Obituary of August Tony Bassano

August "Augie" Bassano, passed away peacefully on Monday Dec. 17, 2012 following a stroke he suffered the previous day. He was 93 years old. Augie was born on Feb. 23, 1919 in Santa Cruz. The Bassanos were one of many Italian families who settled in our community in the early 1900's. His parents, Nicola and Battistina, provided love and guidance to Augie and his 3 siblings: Louis, Nick, and John. They endured difficult times, including Louis' death off the wharf when Augie was only 8. As a young man, Augie fondly recalled learning the fishing trade from his father and brothers, and running the speed boats from the pleasure pier. After attending local schools, Augie answered the call of the sea and joined his family as a commercial fisherman. At the onset of WWII, Augie, already a member of the Naval Reserve, was called to active duty, initially in Panama and then the South Pacific on a gasoline tanker (USS Agawam). On the Agawam he never slept below deck, giving him a chance to survive if a torpedo attack occurred. Upon returning from the service, Augie worked briefly for Standard Oil before returning to commercial fishing. He re-discovered the girl next door, Bessie Loero, at the wedding of mutual friends. The couple married in Oct. 1946 and settled in a new home on Lighthouse Ave., the street they both grew up on. There, they raised their 2 children: Louis and Lynne. When fishing was not enough to support his family, Augie worked for General Fish as a truck driver, delivering (often accompanied by his young son) to San Francisco/Oakland fish markets. Seeking better work hours, Augie took a job as a driver/salesman for Favorite Brands/Lucky Lager and worked there until his retirement in 1983. Augie spent his retirement with his grandchildren, golfing, fishing, playing cards, following the Giants and 49'ers, and sharing time with Bessie. He particularly enjoyed cruising around with his 1963 VW bug. Besides being a life-long member of Holy Cross church, he participated in the Italian Catholic Federation, the Elks and other Italian organizations where he also enjoyed dinner/dances. He loved to dance! Augie had many adventures as a fisherman including catching a great white shark while fishing for sea bass! In his later years he stuck to cooking crab cioppino for his family. The day before he died Augie helped his grandsons make raviolis for Christmas dinner. Augie was a simple man, conveying a presence of love and constant support for his family. He was always there to listen, to share a laugh and to provide a helping hand. The last few years he was especially devoted to his wife as her health declined and served as her dutiful caregiver. He also enjoyed lunches with his brother-in-law John Amin and his nephew, Wayne Bassano. Augie was preceded in death by his parents and siblings. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Bessie and his son and daughter-in-law, Louis and Dale Bassano, his daughter and son-in-law, Lynne and Don Allegri. In addition, he is survived by his grandchildren, Brandi White, Joseph and Justin Allegri, Jason, Mike and Jennifer Green. He is also survived by 2 great grandsons, Matthew and Eli White. He leaves behind loving nieces and nephews. Funeral services are planned for Saturday, Dec. 22 10:00 am at Holy Cross church with private interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to your favorite charity in his memory are appreciated.