind longtime companion Fran Brocco, her children and grandchildren. Nephews Billy, Bobby and Freddy Montini; as well as cousins in British Columbia and Italy; dear friends Rick and Barbara Barker. Mr. Buratto was predeceased by his parents, his wife Francis Montini Buratto, sister Norma Buratto Hartman and sister Nita Hill. Services will be Saturday October 23rd at 1:00 p.m. at Duggan's Mission chapel, Sonoma. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to your favorite charity.