Paul M. Marigonda's Obituary
Cesare Marigonda Resident of Piedmont Cesare Marigonda, aged 90 years, passed away at his home in Piedmont November 22, 2013, after a long and fulfilling life. He was born on March 1, 1923 in Trieste Italy, the seventh child of Carlo and Ernesta (Apollonio) Marigonda. He served in the Italian Navy in World War II, was involved in the Dutch underground and at wars end, went to work for the American military that governed Trieste. In June 1958 he married Laura Maranzana and emigrated to the US, settling in Oakland. There, he and Laura raised their two children, Paul and Silvia, while Cesare became a popular bartender at Vince’s restaurants in Oakland. He became a US citizen in 1963. Cesare and Laura opened Cesare’s Restaurant in the Oakland Hills in 1972, and hard work made their restaurant a great success. Both children worked in the restaurant as well and Cesare was honored when Paul and Silvia graduated from Cal (UC Berkeley). In 1987, Cesare and Laura sold the restaurant and began to enjoy retirement. Throughout his life Cesare always enjoyed long walks, swimming, travel, sitting in the sun, and Italian crossword puzzles. Laura passed away in 1994. Cesare found great joy in being “Nonno” to his four grandsons, attending the boys’ sporting events and concerts, and taking them to lunch or a Colombo Club dinner. Family and friends were most important to Cesare, many friendships lasting more than fifty years, and based on a variety of interests. His warm smile and great conversation always lit up a room. Cesare was preceded in death by his wife Laura and daughter Silvia Marigonda Frost. He is survived by his son Paul Marigonda and daughter in law Margaret Marigonda, of Scotts Valley, son in law Mark Frost of Piedmont and his four grandsons, Patrick and Peter Marigonda and Julian and Dominic Frost. In lieu of Flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Children’s Hospital, Oakland or a charity of your choice in Cesare’s name. A memorial Mass will be held on Friday, December 27, 2013, at 10:30 a.m., at Corpus Christi Church, 322 Saint James Drive, Piedmont, CA.
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