Jerry Pivato

Jerry was born Girolamo Pivato on June 3, 1923 in Miguelito Canyon, Lompoc, CA to Luigi Felice Pivato and Maria Orso Pivato. He had a happy childhood in that rustic canyon attending a one room schoolhouse, hunting, fishing, riding horses, and helping out on his godfather's ranches. He graduated from Lompoc High School in 1941 and, after graduation, moved to San Francisco where he worked building warships for WWII. When he was 17, his mother had a lengthy hospitalization in Santa Barbara. He and his father boarded with the Dal Bello family until her death. One of the Dal Bello daughters, Assunta (Cindy), 15 at the time, caught his eye. The feeling was mutual and 6 years later, they were married. He is survived by their three children: Geraldine (Gerry) married to Barry Sottak (children Cara and Brian); Kathleen Pivato; and Steven Pivato, married to Anita Sozzi, (children Raymond, Nicholas, and Timothy); great-granddaughter, Rachel; and his 1948 Dodge flatbed truck. He was predeceased by his beloved bride, Cindy Love, whom he lost in 1997. Jerry was a gentle, humble man of few words who enjoyed working with his hands to build or fix just about anything. Prior to becoming a carpenter, he worked milking cows, hauling wood, and delivering wine grapes to local Italian families. As a carpenter, he worked for private contractors and for the Santa Barbara Unified School District for over 20 years. He was a proud member of the Carpenter's Local 1062 for 65 years. In retirement, he enjoyed meeting for coffee twice a week with his retired colleagues and weekly Friday lunches with any of his grandchildren who were available to join him. He always ordered the same thing: grilled cheese and french fries! Up until four months ago, he walked two miles along the beach every morning and fed the ducks at the Mission Creek outflow, followed by coffee at the breakwater. He maintained his home (which he rebuilt after the 1977 Sycamore Canyon Fire) and two acre property, cultivating his vegetable garden and fruit trees. He also spent many hours each day tinkering in his amazing workshop. Jerry lived a happy and fulfilled life, fortunate in having his three children and three of his five grandchildren nearby. He was a beloved son, husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, relative, and friend. A role model and inspiration to all who knew him, Jerry died peacefully in the loving care of his family and friends. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated this Saturday, September 26 at 12:00 Noon at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 227 N. Nopal Street, the same church where he married Cindy and where his children were baptized. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Visiting Nurses and Hospice Care, 512 E. Gutierrez Street, Suite A, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. Arrangements by McDermott-Crockett Mortuary.