Everett Girotti

Everett Secondo Girotti was a native of Monterey, California, attended Del Monte Grammar School and was a graduate of Monterey High School. Born to immigrants from Colico Italy, Dad grew up working on the family hog ranch in Monterey along with his brother Mel and father Martin. As WWII ended, our dad and his brother took the ranch over from their father and moved the operation to Marina. The two brothers worked together for many years until selling the land in 1989, when dad was sixty-five. Daddy’s work ethic and love of outdoors would not allow for any downtime, so he quickly returned to farming by working for a local Salinas Valley grower for another 15+ years. During that time he enjoyed volunteering for various duties at the Monterey County Fair, Farm Day for the local schools, the Salinas Airshow, and the California Rodeo.

Our father was a kind, hard-working and generous man. He was married to his life-long sweetheart, our beautiful mother Eloise. Their love story is legendary within our family. After the two met briefly at a mutual friend’s wedding, Eloise wrote to Everett asking for a date. Dad was only able to visit with mom twice during their courtship, since she lived in Los Banos and he could not take time off from tending the ranch, which always took priority. But Everett knew Eloise was the girl for him and promptly sent her an engagement ring in the “mail” and the rest is history. They were happily married for 72 years until mom’s passing in November 2016!

Not only was Dad an accomplished accordionist throughout his life, but oh how he could dance. Everett proudly won the Monterey County polka championship at the age of ninety-four, and he was a Thursday night regular at Lugano's Swiss Bistro in Carmel where he enjoyed listening to the Cantone’s and asking ladies of every age to dance to the wonderful Swiss/Italian/German music that he loved so much.

Dad was always intrigued by flying and decided to acquire his pilot’s license in the 1950's. He even had his own plane for a few years which he loved piloting around the Monterey/Salinas area. Everett was also a charter member of the local Moose Lodge and enjoyed many dances and socials there.

Everett had wonderful friends far and wide. He enjoyed talking with people, reminiscing about good times, and sharing stories of growing up in Old Monterey. Everett lived a simple but rewarding life and was always ready to lend a hand if someone needed help. He will be deeply missed by the family, neighbors, and friends he has left behind. As for his beloved Monterey, our father leaves a legacy like no other and one which we will always honor and cherish.

Dad is predeceased by his wife Eloise, mother Teresa, father Martin, stepmother Maria and brother Mel Girotti. He leaves daughters Frieda Flocchini (Larry), Arleen Hardenstein (Scott) and son Joey Girotti. Also, Nonno to William and Michael Hardenstein, Steve and Michael Flocchini, and great grandchildren Tyler, Conner, Francesca, and Aidan.

Many thanks to his caregivers and nurses who helped us grant daddy’s wishes, allowing him to stay in his home of 77 years during his brief illness. For service arrangements you may call 831.915.8989 or visit Paul’s Mortuary website at www.dignitymemorial.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Everett S Girotti’s name to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.