Frank Ezio Albert Tunzi, a resident of Greenfield, died at Eden Valley Care Center in Soledad on June 17th at the generous age of 97 ½.
Frank was born in Lodano, Canton Ticino, Switzerland and moved to Greenfield with his family at the beginning of the Depression in November 1929. And yet Frank was never depressed about the need to be positive, work hard, and keep going in life.
He attended Greenfield School and started working in agriculture and farming at a young age. One of his many jobs as he got older was spreading fertilizer with his own tractor—an underrated and unassuming task, but an incredibly important one that reflected Frank’s personality.
Later in life he moved to San Francisco where he worked as a cook and then as a precision-spot welder at a manufacturing company.In the late 1970’s he built his own house in Greenfield, mostly all by himself, and he permanently returned there in 1981, bringing with him his ill, older sister, Gina. When he realized that he needed help in caring for her, he met Gayle West, who helped take care of Gina and who became a beloved friend for the rest of his life.
There was very little Frank could not figure out how to do. And if you were his friend, you learned about the generous spirit that got him to 97. He would cook, help with both little tasks and big projects, and basically do anything he could for friends and neighbors.
If you were really lucky, he gave you canned peaches. Truly nothing like ‘em.
He will be missed.
Frank was predeceased by his parents, Giosia and Gelsomina Tunzi; sister, Gina Mattei; and brothers Emilio and Eligio Tunzi. He is survived by his sister Massimilla (Mildred) Tunzi at Eden Valley Care Center; by his nephew, Marc Tunzi and family, of Salinas; and by his dear friend, Gayle, of Greenfield.
His family would like to publicly thank the staff of Eden Valley Care Center for the wonderful care they provided him and his brother Eligio, and continue to provide to his sister, Milla.
Memorial Mass will be held Monday, July 9, 2018 at 1 pm at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Greenfield, followed with burial at the Greenfield Cemetery District.
Arrangements by Woodyard Funeral Home, 395 East St, Soledad (831) 678-9100 WoodyardFuneralHome.com
