Stephen J. Carbonaro

Stephen J. Carbonaro, 81, of Fairfield, died Thursday at David Grant Medical Center after a brief illness. Born in Monterey, he graduated from Sonoma High School and then enlisted in the USAF. He served his country for 27 years and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1970. He logged more than 4,500 flying hours as a navigator and held three Squadron commander assignments.

He served as treasurer for Solano Irrigation District for 30 years, retiring in 2005.

He was also past treasurer of the Reserve Officers Association, a member of the Retired Affairs Committee, a volunteer with the Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce, and treasurer of Travis Regional Armed Forces Committee. He also served on the board of Friends of Fisher House, was a volunteer at the Travis Officers Club, served on the board of directors of the Military Officers Association of America, was a charter member and past president of Fairfield Coin Club, past treasurer and 30-year member of the League of Women Voters, served on the Committee to Protect Travis, was a 30-year member of American Logistics Association, a member of Native Sons of the Golden West, Sons of Italy, and a longtime member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

He also belonged to the Elks Lodge for many years and was named honorary commander of the 3rd BDE 91st Division of TAFB.

He was proud that he achieved million-mile flyer status as a traveler with United Airlines.

Mr. Carbonaro is survived by his wife of 63 years, Juanita, of Fairfield; daughters and sons in law, Dolores Cervone (Tony) of Napa, Felice Koblos (Jack) of Keno, Ore., brother, Joseph Carbonaro, of Napa, brother-in-law Richard Garcia of San Bruno; grandchildren, Gina Bell (Brett) of Indianapolis, Ind., Giancarlo Cervone of Napa, Stephen Carbonaro III of Petaluma, Wendi Sanchez (Mark), of Dixon, and Nicole Winger (Jason), of West Sacramento; eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Stephen; great grandson, David Bell, and his sister, Clara Greco.

A visitation is planned for Monday, July 30, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church. A Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, July 31, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a reception.

Burial with full military honors will be at Rockville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are preferred to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 2680, North Canton, Ohio 44720, or to the Friends of Fisher House c/o Military Community Health Care Foundation 831 Alamo Drive, Suite 6B Vacaville, 95688, or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bryan-Braker Funeral Home 425-4697.