Obituary of Adrian Ralph Motroni

Adrian Ralph Motroni, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends on September 3rd, 2014 at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, after suffering a massive stroke. A Sacramento native, Adrian was born November 15th, 1935 to Robert and Suzie Motroni. He graduated from McClatchy High School in Sacramento in 1954 and Stanford University in 1960. He attended Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco and practiced law in Sacramento, CA for nearly 30 years, specializing in workers compensation law. He was a member of the California Bar Association, the American Bar Association and was certified to practice law before the US Supreme Court. Adrian married Frances Jean Luton in 1973 and their first and only child, Ross Adrian Motroni, was born the following year. After his retirement, Adrian and Fran moved to Capitola, CA to be closer to their son and grandchildren. Adrian had many loves including a passion for the law and debate. He excelled at interior design and filled his home with beautiful antiques. He loved classic cars and owned a '63 Rolls Royce and more recently a '37 Packard Super 8. He was also a member of the Cabrillo chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America. To his friends he was the consummate entertainer. He loved to throw parties and would open his home and put on grand events to honor his friends, celebrate holidays and mark special events. Adrian was also a 50 plus year member of the Sutter Club in Sacramento, a member of the Active 20-30 Club and the South Sacramento Rotary Club. To his family he was the stalwart patriarch. He was always there for any member of the family, providing legal service, comfort in times of need and always, sage counsel. If there were three things that defined Adrian they were friends, family and Faith. He was a devout Catholic and found comfort in a close and loving relationship with God. Adrian was a pillar of the local church, most recently of Saint Joseph's Catholic Community in Capitola, CA where he was a lector and member of the Italian Catholic Federation. He became close with many members of the parish who then benefited from his legal advice, sage wisdom and gala parties. All who knew Adrian loved him. His natural exuberance for life was infectious. He was always smiling and laughing and no matter how you felt, you were soon doing the same. Adrian is survived by his wife, Frances Motroni, his brother and sister in law, Bob and Bobilyn Motroni, his son and daughter in law, Ross and Erika Motroni, his grandchildren Robert and Kate Motroni and many loving family and friends, Adrian will be missed all the more for the special joy he brought to all of our lives. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church, 435 Monterey Ave, Capitola, Ca on Monday September 15, 2014 at 11:00 am. The funeral procession will leave Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel 1050 Cayuga St, Santa Cruz, CA on Monday at 10:30am. A vigil prayer service and recital of the holy Rosary will be held at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel Sunday evening at 7:00 pm. A visitation will be at the chapel on Sunday starting at 3:00 pm. A private interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Sacramento, CA. If you would like to express your condolences to Adrian's family please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com. In lieu of flowers contributions are preferred to Saint Joseph's Catholic Church, 435 Monterey Ave, Capitola, CA 95010 or to Saint Vincent DePaul Society, 210 High St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060 or at www.svdpusa.org.