Charles Ferrando

Charles Settimo Ferrando passed away quietly at his home, surrounded by his children and cat Olive at 6:58 pm, September 17, 2025. Thus, ending his long and progressive battle with Alzheimer's / Dementia. His kind nature and friendly community spirit will be missed by all who knew him. Chuck was 97 years old.

Charles (Chuck) was born at home via mid-wife in Daily City, California on May 4, 1928. He was the youngest of seven children and the last surviving sibling. His name was listed on his birth certificate as Settimo Ferrando, Settimo being the #7 in Italian. Chuck said the government did not recognize Settimo as a name, so he became Charles Settimo Ferrando. His letters and poetry to his wife, Jessie, in the early years were all signed Settimo.

Chuck was married at 18 to Leona and had 3 children, Dave, Dennis and Pam.

In 1955 Chuck and Jessie were married and had two children, Jean and Chuck. Their union lasting 34 years until her death in 1990. Following Jessies passing, Chuck and Lita Bothello had a loving relationship of more than 20 years until her passing in 2023. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents Antonio Ferrando and Maria Geocinta Siri who had immigrated to the Unites States from Genoa Italy in 1921. Chuck is survived by his 5 children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Chuck's profession was auto mechanic. In the early sixties he worked at a Shell station in South San Francisco, later he would work as a line mechanic for the Dodge Dealership in San Francisco. In 1964, he moved his family to San Jose, California. He went to work for Spartan Dodge on Stevens Creek Blvd through the seventies and eighties, becoming Stevens Creek Honda by the time he retired at the age of 70 in 1998. In May of 1969 they purchased their home on Casa Mia Drive where he would reside for over 56 years until his passing. Chuck had three hobbies, body building, automobile restoration and travel. Chuck began bodybuilding in his early thirties, and it continued into his eighties. When anyone asked what is your motivation, he would simply reply, "the fact you are asking me this question is why" and "clothes fit me well".

Chuck restored several cars, all to original specifications as best as he could. Cars included a 1969 MGB MG GT; 1964 Ford Falcon, 1964 Jaguar e-type; 1948 Cadilliac and a 1965 Jaguar e-type. All were restored via the phone and Yellow Pages, no computers. Chuck liked to travel, taking yearly ski trips with his family and trips to Mexico and cruises with his wife. Holidays were spent visiting family, Christmas Eve was spent with relatives each year. After the passing of his wife Jessie, Chuck began decorating the entire house for Christmas with the help of his partner Lita. He would invite all of the neighbors on Casa Mia Drive, friends from the gym and coffee pals from the local McDonald's. This became an annual event that ran for most of 20 years. Mr. Ferrando will be missed by many on Casa Mia Drive.