Donald John Giudici

Recitation of the Holy Rosary and the Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Sunday and Monday for Don Giudici who passed away at his Santa Cruz home at the age of 82. The son of Stefano and Louise Giudici, he was born and raised on the west side of Santa Cruz, graduated from Holy Cross High School in 1951, and was the last patriarch of the neighborhood. He served in the US Navy from 1952 -1956, and returned to Santa Cruz where he worked at Modern Bakery, and later as a garbage collector for his father who owned the first sanitation company in Santa Cruz. For more than 33 years, Don worked as a beer and wine distributor for Favorite Brands, and retired with Southern Wine and Spirits. Following his retirement, he went to work part time for his good friend, Lucas Zaballos at U Save Liquors. He was a familiar face in the local girls' softball circuit, where he would show up to the games in his bright red Miller Beer truck. Don was very active with his girls throughout his life. Many fond memories will always be cherished of Don coaching his daughters in softball from the early age of 5 and into their adulthood. An avid poker player, Don and his poker buddies (Bob Zoccoli, Johnny Ghio, and George Kievlan) would meet for their weekly poker game which always included cocktails, food, and laughter. Don was always one to sign up and go on bus trips to Reno for the Italian Festival, and of course, Chukchansi and Cashe Creek. In his early years, he loved to mushroom hunt and was an accomplished gardener, raising and sharing hundreds of red onions with his family and friends. He was especially known for his dancing, and he and his wife Jeanie loved to do the jitterbug to their favorite song "Kansas City". Don was a devout Oakland Raiders fan and loved to watch any baseball or softball game on television. He loved all sports, whether it was men or women playing, professionals or amateurs. He especially enjoyed supporting his daughters and grandsons in all of their sporting events. Don's joy and the pure fun that was had by all, of recently taking his daughters, son- in-law, and grandson to an Oakland A's game will always be cherished. Don was a very civic minded person, and held numerous offices and duties with the Italian Catholic Federation Branch No 21, Marconi Club, member of the VFW, Sons in Retirement (SIRS), Druids, and a parishioner of Holy Cross Church. Don was a very loving man, all of his family and friends were always welcome in his home, he greeted them all with a smile and was always ready to share a drink with them. He was ready to have a good time with you whether you were a lifelong friend, family, a neighbor, or if he just met you, a Brandy Manhattan would be shared. He leaves his daughters and sons-in-law Elaina and Mike Shanks, Loreen Giudici-Kathrein and William Kathrein, and Stephanie Giudici and her partner A.D. Edwards. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Jonah Shanks and wife, Alisa ,Amanda Shanks, Samuel Giudici Ferreira, Dillon Kathrein, and his great grandchildren; Lexie Shanks, and Tyler Shanks along with several adopted family members that Don took in throughout his life including, Julie Furtado, Kari Himmelstrup, Wyatt Himmelstrup, and his adopted son Rick Dimeo. He also leaves behind his very good friend, Joann Juhl. Don was preceded in death by his wife Jean Giudici in 2005, his parents Stefano and Louise Giudici, his brothers: Stephen and John Giudici, and his sister Marie Tognetti. Friends may pay their respects at Holy Cross Church (126 High Street) in Santa Cruz on Sunday August 2, 2015 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. The rosary will begin at 7 p.m. at the church and the mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 3, 2015 beginning 11 a.m. Burial will follow with military honors at Holy Cross Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Jean. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to your favorite local charity in Don's memory.