Passed away peacefully on October 21, 2011 at the age of 80. Roland was born June 9, 1931 in San Francisco to Thomas R. and Susie A. Giannini. Beloved husband of Celeste Giannini, his loving wife of 53 years; loving father to Daniel Paul, Laura Michele and Michael Joseph and daughter-in-law Kelly Ann; devoted grandfather to Meagan Anne and Kevin Arthur; brother-in-law to Jack and Margy deFigueiredo, and Shirley Giannini. He was preceded in death by both loving brother Thomas Giannini Jr. and sister Josephine Riviello.
Roland grew up in Redwood City and attended Mount Carmel Elementary School, graduating from Sequoia High School in 1949, and from San Jose State in 1953. He then joined the U.S. Naval Reserve, serving during the Korean conflict, and ultimately retired as a U.S. Naval Reserve Commander in 1977. After his tour of duty, Roland returned to Redwood City and married Celeste deFigueiredo in 1958. He worked in the San Mateo County's Assessor's office as a Real Estate Appraiser and advanced to positions of increasing responsibility before becoming Chief Appraiser in 1972. In 1978, Roland was elected San Mateo County Assessor, a position he held for 15 years.
Roland was very active within his profession and community. He taught Real Estate Appraisal at the College of San Mateo, was a member of the Redwood City Rotary Club, and was also politically active. Upon retiring as Assessor, he served 8 years as a member of the Redwood City Planning Commission where he was involved in the advancement of a number of city projects. As a member of the San Mateo County Historical Association, he contributed to the expansion of the San Mateo County Historical Museum located in the former courthouse in downtown Redwood City. Roland was a member of a number of social and service clubs, including Opus of San Mateo, the Redwood City Elks Lodge, the American Legion Post 105, and the Military Officers Association of America. He also enjoyed a rich social life as an active member of the Peninsula Italian American Social Club of San Mateo.
Roland and Celeste loved to travel. Every summer they took their children on family vacations, driving throughout the country and visiting many of the national parks and historical landmarks across the United States. They enjoyed their wedding anniversaries in Mexico and traveled extensively throughout Europe. After the grandchildren arrived, Roland took the entire family on trips to Portugal and Italy, researching the family roots. Roland and Celeste also had a second home in Arnold, California where they enjoyed fishing, wine tasting, and exploring the rich history of the Sierra gold country.
Family and friends are invited to visit on Thursday, October 27th from 3:00-7:00pm, with rosary services beginning at 7:00pm, at Redwood Chapel, 847 Woodside Road, Redwood City. A funeral mass will be held in his honor on Friday, October 28th, at 10:00am at St. Pius Church, 1100 Woodside Road, Redwood City. The burial service will follow at the Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, 22555 Cristo Rey Drive, Los Altos. A reception will follow at the Redwood City Elks Lodge, 938 Wilmington Way, Redwood City.
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