| Notes |
6 Jan 1920 census of San Rafael, Marin County, CA, found the Giari family living in dwelling #46:
Fulvio Giari 38 Italy Italy Italy - Janitor, Private
Dominica 34 Italy Italy Italy
Fred 7 CA Italy Italy - Son
Suzie 14 Italy Italy Italy - Daughter
Frank 5/12 CA Italy Italy - Son
5 April 1930 census of San Rafael, Marin County, CA, found the Giari family living in dwelling #137 on "A" Street. Fulvio and Domenca said that they were first married at ages 24 and 21 respectively. Fulvio said that he had immigrated to the United States in 1906, Domenca in 1912:
Fulvio Giari 49 Italy Italy Italy - Laborer, General
Domenca 44 Italy Italy Italy
Fred V. 17 CA Italy Italy
Frank 10 CA Italy Italy
Joseph 5 CA Italy Italy
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Obituary
FRED GIARI
GIARI, Fred
Died at his home in Pasadena April 29, 2012. He was 99.
Fred was born in the North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco in an apartment, upstairs from Figoni's Hardware to Fulvio and Domenica Giari on February 5, 1913. A few years later his family moved to Fairfax, then to San Rafael. He met his wife of 55 years, Maygene, while attending Stanford University in 1939. Fred and Maygene made their home in Los Angeles, moving to Pasadena in 1957.
Fred had many interests and careers. He worked as a bicycle mechanic, grocery store clerk, draftsman, NBC page, and merchant seaman. After college, he worked as a salesman for Bohemian Distributing in Los Angeles and New York. In 1947, he changed careers again, working as a personnel manager at the Southern California Gas Company. In 1959 he moved on to Tidewater Oil company, and finished his professional working life as a manager of supervisory training and development at Phillips Petroleum in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where he retired in 1978.
Upon retirement Fred and Maygene returned to their home in Pasadena. At age 74, Fred obtained his contractor's license, and spent his retirement fixing up his home, his children's homes, and various rental property. He did volunteer work at the Convalescent Aid Society in Pasadena, where he helped rebuild the office and warehouse. He enjoyed having "fix-it" projects, and maintained lasting friendships with hardware store owners and members of the building trades.
Fred leaves a large circle of friends, co-workers, and family. He will be remembered as a loyal friend, a mentor and confidant, and a cheerleader and supporter for his loved ones. His wife Maygene predeceased him in 2003. He is survived by his daughter Helen Campbell [husband John] of Oakland, his son Rick [wife Sue] of Alamo, his brothers John Giari and Joe Giari of Novato, 6 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, his dear friend Katherine [Tash] Livingston, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial was held on May 12 in Pasadena, and a family celebration of life will be held in Novato on June 9 at his brother's home.
The family wishes to gratefully acknowledge the wonderful care and kindness of Yesika Benitez, Fred's caregiver. Her compassion and consideration enabled Fred to live at the home he loved with independence, safety, and dignity.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Civil Liberties Union or to the Convalescent Aid Society in Pasadena.
Published in Pasadena Star-News on May 27, 2012
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I'm Really Rather Fond of You
by Fred Giari
I am 97 years old, waking up each day happy to be alive, looking around for teachable moments, and always remembering theres more to life than just brushing my teeth.
Born above Figonis hardware store in North Beach of San Francisco in 1913, I grew up playing at the corner of Columbus and Broadway, with all the older Italian women standing around criticizing me and all the children. Thats my boy. He is a cockroach was the kind of thing they would say.
My family immigrated from Italy. Years later, my wife Maygene and I made a pilgrimage back to my mothers home town high up in the hill country. Every bit of the town seemed to be made from concrete with no facing materials, a very hard and poor environment. It was on this trip that we learned of the tradition of children in rural Italy assigned the task of washing the bodies when friends and relatives died. It all seemed so natural in that environment. How different things are now.
Maygene and I had an extraordinary life together. I was always the talkative one, Maygene more reflective. One evening, 40 years into our marriage, while we were enjoying that special time in the evening when the sun sets, I got up and brought Maygene her favorite cocktail. She was busy grading English papers and barely looked up. Moments later, there was a small note dropped on my lap, with her perfect penmanship: You know I am really rather fond of you. M.
Maygene always had a plan and knew what she wanted. In life and in death. As we got older, and had a few health bumps along the way, she made her end-of-life wishes clear, and not only to me. She sent a copy of her advance directives with a cover letter to the president of the local hospital! She wanted no extreme measures. She was brave in life and brave in death.
One Sunday morning at home, Maygene was struck with pain and a jolt. Not missing a beat, not changing from her pink nightgown, she asked me to drive her to the hospital. On the way, we held hands. We shared the ride in silence and in acceptance.
As soon as we arrived at the hospital, it was a noisy jumble with medical professionals helping us into the emergency room. The doctors examined Maygene and offered treatment, which she refused. They then came to ask me what I wanted to do. I fought to be as brave as Maygene and responded that I respected her wishes. I sat next to Maygene, holding hands silently, and she died peacefully.
I miss Maygene every day. And she remains a role model for me to be brave in life. And brave in death.
https://www.deathwise.org/conversations/i%E2%80%99m-really-rather-fond-of-you/
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1913 - 2012 (99 years)
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