Edward Louis Del Beccaro
Edward Louis Del Beccaro, of Danville, California, passed away on March 29, 2012, surrounded by his wife of 59 years and many of his eight children and 22 grandchildren. He would have been 85 years old on Wednesday, April 4.
He was born on April 4, 1927, in Chicago, Illinois to Doctor Edward and Mrs. Carolyn Del Beccaro. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. He was stationed at the Oakland Oak Knoll Naval Hospital, where he assisted survivors of Corregidor.
After his military service, he studied philosophy at Loyola University in Chicago before beginning a career in sales and marketing. He married Annette Marie Ferenzi on Valentine’s Day, 1953. As a marketing executive for Castle Cooke and other companies, he traveled to every continent of the world. His advice was sought by U.S. presidents, Congressional committees, and United Nations Conferences. He was a celebrity chef and a lifelong Chicago White Sox fan.
He always treated everyone, from clerks to presidents, with the same charm, courtesy, and respect. He was a just and tolerant man. His favorite quotation was “de gustibus non est disputandum” – in matters of taste there is no dispute.
He is survived by his loving wife, Ann; four sons, Edward, David, Mark and Thomas; four daughters – Mary Williams, Dianne Brody, Lisa Lori, and Nicole Swafford of Pikeville; 21 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
He was sadly preceded in death by his grandson, Andrew Lane. He felt that his children were his greatest achievement, and always credited Ann with the success of his family. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. His grace, wit, humor, and kindness are already missed, and he will be remembered with love, always.
A Vigil Service was held at Wilson Kratzer Chapel of San Ramon Valley and the Funeral Liturgy was held at St. Isidore Church 440 La Gonda Way in Danville, California on Tuesday, April 3. Burial was at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Lafayette, California.
Donations are preferred to Alzheimer’s Association Northern California 1060 La Avenida Street, Mountain View, CA 94043.
Arrangements were made by Wilson Kratzer Chapel in California.
