Lawrence Angelo Romanazzi

Lawrence Angelo Romanazzi returned to Heaven to join the Lord on Sunday, January 22, 2017. He was born in Oakland, California to Donato and Angeletta Romanazzi on June 30, 1921. Lawrence spent his first 9 years living in Daly City (South San Francisco) before moving to Visalia and throughout his life, his love of San Francisco was evident. Lawrence served in the United States Navy as a gunner during World War II, stationed in the Pacific. He held many jobs during his twenties but when he was hired as a lineman for Pacific Telephone and Telegraph, he found his life's work. Larry, as he was often called, worked for the phone company for 35 years. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers, served as a volunteer with the Tulare County Sheriff's Department, member of the Am Vets, and served as a volunteer for the Visalia Police Department. Lawrence was also a business owner and had a car wash located on Tulare Avenue. In 1944, he married his childhood sweetheart and love of his life, Ida Giotta. Larry and Ida became involved in Sons of Italy in 1949 and both of them fell in love with the organization. Larry served as a local president of the lodge in Visalia, was instrumental in the purchase of the lodge's first building and then served on the building committee helping build the present Lodge building located on Goshen A venae, He also served on the state level and after holding several offices was elected State President in 1983. Lawrence's nickname was the "Traveling Man" as he and Ida drove from one end of the state to the other to visit lodges and attend functions. Even after his term was over, Larry and Ida continued their involvement in the Order Sons of Italy in America. They involved their children and grandchildren in all aspects of the Order. Larry was known for his attention to detail, great stories and ability to see almost anything. A number of years ago he acquired another nickname as the "Raffle Man" as he would sell raffle tickets at all events and Conventions. Lawrence and-Ida. traveled to: Italy many times to visit family and friends and took their last trip in 2008. There were many characteristics that made Lawrence stand out. He had a very soft heart and could be extremely generous. He was willing to help everyone without being asked. No task was too big or too small. Lawrence lost his sweetheart, Ida, in 2014 and, failing health saw him doing less and less. Lawrence was proceeded in death by his parents, brother Frank, wife Ida and grandson Dan. He is survived by his two children, Donna Grist (Lynn) and Larry Romanazzi (Marlene), five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Rosary will be prayed Friday February 3, 2017 at 9:30am followed by Mass of Christian burial at St-Mary's Catholic Church. Reception will follow at the Sons of Italy Hall. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Enrico Caruso OSIA Charities.

Lawrence Angelo Romanazzi

June 30, 1921 - January 22, 2017