Aldo Gino Antongiovanni

Aldo Gino Antongiovanni 1926 - 2013 Aldo was peacefully brought home to Heaven November 29, 2013. He was 85. Aldo was a beloved husband for 63 years, a devoted father and an adored grandfather and friend. Aldo will be remembered as extremely compassionate with a generous heart. For much of his life, Aldo was busy managing the family farm that his son and grandson now operate. Aldo understood that if he cared for the soil, it would last - and yield - for generations. Aldo fostered growth in the land he farmed and elsewhere. Aldo also affectionately raised three children. Later, he spoiled grandchildren with rides on the four-wheeler and sweets from the candy drawer. Aldo cared deeply for and nurtured numerous animals throughout his life. He fed baby animals with a bottle. He faithfully mixed and filled sugar water into feeders for hummingbirds. He recently adopted a stray cat and named him Sylvester. He loved more dogs to their final days than we can count - Brandy being the last, who left Aldo not long before Aldo left us. Shortly before his passing, Aldo asked who would feed the animals left at the ranch. His tenderness toward animals was heart-wrenchingly beautiful. Aldo's olive-hued skin told the story of his Italian roots, of which he was so proud. In true Italian fashion, Aldo spoke and sang with his hands - from comical bickering around the table to classic Italian music in the car. Aldo's grandchildren affectionately called him "Nonno" as a nod to this heritage. He loved traveling to Italy and did so many times throughout his life, often visiting the town where his ancestors originatedâ€"Tassignano. Aldo will be remembered by his food. He kneaded dough and sliced salami. He stirred sauces and cooked meat. Aldo and Edna were an excellent aproned team in the kitchen. Whether it was Luigi's pasta, Wool Grower's soup, or Dewar's ice cream, Aldo loved to eat local in every sense of the word. His family and friends will visit these places with warm memories of Aldo and his penchant for good food. Aldo was also a closet master baker. He baked dozens upon dozens of exquisite Italian cookies to share with friends and family at Christmas. The smell of biscotti and chess pies will forever remind us of his ability to bring people together with laughter in the kitchen. His family promises to carry on this holiday tradition, which began with our daddy, Nonno, and friend. Aldo will be dearly missed by his children, Larry Antongiovanni and Debbie Camp (and her husband Don Camp, Jr.). He was predeceased by his son, David Antongiovanni. Aldo will also be deeply missed by five grandchildren: Beau Antongiovanni (and his wife Maggie), Anna Smith (and her husband Robert), Aimee Antongiovanni, Laura Camp, and Max Camp and three great-grandchildren with a fourth on the way. Aldo is also survived by nephews Bill Antongiovanni and Tom Franceschi, nieces Janice Rimmer and Pat Jackson. Aldo's wife, Edna Antongiovanni, predeceased him. Aldo called out for Edna many times in his final days. His family finds comfort in knowing that Aldo and Edna are now reunited once again. Aldo's family would like to thank Wilma and Ernie Edra and staff at The Trinity Care Home, Tim Kounter at Interim HealthCare, and the staff at Hoffman Hospice for helping make his final days so full of peace and comfort. Aldo was thankful for and deeply connected to his church family at New Life Fellowship up until his passing. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 22 at Aldo's home church, New Life Fellowship, 200 West First Street in Buttonwillow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial donations be made to New Life Fellowship of Buttonwillow. Doughty-Calhoun-O'Meara www.bakersfield.com/obits