top stories : : : :

Angelo Dan Pedroncelli, 79, of Sonoma, passed peacefully to the glory of the next life at his home on Dec, 15, 2008, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by those who love him.

Angelo was born to the late Frank and Angela Pedroncelli, Italian immigrants, on March 7, 1929, in Kenwood. He spent his childhood on the beautiful family ranch on the mountain top off Nelligan Road in Kenwood. Tending the family vineyard, he learned to appreciate the beauty of nature and developed his great love for the outdoors. He grew up there with his brother, Frank, his sister, Kate, and younger brother, Ed. Angelo's father and uncle instilled in him a strong family work ethic.

Angelo's early education included a very long walk down the mountain and to Dunbar Elementary School and back home again each day. He was always a head taller than his classmates; and his big, warm smile made him instantly recognizable. At Sonoma Valley High School, he developed a great love for football. He also played baseball on a Kenwood team and was an outstanding left-handed pitcher for his team.

At the young age of 18, Angelo began his lifelong, dedicated career in the fire service. The first of his many work assignments was with the California Department of Forestry, Glen Ellen. He developed and mastered his fire-fighting skills and became an experienced firefighter. Following his service with the CDF, he became the chief of Glen Ellen Volunteer Fire Department. In his next service at the Sonoma Development Center Fire Department, he befriended Kenny Hill, who became his longtime friend and member of the family. His final years of employment were spent as fire chief of Valley of the Moon Fire District. His accomplishments there included securing a new fire station and purchasing new equipment. Angelo served as a fireman for more than 38 years and was a member of the California Fire Chiefs Association. Angelo's devotion to the fire service defined his career and his work relationships. He also served as a director for the Valley of the Moon Water District for 12 years.

At age 19, Angelo and a friend attended a fund-raiser dance for Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. Angelo's eye caught a lovely young woman sitting with her friends. Angelo approached her to ask for a dance, tripped on a stair and fell into her lap! That fateful fall led to a lifelong dance with his beloved wife, Phyllis. Angelo and Phyllis began their family journey together on Garric Avenue in Glen Ellen. They welcomed their children - Claudine, Laurie and Dan, to their lives there. Their three children added fun, joy and excitement to the beloved family home. Angelo heartily welcomed friends to join his family for dinner, laughter and fun. A proud and devoted father, Angelo instilled in his children the value of hard work - including picking prunes, cleaning bricks and stacking firewood - much as his father and uncle had instilled in him.

Angelo loved to talk. Because of this defining trait, he never knew a stranger. He always said that he could loosen up anyone, and that person would then enter a conversation with him. Angelo's legacy lives through his endearing words and his engaging personality.

Angelo's great joy and hobby was vegetable gardening. In Kenwood, he tenderly planted all his vegetables, producing a glorious garden. He proudly shared the bounty of his garden with both friends and strangers.

Angelo's second home was in the quaint town of Upper Lake. He spent many joy-filled days there - walking his faithful pal, his dog Middy, working on projects around the home and talking and having coffee with friends. His grandchildren spent many happy hours at the cabin, taking rides with him on the 4TRAX, fishing and being lifted up in the bucket of his loader. Angelo valued life and considered each day a gift to be lived to the fullest. He loved to laugh and cherished his time with his family and friends.

Angelo attended church services at the Glen Ellen Congregational Church and Upper Lake Community Church.

Angelo would take on any fix-it project with a very unique approach. The repair would be completed with whatever supplies he had on hand. We called it the "Mickey Mouse Approach." The job got done, but you would be surprised at what he used. His mind was always ready to approach a challenge.

Angelo is survived by his beloved wife, Phyllis, of Sonoma; his daughter, Claudine Pedroncelli, of Upper Lake; and grandson, Angelo C.R. Clouse, of Yuba City; his daughter, Laurie Bray, and husband Rich; granddaughter, Monica Bass, of Sonoma; grandson, Michael John Atchison Jr., of Rohnert Park; grandson, Omar Paz, Jr., and granddaughter, Raquel Paz, of Sonoma; his son, Dan Pedroncelli, of Sonoma; and granddaughters, Cindy Pedroncelli and Chelsea Pedroncelli, Upper Lake; and his great-grandchildren, Jake Pruitt and Paige Pruitt, of Lakeport. Angelo is also survived by his brother, Ed Pedroncelli, and family, of Sonoma, and he is preceded in death by his sister, Catherine, of Sonoma; and his brother, Frank Pedroncelli, of Stockton; sister, Lena Colgate; and brothers, Chelso Pedroncelli, and Raymond Pedroncelli. Angelo's life will also be celebrated by his many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Angelo's name to Hospice By The Bay, 190 W. Napa St., Sonoma. 95476, and to the Congregational Church in Glen Ellen or Sonoma, or the Fireman's Association.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 22, at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 16290 Arnold Dr, Sonoma. There will be a gathering in his honor after the service at the church. There will be a private burial at Santa Rosa Memorial Park.

Take time each day to remind your loved ones how much they mean to you. Show your love continuously.

We love you, Dad.

Please log in to comment:

*Member ID:
*Password:
	Forgot Your Password?

Not registered yet? Sign up here! (registration is free)

Note: All fields are required

Personal Information

First Name:

Last Name:

Address:

City:

State:

ZIP code:

Phone:

Email: (this will serve as your username)

Desired password:

Re-type password: