Emilio Varanini III

1941 - 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Emilio E. Varanini III, affectionately known to many friends and family as an adult as "Doc" or "Gene," who passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025 at the age of 83. Emilio's life was defined by his unwavering dedication to his public service - first in his service to the United States Marine Corps and later in his efforts towards changing energy policy in California. He was also known for his love for his family, for his wife, Giovanna, as well as his passion for education, and discussing policy, politics, military history, football, his Italian heritage, and large-breed dogs.

Born on September 17, 1941, in Sacramento, California, Emilio was a man whose presence was felt by all who knew him. He earned the nickname "Doc" in the military for his sharp intellect, always ready with advice, a listening ear, or a solution to any problem, before later going by Gene. In his professional life, he was known for his work in the energy industry, serving as Chief Consultant to the Legislature for two California Assembly committees from 1971-75 and then as one of the first Commissioners on California's Energy Commission from 1976-1983. Emilio played key roles in the drafting and enactment of the Warren-Alquist Act and in the development of clean energy, especially solar. His advice played a key role he ultimate victory of the State of California in PG&E v. State Energy Commission, 461 U.S. 190 (1983). His wisdom and advice on clean energy issues were deeply valued by people across the political spectrum.

However, Emilio's devotion of public service and his tireless energy and intellect went far beyond his work on energy issues. Growing up as a prodigious intellect and a devotee of football through high school at Christian Brothers in Sacramento, Emilio viewed Christian Brothers as being "stricter than Navy¸" which prepared him for the next stage of his life where Emilio was admitted to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.

At the Naval Academy¸ he studied Thermodynamics¸ US Military History¸ and Policy- all subjects he was involved with throughout his life-graduating June 5¸1963. He ultimately chose to serve in the United States Marine Corps, achieving the rank of Captain on August 3, 1966.

Emilio went through training in Camp Pendleton, California, including counter-guerilla and special forces training. Afterwards, he served in Vietnam for a year tour of duty¸ including serving in the Demilitarized Zone and earning medals for his service. After he left the U.S. Marine Corps¸ he obtained a J.D. from McGeorge School of Law and was admitted to the bar in 1972.

Emilio would proudly speak of his life-long love for Navy and for the Marine Corps¸ U.S. military history¸ and Navy football. His love of public service and policy work also continued past even his work for the State; he served in a variety of lecturer¸ speaker¸ and special appointee positions for the University of California, Berkeley¸ Harvard¸ and the American Bar Association. He made a lasting impact on all through his expertise, wisdom, and commitment to excellence.

Those qualities were also on full display in his life with his family. He always pushed himself with resolute toughness¸ which often came to the forefront as he trained-for and competed-in several marathons, such as the California Marathon in Sacramento. He retained a deep interest in the lives and occupations of his six sons from his first marriage and was always willing to offer his advice¸ wisdom¸ and support when it was needed.

After he met and married his second wife¸ Giovanna¸ the love of his life, they enjoyed decades of happiness. Their bond initially formed over their mutual love of San Francisco, Italian culture, and international travel, and only grew with their enthusiastic discussions of policy¸ politics¸ religion - and their mutual adoration for their massive dogs.

Emilio's legacy will live on in the Sacramento community, in the energy industry, and with friends, as well as his immediate and extended family. Emilio is survived by Giovanna and by his sons from his prior marriage: Emilio (Tony)¸ Jeff¸ Adrian¸ Julian¸ Nico¸ and Giancarlo¸ his five grandchildren¸ and his brother Jerry and his wife Andrea and their children.

There will be a mass for Emilio at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament at 1019 11th Street Sacramento¸ California¸ on September 9¸ 2025¸ at 2:00 p.m. Emilio's funeral services will be held with full military honors on September 15, 2025¸ at 1:00 p.m. at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 3810 Midway Road, Dixon, California 95620. Donations to K9s for Warriors: k9sforwarriors.com¸ or flowers are welcome.