Born May 8, 1928 in Sacramento, CA, Louis was the son of John and Mary Cetinich, who both emigrated to the U.S. from Croatia. Lou grew up in a migrant section of Sacramento where other languages were more common than English. After graduating from high school, Lou went to work for Southern Pacific where his father worked for 30+ years. He spent time in the Norden snow sheds during the winter months working on trains and clearing the tracks from snow. Lou’s brother John had served in the Army, and came back eligible for the G.I. Education Bill so he drug Lou off to college at U.C. Berkeley. Lou studied engineering and graduated with a degree in civil engineering in 1951. He was hired by Westinghouse in Sunnyvale CA. Lou worked as a buyer and supply manager for 44 years at Westinghouse. While in college, Lou met Bobbie, the love of his life at a dance in Sacramento. Lou and Bobbie married right after graduation in 1951. Bobbie had a daughter, Dru, from a previous marriage, whom Lou adopted. Lou and Bobbie were married for 67 years and had two sons, Chris and Mike. Lou was very involved in Little League with his sons, despite never having played any organized sports himself.
Lou was loved by many, and will be remembered for his kindness and open heart. Family was most important for Lou and having a meal surrounded by family were his happiest moments. Dancing was another big part of his life with Bobbie, as they would spend most weekends on the dance floor with friends.
Lou is survived by his wife Bobbie, daughter Dru, sons Chris and Mike, grandchildren Darci, Damon, Rob and Eric, and great grandchildren Matt and Mason.
A memorial service to remember Lou will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, February 8, 2019 at Lima Family Erickson Memorial Chapel, 710 Willow Street, San Jose.
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