Americo Noe

Americo Italo Noe left this world early Friday morning to join his "Little Bionda," Louise, in Heaven. As we sadly say goodbye to him, we remember with smiles and laughs all of our good memories of him. The first thing that comes to mind when we think about Nonno are his stories. One of our favorites is his story of his journey to America at 17 years old. He loved to tell about the train ride he took from New York to California with only a few dollars to his name. The woman sitting next to him took him under her wing and gave him salami and French bread - forever etching herself into his life. He told us stories of growing up in Italy, all the jobs he had, and all the mischief he got into. We eagerly awaited company to come over, so we could hear a new story he hadn't told yet. These stories were usually accompanied by songs and dancing. He loved to sing - some songs we recognized and others we think he might have made up. He loved to change the lyrics to classic opera songs to make them funny, but whatever the song he would get that goofy smile and just sing. He would put us on his feet and waltz around the kitchen with us or try to grab our hand and do a couple of steps as he was passing through the kitchen. Americo was born in Crockett, Calif. in 1915, but soon after went to Italy. He was raised in Castano Primo, a small town outside of Milano. When not working, he loved to play soccer or take off on his bike with a picnic and tour around for the weekend. At the age of 17 he moved to Crockett. There he befriended Armarido Ghioldi in Citizenship school and set his sights on Armando's sister Louise, who became his wife for 65 years. They raised one son, Robert Noe, amongst the Italian community in Crockett. Americo was a mechanic/ machinist at the Port Costa Brick Works and worked as hard as he could to support his family. Together they would camp in Yosemite, where Americo loved to fish for trout. He would journey over to the coast where he hunted for one of his favorite treats, porcini mushrooms. Once he retired, he devoted himself to making beautiful copper sculptures and paintings, working in his garden, and helping out his family. He was good to his friends and family, whom he never hesitated to help out. Americo was passionate about food. He could remember the smallest details about a meal he ate 70 years ago; but what really brought a sparkle to his eye was his wife's cooking, delicious Italian meals that would go on for many courses. Actually, it's the only food he really liked. We believe he was a food critic in a past life. In 2006, Americo and Louise moved to Chico, where they lived the remainder of their years. He had wanted to be closer to his son and two granddaughters whom he loved greatly. We will miss hearing his voice and seeing his smile, He is survived by his brother, Pino Noe (Crockett); sister, Ines (Castano Primo, Italy); son, Robert Noe (Chico); and granddaughters, Kirsten and Michelle Noe. A viewing will be held at Brusie funeral home in Chico, Wednesday, August 6th, 2008 at 10-11 a.m. The service will follow at 11 a.m. The family asks that instead of flowers or gifts, please send donations for the Gene Howard Memorial Scholarship Fund to Brusie Funeral Home. Bruise Funeral Home Is handling arrangements.