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Donald Vanni Obituary

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.

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

Published by Times-Standard from Jun. 9 to Jun. 13, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Vanni

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vera shumard

June 3, 2021

Don was one of the good guys.
Friendly but firm . He was always good to our family but I am sure Jimmy, Danny and a few others gave him some grey hair. We the Shumards miss Don and all the other guys at Arcata Bowl. So soon the good people and the fun places disappear from our lives and we must go on..someday to join them again..Don you are missed. Barbara and family you are in my thoughts. I know since Jimmy has passed how hard it is. God bless you Barbara and your family.

Ed Guy

June 17, 2013

Our deepest condolences to your family.

The Ed Guy Family

June 15, 2013

Barb & Family,
Our sincere condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. I often refelect on our close working relationship over those years and the many laughing moments we shared then. Hoping that you find comfort in knowing that his loss is felt by his many friends and aquantences.

In sympathy,
Sal & Gloria Cira

Frank Gruhn

June 14, 2013

Barbara, My thoughts and prayers are for you and your family. Don was a great guy!

Vern & Ruth Schieberl Villier

June 14, 2013

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Dick Messer

June 14, 2013

My sincere condolences to Don Vanni's family. Personality guy! That infectious laugh could get you smiling.

June 13, 2013

Barbara our condolences, God Bless you and your family. Jim and Sandy Taylor.

Don Rassbach

June 13, 2013

I was saddened to here of Don,s passing. He was a special person and will be remembered by many. My heartfelt prayrs go out to Barbra and the Vanni family.

Don Rassbach

Gail Enright Marvin

June 13, 2013

Sending thoughts and prayers to friends and family.

Shellie Dortch

June 13, 2013

My sympathy to Barbara and the Vanni Families.

Carol Combs

June 13, 2013

Our thoughts are with you the Vanni family.Love Mike and Carol Combs

Gary Taylor

June 13, 2013

Deepest Sympathy and Prayers. Memories of Don as we attended Arcata High School.

al deniz

June 12, 2013

JUNE 12 2013
BARB SO SORRY TO HEAR OF DON'S PASSING. WE HAVE BEEN FAR APART FOR MANY YEARS,BUT HE WAS A VERY SPECIAL PERSON TO ME, AND WE KEPT IN TOUCH WITH EACH OTHER. WE WENT TO SCHOOL AT ORANGE COAST JR COLLEGE AND ROOMED TOGETHER FOR A WHOLE YEAR. I DID SPENT A GREAT DEAL OF TIME WITH HIM WHEN I LIVED IN ARCATA. I WILL ALWAYS HAVE THOUGHTS OF HIM AND I COACHING THE GREAT LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM WE HAD AT THE ARCATA BALLPARK
ARE THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

AL @ LOUISE DENIZ

Wendy Madsen

June 12, 2013

Barbara, My most sincere sympathy to you and your family. Don was a very special man and will be missed. I just loved working with both of you. Much love,
Wendy Madsen

Erin Rettke

June 11, 2013

So sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Bill and Dolores Rogers

June 11, 2013

So very sad to hear of Don's passing.
He was one of my favorite people. Will never forget that smile and that wonderful laugh.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family, Barb.

June 11, 2013

SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS PRAY'S ARE WITH YOU
GARY AND DONNA FILIPPE

Kevin, Lisa, Lauren, and Julianna Kirkpatrick

June 11, 2013

Our sincerest sympathies go out to the many family and friends of Don Vanni. We are especially mindful of Don's tremendous family: his wife, Barbara, his sons Michael and Mark, his sister-in-law Peggy, and of course his exceptional granddaughters. He will be remembered and missed for his terrific sense of humor, friendly, caring nature, and a zest for life itself. Thank you, Vanni Family for touching us with your lovely spirit.

John & Mary Avila

June 10, 2013

We send our deepest sympathy to you Barbara & your family. We will miss Don so much with his laughter, & dedication to St. Mary's & fun living life. We know God will Bless him with eternal happiness. May God look over & Bless you & your family also Barbara

June 10, 2013

Were not sure how to express our thoughts right now other than we both loved Don and Barb as part of our family. Our thoughts and Prayers go out to you and the rest of the family Barb
Tom and Dorothy Circe

Kimberly (Kelly) Hicks

June 10, 2013

Barbara, I'm so sorry for your loss. I sure will miss teasing and being teased by Don. He sure was a special guy and I always looked forward to seeing him at family gatherings. He would always come outside and tease me when I was washing my car, I'll never forget that. I'll miss him so much. I'm thankful to call him a cousin, neighbor and friend. Sending love to you!

June 10, 2013

jimmy and I were so sad to hear of Don s passing. Barbara and family our prayers are with you. Jimmy has a lot of fond memories and Don will be missed by many.











BARBARA AND FAMILY, OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. DON WILL BE MISSED BY MANY AND REMEMBERED BY MANY. GOD BE WITH YOU. JIMMY AND VERA SHUMARD

Penny Wolfsohn/ And family

June 9, 2013

My sincerest sympathies go out to you Barbara and family; may you have peace.
With Love,

Dean and Robin Vanni

June 9, 2013

Uncle Don was witty and warm, with a gentle heart. He gave much in his life and will be greatly missed by all of us. It is a given that his parents Nida and Angelo, as well as his sister Linda and others who have gone before him, will be welcoming him to the Kingdom of Heaven with loving arms.

Bill Pittman

June 9, 2013

So many great memories of our days as kids playing ball at Arcata Ballpark under the watchful and kind eye of Mr. Papini. Don was a long time friend and I will miss him. Throw it hard and straight and nail'em at second Don. My prayers go out to his entire family.

Mary Paradise

June 9, 2013

My deepest condolences to you, Mrs Vanni, Mark, Mike & family,
My thoughts & prayers are with you all at this difficult time of your loss.

Ted & Monica Heistuman

June 9, 2013

Our sincere condolences to Barbara and the family. We missed Dons laugh on the golf course when we moved. You always knew when he was around. We are very sad for you Barb.

Nancy

June 9, 2013

Peace and light to the entire Vanni family.

Winston and Bonnie Kavanaugh

June 9, 2013

Our sincere condolences, Donna and Sid.

June 9, 2013

You are missed. The occasional joy that was your radiance you took with you when you left. I am a cradle Catholic, and subscribe to the Canon of the Catholic Church. I know in my heart the will of Jesus be done, both now, and forever. I find this clip exciting and peace-giving at the same time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW2TLZLYgm4

I pray that God warms and comforts you in this final reward.

Fred

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