Raymond Richard Pesenti Sr.

Raymond was born August 18, 1922 on the family farm in the Willow Creek area. He was the fifth of seven children born to Pietro and Maria Pesenti. Raymond passed peacefully on Sunday May 18, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. It was a beautiful spring day with birds singing outside his bedroom window and his American Flag softly waving in the afternoon breeze.

Raymond enlisted in the US Navy at the onset of World War II and served on the USS Tennessee for four years; until the war’s end. The next 34 years were spent as a Union Carpenter building and remodeling local homes and businesses. Raymond was a lifelong member of St. Rose Catholic Church; serving as usher for many years.

Raymond married Carmela Reynolds in 1946 and they raised their three children on the family farm west of Paso Robles. He loved his farm where he cared for his sheep, raised walnuts, fruit trees and grapes. He enjoyed pruning, grafting and tractor work in the orchard and fields. He grew a vegetable garden every year; which was always large enough to share with his family, neighbors and friends. He enjoyed canning fruits and vegetables from his orchard and garden and also found time to make wine and charcoal. He found much pleasure in welding, building and crafting special treasures for his family. Hunting and fishing also received a fair share of his time. He said that he worked hard as a carpenter for many years so that one day he could retire and just “putter” around his farm; he was able to do just that.

As a father Raymond taught by example: instilling the importance of respecting ourselves and others, being fair, honest, friendly, helpful and generous and to work hard even if it isn’t “your job”. He showed us the importance of taking the time to properly thank a person whether for a gift or kind deed. We went camping a lot as a family; learning at an early age to always leave our camp cleaner than we found it. He enjoyed being Cub Scout and 4-H leader and helping us with school projects. Dad was our confidant and trusted friend; always listening to our deepest thoughts and a wonderful mender of our teenage broken hearts. We will always love you dearly Dad.

Raymond was a decent man living the life of a Good Samaritan. He was available day or night to anyone in need; with no thought of anything in return. There are far too many examples to record here.

His favorite days were those spent with his family and friends. He was a great teacher to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Many call him “grandpa” and he loved all of his “little people”. Friends were always welcome to gather around his atmosphere fire at the barn and share a cold beer or two.

One of his greatest honors was being chosen the 2009 Paso Robles Pioneer Day Grand Marshall. He thoroughly enjoyed every minute and never took the honor lightly! When Raymond was nine years old his father hitched up the family wagon and drove them into town to attend the very first Paso Robles Pioneer Day in 1931. Raymond rode on the merry-go-round in the city park all day and never forgot the taste of the delicious free root beer that flowed from the tap in the drug store. At the time Raymond couldn’t have known that one day he would be Grand Marshall of the Pioneer Day Parade and festivities!

We’ll miss his words of wisdom and brilliant mind; he was witty, wise and innovative, with a big generous heart. We’ll miss his wonderful clever sense of humor and delightful grin. His was a remarkable life; well lived.

Raymond was preceded in death by his father and mother Pietro and Maria; his brother Pete; sisters Angelina, Alma, Annie and Mary Jo; grandson Matthew Pesenti; nephews Robert Dusi, Edward Andrews Jr.; and niece Virginia Dusi.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Carmela; son Raymond Jr. (Pam), daughters Mary (Mel) Thompson and Denise (Bob) Fillmore; Grandchildren Greg Pesenti, Holly Prieto, Jesse Savage, Tami Fillmore and Tina Fillmore; Great grandchildren Brysan and Brooklyn Pesenti; Scotty, Sophie and Casey Prieto; Wren and River Savage; James Robert and Marcus Calamese and Noey Reasons; sister Gloria Russell and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation was from 9:30 to 11:00 am, with recitation of the rosary at 11:00 am. followed by a funeral Mass at noon, Tuesday May 27, 2014, at St. Rose Catholic Church, 820 Creston Road in Paso Robles. Burial with Military Honors followed at Paso Robles District Cemetery.