Sandro passed away on Sunday, February 21 in Hughson. He was born in Cabella Ligure, Italy – Prov. Alessandria. His youth was spent in Italy where he weathered the trying times of the Great Depression and World War II. He did not finish grammar school for the simple reason the he had to help his parents. Obviously, there were no government safety nets at that time – nor child labor laws. Sandro had two older half-sisters, one older brother, one younger brother, and one younger sister. In 1944, at the age of 18, Sandro’s mother passed away at the age of 54.
Sandro served in the Italian military during peace time for eighteen months from 1948-1949. And in 1950, his father passed away at the age of 74. In 1953, Sandro married Giovanna Bellone. In April of 1953, Sandro and his neighbor, Aroldo Chiesa, left Italy: Their final destination would be Hughson!
At first glance, Sandro liked Hughson. He was honored and thankful to now reside on the “New World.” In 1954, mom joined dad in Hughson.
Sandro worked for a few years at his cousins’ various peach orchards. And subsequently, he leased one peach orchard to Tully Road in Hughson and a few years later, he was able to lease another orchard. In the 1960’s he purchased two peach orchards in the Hughson area. He worked hard. And he was humble.
Besides farming, he enjoyed playing “bocce” ball, gardening, hunting, searching for mushrooms in the mountains, and of course, playing card games such as poker, pinochle, “frogo”, pedro, brisca, “seat”, etc. He enjoyed having coffee at Hamilton’s café in Hughson and conversing with fellow farmers. And of course, he enjoyed playing cards on Saturdays, at the Hughson Fire Dept. in 1960’s, 1970’s, 1980’s.
He was a lifetime member of the Stanislaus County Swiss Club, and member of the Dante Club, Good Time Accordion Club, Hughson Lion’s Club, and California Canning Peach Association. He was a volunteer fireperson from the late 1960’s to 1981. And he was one of the various directors of the Hughson Fire Protection District from 1993 to 2001.
Sandro is survived by his son, Roberto, a sister, Gina Andrei, and various cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Giovanna, his parents, Pietro and Sabina and his siblings.
We would like to thank the nurses, caregivers, and staff at Community Hospice for their dedication and support. We would also like to thank the Hughson Fire Department.
Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church in Hughson on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at 10:00AM. Burial will follow at Lakewood Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life shall be held at a later date.
Sandro enjoyed life – period, exclamation point!
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