Ada Nicolopulos

Ada Nicolopulos Went to greet her beloved husband Gus, as she passed in her sleep in her bed at home in South San Francisco on Tuesday morning, December 7. Ada was born on August 12, 1922 in South San Francisco, one block from her current home. She was the daughter of Italian immigrants, Duilio and Amalia Palla of Monte San Quirico, Lucca, Italy. Ada was predeceased by her parents and her beloved brother Armando. She is survived by her loving sons Robert (Katie) Nicolopulos of Redwood City, Richard (Judy) Nicolopulos of Rancho Mirage, and Russell (Laura) Nicolopulos of San Mateo. Also surviving are her six adoring grandchildren, Amy (Tim) Anderson, Nina Nicolopulos, Jamie (Nick) Gonzalez, Jaeson Nicolopulos, Marie Nicolopulos, and Anna Nicolopulos. Ada's three great-grandchildren were very fortunate to experience the unconditional love that Ada gave to all of her family. They are: Kaia Bella Anderson, Jake Ryan Anderson, and Jack Ryan Gonzalez. She is also survived by her cousin John (Janet) Petroni who was like a brother to her and his children Ian (Hannah) Petroni and Danielle Petroni. She also leaves loving nieces and nephews, Ron Palla, Dennis (Jeanette) Palla, and Jody (Ruben) Marquez, along with Ron's daughter Amber, son Donte (Lilly), and Chris Palla and many members of the Nicolopulos/Petroni/Palla families here and in Lucca, Italy. Ada was a life-long resident of South City. She worked as a telephone operator during World War II and was a longtime cafeteria worker at Los Cerritos School in the SSFUSD. She was a member of the Sons of Italy, Italian-American Woman's Club, the South San Francisco Woman's Club, ICF Branch #7. Ada's husband, Gus, was a founder of the PAL in SSF and Ada continued to be a big supporter of the SSF PAL Boosters. She also served as a docent and member of the SSF Historical Society along with being a member of the SSF Sister City Organization. Ada was the matriarch of the Nicolopulos/Palla/Petroni clans. She loved all unconditionally and this came through in all of her walks of life: serving as the mayors wife when Gus was mayor of SSF, supportive mom, grandmother, great-grandmother at all her children's sporting events, teaching her daughters-in-law how to cook Lucchese style, and just for being there when anyone needed her. Ada put her family in touch with their Italian roots and created a bridge to Lucca, which grows stronger every year as family members cross back and forth, sharing the joy of family which Ada nurtured and loved. The Family extends our heart-felt thanks for the wonderful, loving care provided by Ada's caregivers Sofia Finau, Luisa Afoa, and Isapella Tausinga. Mom, Nonna, we love you very much and you will be forever with us. Family & friends are invited to attend a Vigil Service on Friday, Dec. 10th at 7pm at the Garden Chapel, 885 El Camino Real, So. S F. Funeral Mass of Ressurection will be Sat. Dec 11th at 10am All Souls Church, 315 Walnut Ave., So.SF. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to the So. SF PAL Boosters, 33 Arroyo Drive, So. SF, CA 94080. Condolences may also be made at www.gardenchapel885.com. Garden Chapel Funeral Directors (650) 583-2510