Gino Bava Obituary
Gino was born to the late Luigi and Gemma Bava in San Francisco on January 29, 1924. He grew up in the Mission District and graduated from Mission High School. There he played basketball and was known as "Buckets" Bava and made All City and was inducted into the Hall of Fame. He served in the Army Air Corps from 1942-1946.
After World War II he started his own soft drink distributorship, Bava Distributing. Shasta Beverages was his biggest seller, which helped make his business very successful. He served many supermarkets, restaurants and other accounts in San Francisco.
In 1948, he married his beloved (late) wife Doris Lorraine Bava. They resided in San Francisco until 1964 when they relocated to Millbrae to raise a family. Gino is survived by 3 daughters, Laurine (John) Prinvale, Charlene (Ed) Bava and Valerie (Randy) Gibbs and 4 grandchildren Michelle Prinvale, Michael (Charlene) Gibbs, Nicole (Tony) Contreras, Melissa (Erik) Meerjans and one great granddaughter, Maya Gibbs, who all lovingly referred to him as "Nonno".
Gino had a fabulous sense of humor and loved music, dancing and gathering with his friends at many of his social clubs including the Peninsula Italian American Social Club, Millbrae Lions Club, South San Francisco Elks Club, Burlingame Italian Catholic Federation and the Native Sons.
The family especially wishes to thank Gino's loving caregiver Norma for her outstanding care and support to both Gino and Doris throughout the years. She is part of the family. Additional thanks are also offered to the staff at Sutter Hospice for all their support.
Family and friends may visit on Friday, June 14, 2019 after 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the CHAPEL OF THE HIGHLANDS, El Camino Real at 194 Millwood Drive in Millbrae, with a Vigil Service beginning at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Saint Dunstan Catholic Church, 1133 Broadway in Millbrae. Committal will be at a later date at the Italian Cemetery in Colma.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or to a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Lou Sandrini
June 6, 2021
Gino was a great person and friend. We so miss him.
June 16, 2019
Charlene and Family. We are so sorry for your loss. Jim & Mary Cuneo
Cindy Silva
June 14, 2019
Gino was such a gentleman. I loved sitting with him at the Lions Club dinners. He was fun to be around. God Bless Gino.
June 14, 2019
My deepest condolences to your family for the loss of your love one. May your cherished memories created, brighten your days and help sustain you at this time. John 6:40 gives much comfort by looking forward to Jesus promise of seeing your love one again
Shelia
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Michael Vorperian
June 13, 2019
I always loved listening to my dad and Gino talking to each other from across the street. Once dad passed, Gino was always so kind and supportive to my mother. He was a man who understood that life is a gift and he lived his fully.
~Michael Vorperian
Sue Borghello
June 13, 2019
Gino was such a wonderful man who taught me how to dance.He would take me out to the dance floor at weddings, family gatherings and reunions. Gino showed me how a true gentleman teaches a woman to dance. I will miss you Gino. You are a true gentleman who will always hold a special place in my heart.
Lou Sandrini
June 12, 2019
Gino was a friend to all. His joy and spirit lifted everyone. He with many others is bringing a close to a generation of the likes we will never see again. We thank you Gino. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers always. May you dance again with Doris as you return home with our Lord. Blessing.
June 12, 2019
Geno was such a wonderful man , who taught me how to dance. He would take me out to the dance floor at weddings or reunions and show me how a true gentleman teaches a woman how to dance. I will miss you geno. You are a true gentleman who will always hold a special place in my heart .
Gary Borghello
June 12, 2019
Gino was one of the sweetest and kindest men I have knows. Always had a big smile and loved to have good conversation. I am sure he is dancing with Doris and all his Cousins. He will be missed!!!
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194 Millwood Drive, Millbrae, CA 94030
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