Alfio Filippo Saglimbeni

Dr. Alfio Filippo Saglimbeni passed away on July 20, 2025, at the age of 93. A beloved physician, Alfio practiced medicine in San Jose for 46 years, retiring in 2010 at the age of 78. His retirement gave him the freedom to fully enjoy time with his wife, children, and grandchildren and to lovingly tend to his gardens.

Alfio was born on February 15, 1932, in the mountain village of Limina (Sicily) in Italy to Maria and Antonino Saglimbeni. Limina’s rural agricultural setting, supportive community, and focus on faith—including a devotion to San Filippo (his middle name)—profoundly shaped Alfio’s character.

The eldest of four siblings—Giuseppe, Giovanni, and Angela—Alfio embodied the classic traits of a firstborn son: responsibility, dedication, and a determination to honor the sacrifices of his parents by making the most of every opportunity. Known in his village as Il Dottore, Alfio studied medicine and planned to remain in Sicily. But a chaperoned date with a young woman named Nina changed the course of his life. That first date in Sicily led to a deep, mutual devotion, and the two fell in love and were determined to be together.

In 1962, Alfio bravely left his village and his tight knit community, immigrating to the United States to marry Nina at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in San Jose. He was so new to the country that he didn’t yet have a driver’s license, so Nina drove them to Monterey for their honeymoon. Determined to continue his calling, Alfio studied for and passed the medical boards again, this time in English, and began practicing medicine in the United States.

He went on to care for generations of patients, all while raising four children—Anthony, Maria, Sal, and Phil—with Nina. As a doctor, he was known for his quiet humility, unwavering kindness, and deep empathy. Many of his patients were Italian immigrants, and in the early days, more Italian was spoken than English around the office. It wasn’t uncommon for Alfio’s patients to bring him figs, loquats, or prickly pears to office visits as gestures of gratitude for his care and attentiveness. In 2000, Alfio’s eldest son Anthony (Tony/Nino) joined him in private practice, carrying forward his father’s legacy of healing.

Beyond medicine, Alfio was a passionate gardener who brought “farm to table” to life long before it was trendy. At both his home and at his community garden plot at Wallenberg Park, he cultivated abundant harvests of tomatoes, peppers, cucuzza longa, beans, and zucchini—ingredients Nina would transform into unforgettable meals. Alfio believed in the sacredness of tending the earth, and in sharing its bounty with love. His gardens, like his life, were full of intention, beauty, and nourishment.

Dr. Alfio Saglimbeni was the embodiment of honor, humility, and unwavering faith. A devoted husband, loving father, and deeply principled man, he lived with quiet integrity and immense grace. His calling as a doctor was sacred, and he served with both skill and compassion. His life is a testament to what an immigrant—armed with an unshakable work ethic, faith, and love—can build.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Antonino and Maria Saglimbeni, his brothers, Giuseppe and Giovanni, and his loving wife, Nina. Alfio and Nina were married for 62 years before her passing in 2024. The legacy of their love and devotion to family lives on through their children—Anthony (Cindy) Saglimbeni, Maria (Stan) Jones, Salvatore (Bronwyn) Saglimbeni, and Phil (Colleen) Saglimbeni; their 14 grandchildren—Marco (Adriana), Nick, Vince, and Gina Saglimbeni; Alexandra, Natalie, Sofia, and Harrison Jones; Stella, Maddalena, and Luca Saglimbeni; Grace, Ava, and Rose Saglimbeni; and their great-granddaughter, Camila Josefina Saglimbeni. He is also survived by his beloved sister, Angela Garigali in Italy, and a wide extended family of cousins, nieces, and nephews across five countries.

Family and friends are invited to attend the Visitation on Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 6:00 p.m., at Lima Family Erickson Memorial Chapel, 710 Willow Street, San Jose, CA. A Celebration of Life Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at St. Christopher Catholic Church, 2278 Booksin Avenue, San Jose, CA, followed by a Reception. The Interment Service will take place on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, 490 Lincoln Avenue, Santa Clara, CA, with a procession departing from Lima Family Erickson at 8:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Christopher Catholic Church(https://saintchris.com/donate) or St. Christopher School (https://www.stchris.us/giving).