David Cerruti

David V. Cerruti

David Virgil Cerruti, a long-time resident of Sonoma passed away August 8, 2013. He is survived by his wife of 43 years Marietta(Mimi), his sister Carol Weir (John), brother Richard (Sandra), and sister-in-law Linda Luther. Also aunts, Edith Head Gifford and Theresa Cerruti Fontana, numerous cherished cousins, and many dear friends. The special joys of his life were his nieces and nephews, Matthew Cerruti (Jill), Gina Cerruti(Basil) and great niece Bellina, Christina Giacomozzi (Chad) and great-nephew Luke, Daniel Luther, his children Joshua and Rachel, and Christopher Luther (Debora).

David was born in San Francisco to Serge and Dorothy Cerruti on March 11, 1946. He was close to them all of their lives and was a caring and devoted son as age and illness diminished their quality of life.

David made lifetime friendships in middle school and high school, graduating from Balboa High School in 1963. For 25 years David organized the annual reunion picnic in Sonoma County for these friends and their families. The tradition continues this year and is now known as "The Cerruti Picnic".

Good food was his career and his pleasure. He began his working life in the deli and specialty food business in San Francisco, including the Cannery Gourmet, Deli Cafe, and Domestic Cheese Co. In 1980 David and Mimi moved to Seattle and opened a food brokerage which introduced Dean & DeLuca Imports, other fine foods and specialty cheeses to the Pacific Northwest. American and European colleagues throughout his career became good friends to this day

David loved the ocean all his life. His travels took them to the Mendocino headlands, the straits of Alaska, and the South Pacific. David and Mimi had many other travels, but of all their travels the most memorable were trips to Italy visiting aunts and cousins. He was a photographer with a creative eye recording their travels. He also captured the young lives of the newest family members, and the next generation of friends.

David spent nine childhood summers in Sonoma at the the Sonoma Wine Co. on 5th St. West. It was the winery and vineyard owned by his Grandparents Virgilio and Cecilia Cerruti, who had emigrated from Penango, Italy. These experiences, including his participation in the Vintage Festival parade, left a lasting determination in David to live in Sonoma. After he and Mimi returned to California, he realized that wish and went to work for the Viviani Family at The Sonoma Cheese Factory on the Plaza. Subsequently David worked for California Gold Dairy Products, and Organic Valley until retirement.

Never having pets as a child, in their first home he and Mimi adopted a cat, Sweet Pea, followed by a succession of cats who shared naps with David. And for 11 years their special companion was Daisy-Dog, who adored David.

He was a man with a grand exuberance for life, and great kindness. David's megawatt smile would improve anyone's day. Those fortunate enough to break bread at his table received a soul-satisfying meal and the warmest hospitality.

He leaves a great void in many peoples lives, and a huge hole in the hearts of those who loved him, but remembering David, and retelling his best stories, is how we'll live with the loss of this very special man.

Private Inurnment will take place at the Italian Cemetery in Colma, CA.

Anyone wishing to honor his memory can make a donation to the National Psoriasis Foundation (www.psoriasis.org),Salvation Armywww.salvationarmyusa.org American Diabetes Assoc.(www.diabetes.org/donate)