DONALD E. VANNI Donald E. Vanni, 78, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away surrounded by his family on June 2, 2013. Don was born in Arcata, California on December 9, 1934 to Angelo and Nida Vanni. Don graduated from Arcata High, class of 1952. He served in the U.S. Army in 1957 and was recalled for the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1961. Don was a life-long resident of Arcata and married the love of his life, Barbara Brady, on May 4, 1958. Together they raised two sons. He worked at Hammond Lumber Yard, co-owned Arcata Bowl for 30 years with his brother Fred, and worked at Rendezvous Music before retiring in 1997. Don was an active member of the Italian Catholic Federation, Swiss Club, Beau Pre Golf Club and St. Mary's Catholic Church. He loved going to Giants and 49er games, playing golf with Barbara and their many friends, and fishing with Tom Circe. His greatest joy was being Papa to his special girls, Kimberly and Kaylee. Friends and family will miss his unique laugh, sharp wit and booming singing voice in church. He was preceded in death by his parents Angelo and Nida Vanni, his sister Linda Vanni Shor, and his nephew Chris Fauerbach. Don is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara, and his loving children: son Mark and fianc‚e Patricia Souza of San Leandro, son Michael and wife Christina and his granddaughters Kimberly and Kaylee, all of Santa Rosa. He is survived by his brother Fred and wife Sally of Arcata and their sons Dave and Dean, his sister Donna Fauerbach and husband Sid of Eureka and their daughters Stephanie and Jennifer. He is survived by his brother-in-law Jim Brady, wife Mary and their children Barbara and Matthew and sister-in-law Peggy Kirkpatrick, husband Bob and their sons Craig, Kevin and Kenny. He is survived by his aunt Lena Dal Porto, cousin Mike Dal Porto and wife Joan and cousin Diana Bridges. He also leaves extensive family in Italy and many cousins and special friends locally. A memorial mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Arcata June 15, 2013 at 12pm. Reception to follow at St. Mary's Levy Hall. The family wishes to extend special thanks to Father Gerry Gormley, Terri Dal Porto, Dr. Shahram Abbassi, Dr. Mahan, Dr. Suryadevara, Kate Vogelsang, N.P., Dr. Ploss, UCSF and their staff, also Scotty, Mac, Ernie, Karen and staff of Hospice of Humboldt. Barbara would also like to thank the many friends and family members who supported them with their visits, phone calls and meals. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church 1690 Janes Rd. Arcata, California 95521 or Hospice of Humboldt 2010 Myrtle Ave. Eureka, California 95501. Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com, click on obits.
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Published in Eureka Times-Standard from June 9 to June 13, 2013
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