Donald J. Ciarlo

Donald J. Ciarlo Born Nov. 6 1917 in Vacaville California, passed away on Tues Oct. 27 2009 at the age of 91. He is survived by his wife, Jean Y. Ciarlo, his son, William D. Ciarlo, his daughter in law Dawne Helvey-Ciarlo, and his two grandsons, Brandon and Daniel Ciarlo. Donald Ciarlo was born in a field in Vacaville California while his mother was working the soil. He moved to San Francisco in the early 20s and began working to help support his mother at the age of 10. His parents spoke no English and could not read or write. He chose on his own to attend and walk to Commerce High School, to get a diploma and be away from the negative influence of his own neighborhood. He was eligible for a farm deferment during WW2 but chose to enlist. He fought in Europe during the Battle of the Bulge, and was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery under fire. He returned to San Francisco and re- entered the food business. He operated his own store, Leonard's Market, on San Bruno Ave until 1980. He was a man of conviction and fair play. When he retired and sold his store he felt a responsibility to be sure that all his employees had another job. He was a man that left his job every day to feed his mother lunch in a nursing home. Although he was of Italian heritage, he insisted on himself and his family being called only "Americans" He had difficulty understanding how people could be affected by racial slurs, or verbal remarks. He believed that such things could only affect those that chose to be affected. He was a man that outlived all of his family and most of his many friends. He knew that living "too long" was a real issue. He was a man that was deeply loved at times, despised at times, but respected always. He desired nothing in the way of funeral services, but those of us who knew and loved him have chosen to place his ashes in Arlington National Cemetery, with the honors he richly deserves.