Mariano "Mike" Dalla

Mariano "Mike" Dalla Born on Jun. 14, 1912 in Tacoma, WA, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sept. 30, 2007, in San Martin. Mike was 95 years old and lived a full and happy life. He served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy for 30 years. Mike began his military career June 8, 1934 on the USS Holland and retired October 1, 1965. Among his numerous awards and commendations were the World War II Victory Medal, the American Theater Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Area Victory Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the American Defense Medal and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon (1 star). Mike served in the submarine base at Pearl Harbor and earned a special commendation for "prompt, courageous and effective action in fighting fire on board USS Argonaut on September 13, 1941." He was part of the submarine crew responsible for sinking a large portion of the Japanese fleet off Midway Island near the end of World War II. After the war, he spent many years in Connecticut training new submariners. He earned a second retirement after working 20 years in construction as a member of the Carpenters Union. He enjoyed repairing old televisions, radios, refrigerators and other appliances for those less fortunate. He was an avid golfer who insisted on always pulling his own cart, even when playing his final round at age 94. He joins his beloved wife, Drusilla Dalla, who passed away last year, and an older sister, Jeanette Webster of Tacoma, who died earlier this year at age 96. He is survived by a younger brother, Angelo Dalla of San Jose, age 94; his four children and their spouses: Willow and Glenn Bunting of Santa Monica, Michael Dalla of Gustine, Frederick Dalla of Campbell, and Joey and Cindy Dalla of San Martin; ten grandchildren: Justin Secola, Philip Bunting and Michelle, Jeffrey, Christine, Michael, Robbie, Brian, Annette and Travis Dalla. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007 at OAK HILL FUNERAL HOME & MEMORIAL PARK, 300 Curtner Avenue, San Jose, CA.