Obituary of Peter Arancio

On August 17, 2015, Peter lost his battle to ALS. Born in Marettimo, Italy, Peter was the son of late Diego and Francesca Arancio. With his family, Peter immigrated via Ellis Island in December 1946 at the age of 16 and eventually settled in Monterey, Ca. In 1948, the family built the "Vitina A," a 57-ft commercial fishing boat where Peter made his living as a commercial fisherman. He fished for squid, anchovies, herring and mackerel up and down the California coast. Peter also fished in Alaska for salmon and continued on for 49 years. He worked hard to be a top fisherman in the industry and sacrificed greatly, working long hours to make a beautiful life for his family. He was very active in the fishing industry as a member of AIFMA, Seafarers Intl Union and many committees with the Dept. of Fish & Game. While he will always be known as an accomplished fisherman, he also owned and operated a successful Laundromat business for over 30 years. On June 5, 1955 Peter married the love of his life, Ursula Torrente, at San Carlos Cathedral. Peter and Ursula were married for 56 wonderful years, sharing a rare love that endured even after Ursula's passing in 2011. They enjoyed travelling and embarked on many cruises around the world. They took pleasure in spending summers with family and friends at Clear Lake and celebrations at the family home in Skyline Forest. They often enjoyed listening and dancing to romantic songs and rooting for the OaklandA's. Their relationship was truly unique, and has served as a model example for their children and grandchildren. Peter was a devoted father and loving grandfather. He loved being surrounded by his family and never hesitated to tell them so. Peter had a wonderful ability to create a comfortable and loving relationship with each of his 14 grandchildren. He was also the number one fan at his children's and grandchildren's sporting events. Peter's family will always remember his love of family dinners and golfing with his son & grandsons. His humor and affection had a tremendous impact on the lives of his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by siblings, Mary Manuguerra (Ventura) and Vitina Pironi (Joe, deceased). He is forever remembered by his children, Francesca (Steve) Cardinalli, Geraldine (Darryl) Kenyon, Ursula (Steve) Avila and Peter (Audrey) Arancio. "Nano" will be missed by his grandchildren, Stephen (Sommer) Cardinalli, Michael Cardinalli, John Cardinalli, Nicholas (Brittany) Avila, Jessica (Nate) Johnson, Daniella, and Steven Avila, Colin, Alissa, and Natalie Kenyon, Ashley, Morgan, Madison and Alexa Arancio; his seven great-grandchildren, Christopher, Nicholas, and Kaitlyn Cardinalli; Nicholas, and Clayton Avila; Hudson and Parker Johnson, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Peter was a member of the Monterey Elks Lodge, the Compari Club, Italian Catholic Federation, a parishioner of San Carlos Cathedral, and a perpetual member of the Shrine of St. Jude. Peter was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He has left behind a legacy of hard work, undying love, and happy memories with all who met him. We may all take comfort in knowing that he is reunited with Ursula once more. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please send your donations to Shrine of St. Jude, P.O. Box 15368, San Francisco, CA 94115 or the San Carlos Cathedral Cornerstone Campaign, 500 Church Street, Monterey, CA 93940.