Obituary of James O Colombini

Services will be Tuesday for James Colombini, who was 90 years old. Our beloved Zio Jimmy died peacefully on Tuesday morning, June 4th, 2013 surrounded by loved ones at home. Known all of his life as Jimmy, he was the youngest brother of three boys born in Capannori (Lucca), Italy to Ottavio and Emilia Colombini. At fourteen he left a large, loving family in Italy and came to San Francisco with his mother to reunite with his father and brothers, already hard at work on achieving the American dream. He became an American citizen and soon after went back to Europe as a driver for the 548th Medical Ambulance Motor Medical Department during the Second World War. PFC James Colombini was decorated with medals for Good Conduct, Victory, American Campaign, and European African Middle Eastern Campaign. Jimmy worked in the grocery retail industry in the San Francisco bay area for many years. He co-owned and operated Armanino Cheese Company Delicatessen on San Bruno Avenue. Never married, Jimmy's lifelong dedication to family was evidenced often, and most clearly with caring devotion to his mother until her passing. He made his home in Daly City, and moved to Santa Cruz to live with his brother John in 2007. Proud of his Italian heritage, Jimmy was a member of the Marconi Club, Lucchesi Nel Mondo, Sons of Italy, Italian Catholic Federation, and the Italian-American Center in Pacifica. He looked forward to exercise classes at the Louden Nelson Senior Center, where he enjoyed spending time with his buddies and instructors. Zio Jimmy was a loyal, lifelong fan of the San Francisco 49ers and Giants, and he enjoyed a competitive game of cards, especially pedro or poker. With his outgoing personality and friendly demeanor, Zio Jimmy was a ready volunteer bartender at social events. The role allowed him to visit with friends and meet new people. Jimmy was a caring and giving friend to all, and a devoted uncle to his family. Last August he celebrated his 90th birthday, and was proud to have lived such a happy and blessed life. Jimmy is predeceased by his parents and brothers, Bart (Lola) and John (Olga) Colombini. He leaves behind his nieces, Sandi (Claudio) Locatelli, Diana (Giovanni) Colombini and Joyce (Ted) Brondos, and his nephews, Lloyd (Theresa) and Albert Colombini, numerous great nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank his loving caregivers: Ana Ramos and Luis Salazar, and his physicians Dr. Jack Watson and Dr. Neil Sawhney for their warmth and kindness. In lieu of flowers please contribute to, Saint Anthony Soup Kitchen, 150 Golden Gate Ave. San Francisco, CA 94102, American Heart Association, PO Box 742030 Los Angeles, CA 90074-2030, Guide Dogs for the Blind: Donations Department, PO Box 3950 San Rafael, CA 94912-3950, Holy Cross School, 150 Emmet Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, or your favorite charity in Zio Jimmy's memory. Services are as follows: Visitation, Monday, June 10th, 2013 from 3:00 - 7:00 pm at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St. in Santa Cruz, with rosary to follow at 7 pm. The Funeral will begin at 10 am at Holy Cross Church, 126 High St. in Santa Cruz on Tuesday, June 11th. To light a candle, or sign the guest book, please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com.