Peter John Pacini Sr.

04/22/1928 - 03/04/2015

Peter John Pacini, Sr. (Pete) passed away at home on Wednesday, March 4, with his loving wife at his side. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, with a rosary preceding at 9:30 a.m. Pete's youngest son, Rev. Peter J. Pacini, CSC will officiate. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, River Blvd.
Pete was born on April 22, 1928, to Albert and Eda M. Pacini in Bakersfield, California. He attended local schools and lived in Bakersfield all his life. He met his future wife, Rosemary, on a blind date in January of l954. They were married on June 25, 1955.
After working at the family grocery story, Pete joined his mother in opening Pacini's Liquors in 1948. Over the years, many of his customers became good friends, and the store served as a popular rendezvous for "keeping in touch" and for impromptu visits of friends passing through town. Pete sold the business and retired in 1988.
During his younger years, Pete enjoyed fishing, as well as dove and quail hunting. He was an active member of the Kern County Fish and Game Association. During retirement, he filled various roles as needed for the Friends of the Kern County Library, making sign stands, setting up for book sales, and picking up book and magazine donations. As a skilled handyman, he kept busy at home and was always ready to help a friend or neighbor in need of assistance.
After retiring, Pete and his wife traveled widely. They drove throughout the eastern and western parts of the United States and toured Alaska, Canada, various countries in Western and Eastern Europe, South America, New Zealand and Australia, Egypt and China. Pete's favorite country to visit was Italy, especially the Tuscany region, the home of his parents. Later excursions were limited to trips in California and Arizona with his grandchildren.
Pete's eldest son, Ralph, preceded him in death in 1979. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Rosemary; son Kenneth and grandchildren Dominick and Sofia of Gilbert, AZ; and son Rev. Peter J. Pacini, CSC of South Bend, IN. Extended family include first cousins: Lorraine Panelli and Albert Pacini of Bakersfield, John Green of Santa Barbara, and Joseph Green of El Cajon, CA; and numerous second cousins.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Francis Youth Center or to St. Adalbert Catholic School, 2505 W. Grace St., South Bend, IN 46619.
Doughty-Calhoun-O'Meara Funeral Directors