Giovanni Ghidinelli

Tobia Giovanni Ghidinelli, 89, passed away on December 13, 2012. Toby was a kind and gentle spirit, who had been cared for by his family, Larry and Jennifer until his stay of two days at Timber Ridge in Mckinleyville, California.

He was a native of Italy, though he was a long time resident of Arcata, California for over 60 years. He belonged to The Sons of Italy, a Member of Friendship Circle, and The Swiss Club. He loved the outdoors and could often be found hunting deer and birds, chopping wood, mushroom picking, walking, grafting trees, and making bird houses and wind chimes. His love of Polka Dancing was by far his most favorite and he was an excellent dancer.

Toby worked at Arcata Redwood in Orick, California for over 30 years as an edger-man.

During WWII he had been a prisoner of war in Germany from 1942-1944. He would often tell his family stories of that time and the extreme hardship.

He was preceded in death by his wife Angela Lena Ghidinelli who passed away in 1997; brother Matt; and sisters Rita, Katie, Mery and Lea.

Tobia is survived by his faithful girlfriend of 11 years, Jenny Hanson; longtime friend Aldina Furtado; daughter Miriam Bokan (Nick); son Larry Ghidinelli (Jennifer); brothers Piero Ghidinelli and Joe Ghidinelli; grandchildren Angela Bokan, Nicholas Bokan and Elizabeth (Bokan) Ulery, Jonathan Ghidinelli and Christopher Ghidinelli; great grandchildren Kaitlyn Trexler, Dominic Bokan, Tanner Bokan, Evelyn Bokan, Andersynn Ulery, Annilise Breshears and Braydon Davy; numerous nieces and nephews; cousins in Italy; and several other family members in California.

There will be a visitation on Thursday, December 20, 2012 from 3-7 pm at Paul’s Chapel, 1070 H Street, Arcata, California. A Rosary will follow at 7 pm, also at Paul’s Chapel.

A Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Friday, December 21, 2012 at 9:30 am. Tobia will be laid to rest at Ocean View Cemetery in Eureka, California afterwards. Immediately following, there will be a reception. For more information please call 826-0589.

Officiating the service will be Reverend Michael Cloney and Deacon John Gai.

The Pall Bearers will be Mike Matteri, Rick Johnson, Tom Ghidinelli and Bob Windham. Honorary Pall Bearers will be Francesco Stagnoli, Nielo Spiezalle, Ed Giuntini, Aldo Dusi, Gene Fusi, Pete Stagnoli and Remo Pecolatto.

You can make donations in memory of Tobia to Saint Mary’s Church or Hospice of Humboldt

Care is under the direction of Paul’s Chapel. To leave messages and condolences for the family please visit www.paulschapel.com