Fanny Desimone

Philomena “Fanny” Piacentino was born in 1927. She was the youngest daughter of eight children born to Dominick and Julietta Piacentino. During her young adulthood, she met Dominick DeSimone, whom she was married to for 59 years. During their early marriage, they adopted two infant girls, Diana “Dina” Marilyn and Darla Anne, providing them with a wonderful home life during their childhood. A favorite family activity was when the girls both swam competitively and attended swim meets on the weekends.

Fanny and Dominick started their young family in Monterey Park, California. Several years later, they moved to Newport Beach, California. Fanny was an avid fan of water aerobics and very active in her local church, Our Lady Queen of the Angels parish. She volunteered helping with Bible Studies and summer camp programs for children.

Fanny enjoyed spending time at the couple’s vacation home in Rosarito Beach, Mexico. She learned how to make guacamole and cook abalone caught by the local fisherman. She made sand candles on the beach with Dina and Darla during these fun times.

Fanny was a loving nana to her three grandchildren. John Anthony Dobrott Jr. was her first grandson with her daughter Dina. Then her two granddaughters, Claire Elizabeth and Anne Victoria were born to her daughter Darla and son-in-law Patrick Calvet. Fanny and her husband Dominick were wonderful grandparents to all three grandchildren.

During their marriage, Dominick and Fanny took many wonderful trips to Europe and many parts of Italy. Being Italian, they enjoyed researching their roots in Caserta and Naples Italy. They also enjoyed brief trips to Las Vegas, Nevada, often taking their two girls along for the ride. One of Fanny’s favorite indulgences was the dessert station at the Las Vegas buffets. Lemon Meringue Pie was her all-time favorite dessert.

Fanny will be remembered for her sense of humor and commitment to her family. She had many good friends in Newport Beach and enjoyed being a vital part of her community. She will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.