Maximilian "(Max)" Antoniazzi

1926 - 2025

Max Antoniazzi passed away on March 19, 2025, peacefully at home, at the age of 98 surrounded by his family.

He was born at Mills Hospital in San Mateo, the only child of immigrant parents from Italy, Matilde and Angelo Antoniazzi. He lived his entire life in San Mateo with his early years being a part of the North Central neighborhood. Max attended Turnbull Grammar School and graduated from San Mateo High School. After high school, he continued his education and received his Cosmetology License.

Max met his future wife, Lavinia, soon after while attending an Italian social gathering. They married in 1953, and he opened his own salon business in Burlingame where he worked for 4 years. During this time, Max and Lavinia welcomed two children, Denise and Dino. Max then joined the United States Postal Service in San Mateo as a letter carrier where he worked for 30 years until his retirement. Max loved walking his daily route and the outdoors, and enjoyed all the friendships he made with those to whom he delivered mail.

In his leisure time, Max enjoyed taking vacations to Italy, wine making at home, tending to his beautiful vegetable gardens, and raising his chickens for fresh eggs. He also loved spending time each summer at the family cabin in Hacienda at the Russian River with his family. Max was an avid bocce ball player, along with Lavinia, in the Italian Community. He started playing at the North Central Courts and later was instrumental in getting the courts relocated to Central Park, where they played for many years. With his guidance, the courts were eventually moved to Beresford Park where he continued to maintain them well into his 80's.

Max was a loving husband to Lavinia for 72 years. He was also a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His most cherished moments were the times he spent with his grandchildren, whether he was picking them up from school, teaching them to ride a bike, sharing his love of gardening or letting them chase the chickens around the garden. He loved spending time with family and sharing his vast knowledge and values. Max was the ultimate old school gentleman. He was always respectful and had a gentle manner and he made everyone he came in contact with feel welcomed. Max had many, many cherished friends during his lifetime. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. We would like to thank Maria, his caretaker, for her companionship and all her love and care for Max and to his Sutter Health Hospice Nurse Stephanie.

Max was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lavinia, in 2024. He is survived by his daughter, Denise Gava, his son, Dino Antoniazzi, and daughter-in-law, Cindy, his grandchildren, Jeremy Gava (Mandy), Christopher Gava (Sara), Alexander Antoniazzi, and Emily Antoniazzi and 6 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held on April 1, 2025 at St. Matthew Catholic Church in San Mateo. Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m. and the funeral mass at 10:00 a.m. Private internment will follow at the Italian Cemetery per Max's wishes.