Search by Name

Search by Name

BORN

1919

DIED

2018

Angelo Taverna Obituary

Angelo D. Taverna

Oct 5, 1919 - Jun 5, 2018

San Francisco lost a loyal brother last week. Angelo D. Taverna passed in his home, Tuesday, June 5 at 98 years young.

Survived by his nieces and nephews Lisa and Orlando Cavallaro, Pari Rossi, Cindy Begemann, Jim Rossi, Bill Rossi, Stacey Hilton and the hundreds of other family and friends he has loved spanning coast to coast.

Born October 5, 1919 in Rome, NY, a son of Italian immigrants who came to the US through Ellis Island with the dream of a new life. Angelo was the last remaining of 12 siblings, and the last to hold the key to the Taverna family history.

They were a family of entrepreneurs. First, the family bakery in Rome, NY, each child working and learning how to earn a day's wage to provide for their family. Later, many of the siblings went on to architecture, hairdressing, or construction businesses; but Angelo found his niche as a florist after serving in the US Navy on a ship transport where he worked as a machinist. To earn a couple of extra dollars he would provide tailoring for many Navy personnel. He was involved in 4 naval landings in the Pacific against occupied Japanese Islands.

Angelo arrived in SF over 60 years ago, fell in love with the city and never left. And throughout his years living in this beautiful city, he has cemented his memory and has impacted countless lives.

Angelo opened Balboa St. Florists in San Francisco and became a staple in any major event going on during that time. He was a successful business owner and operator until he retired in 1982.

Angelo was a self-educated scholar in academia and in life. While traveling the globe a couple times over he, continued to attend classes at USF at the Fromm Institute of Lifelong Learning until well into his 90's, giving his historical perspective to our future generations.

Angelo was private a "politician" and a renowned humanitarian as noted by his tenure at the Kiwanis Club and his presidency for many years, and was a lifelong member of the American Legion. In addition, he supported countless other organizations throughout his lifetime.

Angelo was a lover of beauty; from his commitment and love of the SF Symphony and Opera to decorating his Victorian home in local artistry and worldly artifacts. He was a self trained woodworker, artist and chef and embodied creativity and love in every aspect of his life.

And he was incredible dancer. His dance card was always full on the hundreds of cruises he made around the world.

Most of all, family was Angelo's priority. Never having children of his own, he became a father figure to those that lost their own at a young age. He became a teacher, mentor, and confidant and never a negative word was spoken about another. The sacrifice, the generosity and the love he gifted them will forever remain in his legacy.

Angelo's family would like pay a special thanks to some very important people in Angelo's life: Carlos Rosales, Javier Jiminez, Cecilia Ibarra, Bob Carrigan and all the guys who met regularly at Bambino's on Tuesday night.

In keeping with Angelo's wishes, private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Any donations you wish to make can be made to the American Heart Association, the Fromm Institute for Lifelong Learning or the Kiwanis.

The world lost the most dynamic and amazing man, but we all know he is, most likely, dancing in the clouds and "saluding" his family that he has been missing for so long.

"Until we sit at the dinner table with you again. You may be gone, but you will never, ever be forgotten. Love you forever."

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jun. 11 to Jun. 12, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Angelo Taverna

Not sure what to say?





Matthew Miller

October 5, 2018

Angelo was my first employer at The Balboa St. Florist in SF. When I was 11 years old my mother took me around the corner to Angelo's flower shop and left me to work there, as they had agreed. I worked at TBF off and on through Junior High School and High School and college until age 21. I became an accomplished florist under Angelo's tutoring. I even solely operated the business on Sundays, Angelo's only day off.
Upon my graduation from college with degrees in nuclear physics and mathematics, Angelo, who was like a second father to me, offered to open a second flower shop, and make me a partner, at a very generous salary for that time. I told him I appreciated the offer, but I wanted to follow my desire to be part of the space program movement at that time, and I accepted a position of Associate Scientist with The Lockheed Palo Alto Research Labs. The year was 1962.
It took me many years in science before I attained that starting salary Angelo had offered me, and to this day I often wonder if I made the right decision. However, I never forgot all the things that Angelo taught me about the florist business and life in general. We were lucky to have Angelo in our lives for as long as we did.
God Bless you Angelo, and may your soul rest in peace with all those beautiful flower arrangements I'm sure you are still making.
Matt Miller

Shirley Alonge

August 2, 2018

From Shirley Taverna Alonge, Sally Taverna Cohrt, Arlene Taverna Cook, and extended family members.
We are saddened to learn the news of Uncle Angelo's passing. We have many fond memories of his kindness and generosity.
Shirley and John Alonge enjoyed their visits to San Francisco. He was such a gracious host.
One of Shirley's fondest memory is when Angelo accompanied her to her High School Senior Dance
in 1948. We will forever keep him in our thoughts.

Betty Blersch

June 29, 2018

I had the pleasure of spending time with Angelo at many events or dinners. He was such an inspiration to me as I get older. He made the most of every day and faced the future with style and grace. He is forever in my heart.

Pamela Piccinini

June 13, 2018

Angelo was a kind, darling bon vivant and a true gentleman. He was a dear friend and I will always remember his sweet smile. May he rest in peace.

June 12, 2018

My condolences to the family. It was such a pleasure and honor to know this remarkable, lovable man! Angelo's lively mind, wonderful sense of humor, and willingness to participate made him the best of company. He was humble, affectionate and respectful. It was great fun going to the symphony with him and Bob and Elizabeth... there was always a twinkle in Angelo's eye!

Mary Rudden

American Heart Association

June 11, 2018

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results

Make a Donation
in Angelo Taverna's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Angelo Taverna

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Angelo's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Angelo Taverna's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more