Fredric J. "Freddie Panza" Straub

FREDRIC J. "FREDDIE PANZA" STRAUB passed away peacefully at his home on February 19, 2015. He was 64 years old. Lifetime Petaluma resident, predeceased by his parents, George and Dorothy Straub, and brother G.A. Straub. Fred was the beloved husband of Ema Morales-Straub, "Pop" to Ida and Keith Schwitters, his twin sons Daniel and Lucas Straub, "Poppa" to Ryan, Andrew, and Ema Schwitters. Dear brother to Victoria Straub Williams. Dear uncle to Alberta Straub, Rex, Darby and Robin Williams. He was known and loved by many for his gentle disposition and caring nature. Fred and Ema were owners of Ray's Grocery and Tavern for 16 years, and he made many friends there. Fred and his brother owned and operated the "Straubville" property on Bodega Avenue for many years. Fred earned his BA in English at Sonoma State, and his love for literature was a constant joy in his life. He loved music all his life also. A classically trained pianist in his youth, he once received multiple standing ovations for his Ginastera Sonata at the Anaheim Convention Center. Throughout his life, he also played guitar, banjo, fiddle and harmonica. He could play anything from old Appalachian fiddle tunes to Robert Johnson blues songs. Fred was a lifelong fan of the SF Niners and SF Giants, but his true passion for sports was in his favorite game and pastime-tennis. He played on the tennis teams at PHS, SRJC, and Sonoma State and could often be found "hitting some" with his longtime friend Steve Wood. Fred also loved to spend time with his other longtime friend, Charlie Stauft. The family would also like to thank Steve Rossotti for his longtime companionship to Fred and family. Fred was lovingly called "the walking encyclopedia" by his family, as his love for learning led to an expertise in many topics, including British history, guns and ammo, tennis, music, philosophy, Shakespeare, carpentry and automobiles. Conversations with Fred were always amazing. He had a talent for relating anyone's thought process to a particular line of a book, and he could always provide the perfect quote anyone needed to hear. He could always be counted on to provide an excellent perspective. Fred's gentle, loving presence will be sorely missed by his family and the many friends he left behind. "He went his full nine innings, and it wasn't bloody rounders; he was a pilgrim searching for a shrine; a walking contradiction, partly truth and partly fiction." He will be missed but not forgotten. Private family services will be held.