Frank Francesco Roselli

1934 - 2023

Frank Francesco Roselli
July 25, 1934 - April 6, 2023
Frank Roselli was called to be with God and passed away peacefully on April 6, 2023. Frank lived an amazing and storied life that started with humble beginnings as the son of farmers in Italy then saw him emigrate to America where he became a famous chemist.
Frank "Francesco" was born in the summer of 1934 in Colombara, a small suburb of the village of Frontone in Le Marche region of central Italy. As a boy he worked in the nearby fields of San Savino with his parents Iolanda and Arduino Roselli. Frank went to college at the prestigious Instituto Technico Industriale Montani in Fermo, Italy and studied Chemistry. He worked initially in Italy, then later for some major chemical companies in America.
Though living in the United States, Frank always remained connected to his Italian roots and attended many Italian picnics and dances that were part of a strong Italian-American culture in California at the time. It was at one of these picnics that Frank would meet his soul mate and love of his life, Aurora Pialorsi. They married in 1959, honeymooned in Mexico City - then would travel the world side by side for the next 64 years!
Frank, Aurora and their daughter Pia lived in Redwood City for many years. Frank's career as a Chemist continued to thrive with a number of his chemical compounds earning US patents at prestigious companies like Diamond Shamrock and Koppers Chemical. Frank developed a reputation as the "godfather" of chemical polymers. As Frank was nearing retirement age, he had a second career as a sought after chemical consultant for new start up companies that were eager to design applications for his various compounds, and wanted to leverage Frank's expertise. One of these companies had Frank involved in the building of the new San Francisco Bay Bridge.
Frank & Aurora moved to Napa Valley where they found a beautiful spot with a view that reminded him of the hills of San Savino, Italy where he roamed as a boy and could not resist this new opportunity. It also came with land to plant a vineyard, which aligned with one of his favorite hobbies as a home winemaker. Together they designed a beautiful Mediterranean style house overlooking the vineyards. The new home was donned "Villa San Savino" in honor of his parents and his life back home in Italy. They lived in Yountville, CA for 30 years, before moving to Pleasanton to be closer to family.
Frank was a proud member of many Italian-American clubs including the Leonardo DaVinci Society, Museo Italo-Americano, Pacific Musical Society, Cenacolo, and the Italian Catholic Federation.
Frank lived a long, full, and beautiful life. His strong faith in God and love for his family was always his trusty guide. He will be forever missed and never forgotten by his family and many friends. We are all grateful to have had him in our lives for so long.
Frank is survived by his wife of 64 years, Aurora Roselli. His daughter Pia Roselli Murphy, his son in law Don Murphy and his two loving granddaughters Molly and Penny Murphy.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents Iolanda & Arduino Roselli, brother Natalino.
Funeral Mass - Saturday April 22nd, 11:00 AM St. Augustine Catholic Church,
3999 Bernal Ave. Pleasanton CA 94588
Interment- Monday April 24th - 11:00 AM Italian Catholic Cemetery
540 F St. Colma CA 94014
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Frank Roselli Educational Scholarship Fund. Information can be found at:
www.sansavinovineyards.com