Walter A. Picchi

On the afternoon of August 4, 2025, Walter Picchi, aged 98, left us to be with the Lord.

He was born to Attilio Picchi and Erminia Maffei Picchi on the 7th of August 1926 at home in Sonoma, California.

Walter was a fourth generation member of a pioneer family. His great grandparents, Francisco and Carolina Nichelini settled in Sonoma Valley in the 1870's.

His mother was born in Sonoma and his father was born in Lucca, Italy and came to Sonoma in 1902. His parents owned the Sonoma Fruit Market until 1945.

Walter was educated at Sonoma Grammar School which is now the Sonoma Community Center and Sonoma Valley Union High School.

After graduating from high school in 1944 he enlisted in the Navy and worked as an electrician on a LST Ship during World War II. Walter served from July 1944 until May 1946. Walter was very proud to have served his country during the war.

Walter moved away from Sonoma after returning from the war to pursue a career with Pacific Telephone. While working at Pacific Telephone he met Patt Whaley the daughter of his boss. Walter and Patt were married in 1956 until her death in 2000.

After retiring from AT&T Walter went back to school and became a travel agent. He and Patt loved to travel all over the world. They loved to share their trips with family and friends inviting them to join them on their many adventures.

Walter moved back to Sonoma with Patt after her retirement in 1996.

After Patt's death Walter reconnected with his childhood friend Leonor Gordenker. For over 20 years Walter and Leonor shared many journeys both locally and internationally, they traveled to Mexico and Europe many times. They also shared a love of estate sales and finding treasures.

Walter loved to share the history of Sonoma with anyone who asked him. His knowledge of his family and local history was endless.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents Attilio and Erminia Picchi, his loving wife Patt Picchi, his sisters Vivian Spencer Sharpe, and Alyda Sperring.

Walter is survived by his children; Anne McIntosh (Gary), Lynne Heffner (Colin), Gayle Meyer (Gary) and Allen Picchi (Kathy). 9 grandchildren; Michael Dobbs, Melissa Congdon (Josh), Timothy Watson (Michelle), Matthew Dobbs, Makaila Grimm (JR), Anthony Picchi, Garrett Meyer, Kiara Picchi and Graham Meyer. 2 great grandchildren; Kaley Congdon and Van Watson. Numerous nephews and great nephews.

Visitation at Duggan's Thursday 8/21/2025 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Rosary at St. Leo's Church Thursday 8/21/2025 at 5:30 p.m.

Funeral Mass at St. Leo's Church, Friday, 8/22/2025 10 a.m.

Entombment with Military Honors to follow mass at Mountain Cemetery, Sonoma