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BORN
1929
DIED
2017
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Diana Cerchiai Obituary
March 18, 1929 - June 11, 2017
Diana Isola Cerchiai, the eldest of three daughters, was born on March 18th, 1929 to Agostino "Bimbo" and Emilia (Rosellini) Giuntoli. A life long San Franciscan born in San Jose, California and raised on Hartford Street in the City, she attended Most Holy Redeemer Grammar School ('43) and Presentation High School ('47). Her parents owned and operated Bimbo's 365 Club in North Beach, one of the West Coast's premier supper clubs. Working in the family business gave Diana an enduring love of show business and passion for music-especially that of Frank Sinatra. She was frequently seen at the club and was influential with its operations to this day.In the summer of 1953, while vacationing in the town of Montecatini Terme, Italy, Diana met Graziano Cerchiai, the love of her life. It was love at first sight that led to a short two-week engagement followed by their marriage at St. Stephen's Church in San Francisco in January of 1954. Soon thereafter Diana and Graziano started a family and raised five children. The door to the Cerchiai home was an open one. Diana was a beloved second mother to many of her children's friends who were always welcomed with a warm smile, home cooked food and a glass of lemonade.
Diana was known for her generosity, alluring style, class and impeccable taste. She loved to entertain and to be entertained, especially with family and friends. She embodied the belief in a simple approach to life and found great happiness in giving to others. Her contagious laughter always filled and brightened the room. She taught her children to have love and respect for one another and to always do things right … "do it right or not at all" was her firm motto.
Diana is survived by Graziano, her husband of 63 years; her sister Yvonne (Giuntoli) Sangiacomo; her five children: John (Kim) Cerchiai of Phoenix, AZ, Grazia (Peter) Tragitt of Clovis, CA, Michael (Jennifer) Cerchiai of San Francisco, Suzy (Greg) Holl, of San Francisco, Gino (Shawn) Cerchiai of Mill Valley, CA, and fourteen grandchildren: Matthew, Charley & Christina Cerchiai; Michael, Francesca & Giuliana Tragitt; Sofia, Lola & Marco Cerchiai; Joseph & Emilia Holl; Finn, James & Graziano Cerchiai; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins in the U.S. and in Italy. Diana is predeceased by her sister Nadine Giuntoli.
The entire Cerchiai family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and care workers that made sure Diana was well looked after. We would particularly like to thank Patricia Quirke for her many years of dedication, friendship, and assistance.
A memorial mass will be held on Wednesday June 21st, 2017 at St. Stephen's Church at 451 Eucalyptus Drive in San Francisco. A short rosary will begin at 9:45 with mass to follow at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Diana's honor to a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Diana Cerchiai
Sponsored by Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City.
stephen baccari
June 8, 2021
Mrs. Cerchiai was the epitome of class, elegance, and grace.
Brian Martin
June 26, 2017
Diana was a gracious host and friendly, warm presence during my time working with the Cerchiai family at Bimbo's. My heart goes out to Graziano and the entire family during this time.
Anita Cox
June 21, 2017
Dear Graziano and family,
We are deeply sorry to hear of Diana's passing. Diana, like Yvonne, surely will always be Bimbo's daughter -- warm, caring and full of charisma! We hope that you will always feel her loving presence in gathering as the truly beautiful Cerchiai family and that you will find comfort in knowing how admired she was by most everyone she encountered!
Sincere condolences,
Anita Cox and Family
Stephen Baccari
June 21, 2017
To the entire Cerchiai family,
When I heard of Mrs. Cerchiai's passing, I thought about how kind, compassionate, and loving this woman was to everyone. I remember how classy and elegant she was when I was a student at Notre Dame des Victoires with her children. When I was a student Saint Ignatius, Mr. & Mrs. Cerchiai gave me my first job as a busboy at Bimbo's 365 Club. My parents told me that I would learn a lot from Mr & Mrs. Cerchiai, not just about business but about character and integrity. Honestly, I live four blocks from Bimbo's and there is not a day that goes by when I do not think about how privileged I was to be around such loving people. Classy, elegant, kind, that is how I will remember Mrs. Cerchiai.
June 20, 2017
Dear Cherchiai Family,
My prayers are with you all at this time. I have many fond memories of spending so much time in your home growing up. I remember Diana coming into the kitchen always dressed so elegantly before leaving for the club. Your family and grandparents were always so welcoming. You are all apart of my wonderful childhood memories. God Bless you and watch over you at this difficult time.
Colleen Lynch Baptista
Presentation Sisters
June 20, 2017
Diana Giuntoli Cerchiai is an alumna of Presentation High School, San Francisco, Class of 1946. The Sisters of the Presentation are praying for you, your family and friends during this difficult time. May God bless you with love, comfort and peace.
June 17, 2017
Dear Graziano and family,
It is with sorrow that I heard of the loss of your dear wife. Both Dermot and I have such great memories of Diana. Every year during our vacation to San Francisco, with my sister Patricia Quirke we would visit Diana. She always took delight in showing us her Christmas tree, one year a small one and the next the big tree. She was such a wonderful person and we will miss very much not seeing her again.
Again our sincere sympathies and will be thinking of you and your family during this very sad time.
With love from Ireland, Dermot and Mary Reynolds
sharon ghilardi-udovich
June 14, 2017
Dear Suzy ,Greg and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
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Memorial Events
for Diana Cerchiai
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Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City500 Westlake Avenue, Daly City, CA 94014
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