Mrs. Adelia Theresa Firpo

Adelia "Dell" Firpo was born January 25, 1913 and passed away unexpectedly on Sunday morning December 1, 2013. Born and raised in San Francisco, she married Frank Firpo and came with him (and Bank of America) to Fresno in 1936.

Dell could be described as always upbeat and positive. She began playing golf when she was 63 years old and literally never stopped. At 99 years old a severely broken leg curtailed her golf for over a year. However, she recently returned to join her friends on the course as their golf cart driver and putting competitor. In the past month she began hitting fairway shots on one or two holes each round. Her last round was Tuesday, November 26, 2013. Dell Firpo was a remarkable person. At 100 plus years she continued living a very independent life in her own home and was a very big sports fan (Bulldog sports, SF Giants, 49ers and PGA/LPGA golf).

Dell was known for her fantastic pasta sauce and great dinners. She also enjoyed her many varied groups of friends in various activities and came up with clever names for each group. She was a devout Catholic that never missed weekly mass. She attributed her long and healthy life to a positive, stress-free lifestyle. When asked once what she credits her longevity to she stated, "Health, happiness, close family, many, many very wonderful friends, and one glass of red wine with dinner each night."

Dell Firpo always wanted to live an active and healthy life to the very end and then just 'go.' Up through Saturday night, November 30, 2013 that is exactly what she did. On Sunday morning, December 1, 2013 she woke up in heaven. It just doesn't get any better than that!

Godspeed, Mom, you've been an inspiration to us all. We love you!

She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Frank; her daughter, Patty; and her granddaughter, Michele Firpo Carli.

She is survived by her two children Richard Firpo and his wife Sunny of Fresno; Eleanor Dickson and her husband Dick of Newport Beach; grandchildren include Mike Firpo and his wife Stacey of Fresno, Kristen Firpo of Sausalito, Lance Dickson of Bellevue, Washington, Kim Dickson Brickell and her husbad Doug of Fallbrook, Lyndsi McColl Dufresne of Fresno and Matt McColl and his wife Julie of Auburn; seven great-grandchildren; and several loving nieces and nephews; as well as Donna Firpo.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Friday, December 13, 2013, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the Firpo family has asked that donations be made in her name to The First Tee of Fresno, 7225 N. First St., Suite 101, Fresno, CA 93720.