Ronald Avanzino

1936 - 2024

Ronald Peter Avanzino

February 16, 1936 - December 11, 2024

LOS ANGELES - Ronald Peter Avanzino, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on Wednesday December 11, 2024 after a long battle with dementia. Born on February 16, 1936 in San Francisco, Ronald's early years were filled with love from his devoted parents, Louis and Natalie Avanzino, as well as from his sisters Vivian and Janice. The family moved to Napa when Ron was 10, where they operated a prune farm on Big Ranch Road. Working on a prune farm played a big part in Ron's determination to get an education and not have to work on a prune farm.

After Napa High School, Ron graduated from the University of San Francisco with a degree in Accounting and Business Administration. He later completed a Master's Degree in Business Administration at St Mary's College. In both High School and College Ron played a variety of sports including baseball, football and golf. Golf would remain a passion throughout his life. He went on to have a long career in accounting, serving as Chief Financial Officer for companies like Thorson Tools, Cleveland Golf, Orlimar Golf, and others, and also served as the Finance Director for the City of Vallejo.

Ron's true passion, though, was his family and friends. Shortly after college Ron met and fell in love with Paula Marie Peters. They married in 1961 and had three children, Peter, David, and Susan. They later divorced, but Ron remained a committed father who enjoyed watching his children compete and perform in band, theater, swimming, choir and more. The best moments of his life always involved his children and he was very proud of what good people and good parents they have become. In both his words and actions Ron instilled in them the importance of being good friends, good neighbors and good citizens.

Ron loved to travel and often took the kids on trips to Lake Tahoe, Sea Ranch and more. He introduced them to silent movies and foreign films that, eventually, they all came to love. He also loved taking them with him to see his beloved Giants and 49ers play. Many of the best weekends were spent just tossing a frisbee, walking around an art fair, seeing a concert, or visiting family in San Francisco. It didn't matter what they were doing, it just mattered that they were together which was important to him.

As an avid golfer, Ron's passion for the sport led him to the small community of Green Valley, CA, where he made many lifelong friends and memories that he treasured. His connection to Green Valley remained strong throughout his life. Ron played in numerous golf tournaments over the years and won several major awards including two new cars. He was still playing golf well into his 80s, and could be seen on the putting green right up to the end.

One of Ron's other major loves was music, especially country, big band and jazz. He was friends with DJ Jim Lange, and appeared on his radio show in San Francisco several times in the 1970s. Years later Ron became a DJ himself on public radio station KVMR in Nevada City, Nevada. Once a month Ron would present "A Swinging Affair" featuring mostly big band and standards, but also country, pop and even some rock. As he would say on his show, "Anything with a beat." His show was enjoyed by many but none more than his kids who had an active text thread going during his shows.

What Ron loved about KVMR was that it was run by volunteers of which he was one. Throughout his life he donated his time to many causes in the hopes of making the world a better place. One of his favorite causes was adult literacy. He volunteered many hours teaching adults how to read.

Ron is survived by his three children Peter Avanzino (Bohnie), David Avanzino (Wendi) and Susan Avanzino (Robert Preston), his grandchildren Andrew, Nicholas, Katherine, Natalie, Robert, Thomas, Amy, and great grandchildren Marissa, Nora and Caleb, and his sister Vivian Avanzino.

He will be laid to rest at Tulocay Cemetery in Napa.

A Celebration of Life for Ron will be held on Sunday February 16th, from 2:00-4:00 PM at Copia, 500 First Street, in Napa. Anecdotes and fond memories welcomed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donating to Project Second Chance at pscfundraising.org, which promotes adult literacy, a favorite cause of Ron's.

For inquiries contact Peter Avanzino at carbunkel@earthlink.net