Richard Martin Granzella

Richard Martin Granzella October 16, 1926 - March 20, 2008 Resident of El Cerrito Beloved husband, father and Nunu Richard "Richie," "Rich" Granzella passed away on March 20, 2008 from respiratory complications, at age 81. Survived by his wife of 59 years, Jearenne (Jeri) Granzella. Preceded in death by his parents, Carlo and Cecilia Granzella. Carlo was born in the Lake Como region of Northern Italy and Immigrated to the Bay Area after serving in the Italian Army during WWI. Cecilia Anselmo, also Italian, was a native of Oakland. Richard was born Oct. 16, 1926 in Richmond, and was raised there along with his three younger siblings, James Granzella, Albert Granzella and Evelyn (Granzella) Knight. He attended Peres Elementary, Roosevelt Junior High and graduated from Richmond Union High in 1944. In Richard's youth, he was afforded extraordinary physical stature and possessed strengths that allowed him to excel in sports. At the early age of 13, working for his uncle at the Scavengers Protective Association, Richard began collecting garbage in the City of San Francisco - no easy feat for a boy, with all of the hills, stairs, and primitive garbage collection vehicles in the late 1930s. After high school he was offered and accepted a partnership at Richmond Sanitary Service, at the age of 18. He accepted by putting some money down and agreeing to a series of monthly payments. Richard worked on a garbage truck for 25 years until being elected to the position of president in 1959, a position of prominence and respect that he held until the company was sold to Republic Services Inc, In May of 2001. Up until his death, Rich served as area chairmen for Richmond Sanitary Service. Under his leadership and with the support of his former partners, Richmond Sanitary provided a total waste management system to more than 9 municipalities in West County. The first time Rich saw his would-be wife he was driving down 23rd St in Richmond and saw her walking with a girlfriend. He pulled over to introduce himself. Rich married Jearenne (Jeri) Modie at St. Mark Church, Richmond Dec. 5, 1948. Their reception was at the Galileo Club in Richmond; Rich was a lifelong member of the club. Rich is also survived by he and Jeri's four children, Richard (Rick), Daniel (Dan), Sheryl and Vince Granzella. Rich was blessed with 12 grandchildren. Rick and his wife Sue have three sons, Ritchie, Scott and Mark Granzella. Dan and his wife Barbara have a daughter and son, Valerie (Granzella) Shiells and Danny Granzella. Sheryl has one son and two daughters, Jon and Carla Peralta and Angela (Peralta) Caine. Vince and his wife Laura have three sons and one daughter: Carlo, Antonio, Gino and Miranda Granzella. Rich also leaves behind six great-grandchildren: Alyssa Shiells, Callie Prachar, Kamryn Granzella, Victoria Caine, Logan Shiells and Robert Caine. A gentle giant of a man who many referred to as a "big teddy bear," Richie was as legendary in his stature and influence in the community as he was admired and respected by those who worked for him at Richmond Sanitary. His employees affectionately called him "the Big R." All of Rich's life he tirelessly volunteered his time, energy, and expertise, and dedicated enormous resources to youth programs, sports programs and to those in need all over the Bay Area. He was especially dedicated to the West Contra Costa Salesian Boys and Girls Club located in San Pablo. Richard received many prestigious awards from numerous organizations throughout his lifetime and career, including four "Man of the Year" awards and two "Humanitarian" awards, as well as countless proclamations and service awards from state, local and federal governments. He was truly an inspiration to all. Despite his extensive community service, Rich always set his priorities with his wife and family at the top of his list. He liked to hunt with his sons and considered himself a "pretty good cook," but always admitted that "no one could cook like my wife." He instilled in his daughter the need for compassion in the world and introduced her to public service and politics. Rich very much enjoyed the time spent with his "Rejects" Club, as well as lunches at Alioto's and dinners at Tommy Toy's Restaurants in SF. He loved to eat what he called "good food." He was a simple man with simple values. Rich's favorite pastime was spending time at his home at Lake Tahoe with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who lovingly refer to him as "Nunu." He loved to sit on the deck and, in his words, "watch the boats go by." Words simply cannot express how much Richie will be missed by his friends and family; he was truly an inspiration for all that he came across. Services will be held at St. Cornelius Church, 28th St, Richmond. Viewing Tuesday, March 25 at 6:00 pm. The Rosary will follow at 7:00 pm. The Funeral will be held on Wednesday, March 26 at 10:30 am. Burial will follow immediately at St. Joseph's Cemetery in San Pablo. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rich's memory can be made to West Contra Costa Salesian Boys and Girls Club, PO Box 6120, San Pablo, CA 94806.