Robert Paul Ferroggiaro died suddenly on Nov. 2, 2008 in Santa Rosa. He was 56. A 30-year resident of Sonoma and a native of San Francisco, Bob was a warm and loving friend to all.
He worked at the Sonoma Developmental Center as a psych tech before becoming a corrections officer at San Quentin, where he worked for 18 years. He retired from the Department of Corrections San Quentin and was a past president of the Local CCPOA.
Bob was an avid fisherman and was a lover of good wine, good cooking and life.
He is survived by his loving mother, Gloria Tobia; his stepfather, Tom of Castro Valley; and by his life partner, Shirley Winters of Sonoma. He is also survived by numerous cousins, family and devoted friends.
Friends are invited to attend a celebration of his life on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008 at 11 a.m. at Duggan’s Mission Chapel, 525 W. Napa St., Sonoma, CA 95476. Private Inurnment.
Donations may be made in his name to the National Kidney Foundation of Northern California, Inc., 131 Steuart St., Suite 520, San Francisco, CA 94105-1240.
Arrangements under the direction of Duggan’s Mission Chapel, Mission Cremation Service, 525 W. Napa St., Sonoma.
James Ruth passed away peacefully on the evening of Saturday, Nov. 1, at home in Sonoma, at the age of 76. Born June 14, 1932 in Hillsdale, Mich., he was an avid fisherman and enjoyed camping, hiking, golfing and travel. Jim was an artist at heart and enjoyed drawing and crafts. He took great satisfaction in the simple pleasures of life and was always willing to help a friend.
A veteran of the United States Air Force, Jim served proudly for 23 years in England, Vietnam and several duty stations in the United States before retiring at Hamilton A.F.B. in Marin County. Jim and his wife Pat lived in Novato for 21 years before making their home in Sonoma, where they have been residents since 1994. He was an active member of the St. Leo’s Men’s Club, SIRS Chapter #41 and the Marin Rod & Gun Club.
Jim is survived by his wife of 35 years, Pat; his four children David Ruth, Julia Freeman, Christine Miller and Tina Phelps; and five stepchildren, Kathleen Heath, Eileen Williams, Maureen Wall, Mary Alderete and Francis Wall; and all of their spouses, 19 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Jim is also survived by his brother, Vernon Ruth; his sister, Leona Helsel, and many nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to attend a memorial Mass at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, 601 W. Agua Caliente Road, Sonoma, CA 95476, Friday (today), Nov. 7 at 2 p.m., followed by a reception in the church hall.
Inurnment on Monday, Nov. 10, at 11:30 a.m. at Sacramento Valley VA National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, Dixon, Calif. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in his name to St. Leo’s Development Fund.
Arrangements under the direction of, Duggan’s Mission Chapel, Mission Cremation Service, 525 West Napa Street, Sonoma.
Robert P. (Bob) Fabian, 66, passed away peacefully on Oct. 29, 2008, at home, with his wife Joan at his side. He was born Jan. 9, 1942 to George and Lydia Fabian in San Francisco. He joined the Air Force after graduation from Mission High School in San Francisco. After his service time, he returned to San Francisco, took his apprenticeship in welding and worked at Hunter Point Naval shipyard, and then at Alameda Naval Air Station until he retired after 24-plus years. Following retirement in 1994, he moved his family to Sonoma, where he had spent many happy years as a child, as his parents had a summer home in Sonoma since 1952. He enjoyed fishing in Sonoma Creek and swimming at the old Boyes Hot Springs pool. Bob always enjoyed being around water, and mastered scuba diving and was also a diving instructor for several years. He retired briefly, but soon decided to begin working as a handyman, a new occupation he enjoyed, which allowed him to make many new friends over the years.
Bob was fond of outdoor activities such as camping, fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed treasure hunting, using metal detectors and was an avid gold-pan miner. Always keeping an eye out for old coins, at times Bob would find a rare coin and enthusiastically share his newfound treasure with his friends. After moving to Sonoma, he became interested in winemaking and eventually planted his own vineyard of pinot noir and merlot. As a member of VOMDES, an amateur winemaking group, he and several of his wine-enthusiast friends began producing wine from that vineyard that was a hit with his friends and neighbors.
He is survived by his wife Joan, son Paul and daughter-in-law Ronnie, of Sonoma; three grandchildren, Natalee, Dominic and Christian, of Mesa Ariz.; and several nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his mother and father, Lydia and George Fabian; and his brother, William Fabian; and his sister Chris Kotchkoe.
A memorial service was held on Nov. 5 at Duggan’s Mission Chapel, 525 W. Napa St., Sonoma. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Hospice by the Bay Foundation (Sonoma) in Bob’s honor or the charity of your choice. Arrangements under the direction of Duggan’s Mission Chapel.
Nellie Elizabeth Caldwell passed away peacefully Wednesday, Oct. 29, at her daughter’s home in Santa Margarita, Calif. She was 91. Nellie was a longtime resident of Sonoma, 47 years, and a native of Missouri. She was the loving daughter of the late Rufus and Rosa Van Winkle. She was the loving mother of Lillian Turbville (Bill) of Jackson, Miss.; Mary Wolf (Terry) of Santa Margarita, Calif. and Dale Caldwell of Sonoma. She was the loving grandmother of 6 and great-grandmother of 13.
Nellie will be remembered for her warm and loving nature and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Friends attended a visitation on Sunday, Nov. 2 at Duggan’s Mission Chapel and a graveside service was held at Santa Rosa Memorial park on Nov. 3. Arrangements under the direction of Duggan’s Mission Chapel, Mission Cremation Services, 525 W. Napa St., Sonoma.
Donald Kenneth Henson, 89, of Sonoma, died Oct. 29, 2008 in Sonoma. Donald was the husband of the late Elsa Henson and is also survived by nieces and nephews. He was the brother-in-law of Charlie and John Schiff.
He was a retired Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, WWII. He was in the service for 23 years. He was a member of the V.F.W., American Legion and the Masonic Lodge for many years. Don was a 68-year resident of Sonoma and a native of Corona, Calif.
A graveside service was held at Sonoma Veteran’s Memorial Park on Nov. 3.
Arrangements under the direction of Duggan’s Mission Chapel, Mission Cremation Services, 525 W. Napa St., Sonoma.
