Aroldo Chiesa

Aroldo Chiesa, 90, of Hughson, California, passed peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, December 12, 2021. He was born in Selvagnassi, Italy on October 21, 1931, to Luigi and Eugenia Chiesa and had one younger sibling, Lucia.

Aroldo’s childhood was filled with the same challenges most Italians faced during WWII. Education was not a priority for families, and it was necessary for Aroldo to work to help his family to survive the difficult and trying times.

After the war, with limited opportunities in his home village, he and his neighbor Sandro Boggeri travelled to Genoa in search of a better life. Taking odd jobs in various trades and waiting more than a year for the necessary documentation, they arrived in the United States at Ellis Island on May 25, 1953. From there they travelled by train to California. Aunt and Uncle, Carletto and Rosa Boggeri sponsored Aroldo’s passage to America and his new life in Hughson began!

The early years in America saw Aroldo working on his aunt and uncle’s farm in Hughson. During this time, he also took classes and became a very proud U.S. citizen. In 1958, while working on the farm and living the American Graffiti dream, he met Mary Frances Milton at the California Ballroom in Modesto, CA. They married on February 12, 1961 and celebrated over 60 wonderful years of marriage.

Aroldo had a passion for farming and a deep love for his trees, starting with peaches and eventually planting almonds and walnuts. He always said, “If you take care of your trees, your trees will take care of you.” and that he did. His impoverished beginnings influenced and shaped him into the man he became. He learned to make his own luck through hard work and sacrifice, and his work ethic was exceptional and renowned in and around the Hughson Community.

Whether you were meeting Aroldo for the first time or knew him your entire life, he always made you feel special. Women would receive a famous Aroldo kiss and men a firm handshake while he greeted you with his beautiful smile and that twinkle in his eye. He was loved and cherished by all that knew him and will be missed tremendously, but his memory lives on in the legacy he created and in the hearts of all he touched.

When he wasn’t farming, Aroldo enjoyed family vacations with the Assali Family, fishing with Bob Boggeri, hunting, and many years of league bowling. He was a member of the Elks Lodge and Knights of Columbus and enjoyed the fellowship and time spent at the Swiss Club.

Aroldo leaves behind his loving wife Mary and three sons, Andrew (Rebecca), Kevin (Melanie), and Vito (Jamie). He was Nonno to 8 grandchildren: Darin, Austin, Amy, Caroline, Ciara, Teo, Sydney and Ava. He is also survived by his sister Lucia Boggeri, niece Nicoletta Boggeri, nephews Saverio Bolettieri and William Milton.

Funeral Mass will be held at St Anthony’s Catholic Church, 7820 Fox Rd., Hughson on Thursday, December 23, 2021, at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ciara’s Circle c/o Stanislaus Community Foundation, 100 Sycamore Ave., Ste. 200, Modesto, CA 95354

https://www.stanislauscf.org/make-a-gift