Peter August Bassignani

Peter A. Bassignani, age 99 years, who was a Santa Rosa native, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 30, 2017, he was 99. Peter or Pete as he was known, was born on November 7, 1917 and grew up as the youngest child in one of Santa Rosas early Italian vegetable-farming families. He spent his life in the old "Little Italy" section of Santa Rosa near Dutton Avenue and west of Railroad Square. Early on Pete took an interest in wood craft and spent his adult life as a prolific and skilled Carpenter. A gritty and tough perfectionist while plying his trade, Pete was a generous, caring, kind and admired man befriended by many. He was an avid (and opinionated) local Sports fan, rooting passionately for the Warriors, Niners and Giants. During his near century of life, he was fortunate enough to see all his beloved teams win Championships. Pete was most recently preceded in death by his beloved brother Nello Bassignani, and his son Glenn A. Bassignani. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews as well as his dear beloved friend of more than 30 years Barbara (Seefeldt) Oakley of Sebastopol. Pete was a decorated and proud U.S. Navy Veteran, as a member of United States Naval Construction Forces - the SEABEES, he served in World War II in the South Pacific theater. Pete was fond of saying that the projects he helped build could be seen all over the world. A carpenter by trade, Pete self-built a house for his Mother that he later resided in until his death. He was a great craftsman from an early age spending hours on high school wood shop projects that have withstood the test of time. Pete was a proud lifetime member of the Carpenters Union local 751 and he enjoyed showing off the numerous buildings and residences he helped construct throughout the North Bay. Later in life many know Pete for his green thumb, and his uncanny knack for growing produce, roses and other plants. Throughout his retired years, Pete used these skills alongside his nephew Tony Bassignani at Bassignani's Nursery in Sebastopol. Many of the plants sold there were from grafts and root stock that Pete was responsible for. The yard at his home is filled with many varieties of roses and other flowering plants as well an abundance of fruit trees. Pete is well known by many for his annual walnut crop, he spent many winters drying and shelling nuts for use during the holidays by friends and relatives. A member of the Catholic Church Pete was a fixture at many polenta feeds and fund raisers. A fan of local grown food and hearty Italian meals, Pete could be found at many local restaurants and eateries. He was also a member or former member of American Legion Post #21, Italian American Club, the Druids of Santa Rosa and his favorite the West 3rd Street Gang. Family and Friends are invited to attend a Funeral Service on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at 1:00 pm. at Lafferty and Smith Colonial Chapel (4321 Sonoma Highway, Santa Rosa, Ca, 95409). Private interment. If desired, donations in Memory of Pete should be made to the American Heart Association or your favorite Charity. Funeral Service

Lafferty Smith Colonial Chapel

Wednesday, February 08, 2017 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM 4321 Sonoma Highway Santa Rosa, California 95409 Directions