Pietro Masnada

Pietro Masnada

89, of San Francisco, passed away on November 7, 2013.

Pietro was born on August 27, 1924, to Dante Masnada and Angela Carminati in the village of Selino Alto (Bergamo) Italy. The second oldest of 10 children, Pietro learned from an early age how to work hard, to appreciate the opportunities that each day presented, and to find the silver lining in life's challenges, big or small. His father taught him carpentry and construction skills that he used throughout his life.

Pietro was an Alpino, a mountain infantryman of the Italian Army. At age 19, when given the choice to either fight with the Germans in WWII or go to a prisoner of war camp, he chose the latter. Following his liberation by the American army two years later, he returned to work at his father's construction business and then further honed his hands-on skills in the concrete stairs and archway business in Switzerland. After a long distance courtship, Pietro married Giovanna Locatelli and immigrated to the United States in 1952. He began working for V. Fontana & Co. of Colma, California in 1953, learned the stonecutting trade, and remained a dedicated, reliable and trustworthy employee for over 50 years. Evidence of his skill and artistry as a master stonecutter is visible throughout the Bay Area-he literally left his mark in stone.

Pietro never forgot his native Italy as he was the only one of his family to have emigrated. He worked diligently and saved over the years to bring his wife, children and grandchildren back to his home country, so they too could appreciate his love and pride of family and heritage. He was very attached to his family home, Roccolo, or the "bird's nest" due to its location along a ridgeline overlooking the beautiful Valle Imagna. It was the Masnada family's home away from home during those visits to Italy.

Pietro was known for his incredible memory and reveled in reminiscing of "tempi passati" (days past) over a "bicchiere di vino" (glass of wine) with family and friends. He also enjoyed woodworking, grappa making and attending Alpini social events both locally and in Italy.

Pietro is survived by his wife of 61 years, Giovanna. He is also survived by three children: Dante Masnada (Carol) of Valencia, Loretta Masnada (Ronald McCombs) of Concord, and Anne Assereto (Gino) of Pacifica. He will be incredibly missed by his five grandchildren: James Noble Jr., Anthony Noble, Nicole Masnada, Daniel Masnada, and Kiara Assereto. He was a devoted husband and a proud and loving father and grandfather. He was preceded in death by siblings, Luigi, Bernardo, Battista, Mari and Rachele, and is survived by siblings, Iolanda, Anna, Eva, and Dino and numerous nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to the celebration of the Funeral Mass Friday, November 15, 2013, 11:00am at Church of the Epiphany, San Francisco.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Good Shepherd School of Pacifica, California, where his granddaughter, Kiara, attends grade school.