William Augustus Ghirardelli, II
July 20, 1923 - August 13, 2015
Resident of Emeryville
Bill went home to be with his Lord and Savior on August 13, 2015.
A third generation Californian, he was born at home in Oakland on July 20, 1923. He was a cowboy at heart, a member of the Will James Society, an accomplished horseman, and had read every Louis L'Amour book many times over.
He attended local schools and graduated from Oakland High where he was commissioner of boy's athletics and a track and football star. His athletic skills lead to many scholarship opportunities, and he chose Saint Mary's College, where he had an outstanding football career.
Bill delayed his education to serve his country in World War II as an Army Sergeant, and was called up again as a 1st Lieutenant in Korea, for a total of 5 years active service. He was proud of his time in the military, and was active in the San Ramon Valley Veteran's Association for many years. In 1948 he received his B. S. from St. Mary's in economics and business administration.
He married his sweetheart, Joanne Getchmann on August 8, 1947, and they recently celebrated 68 wonderful years together. After first settling in Oakland, they built a home in Danville, where they raised 3 children, as well as many dogs and assorted varmints.
Bill built a career in advertising, starting his own company, Aim-Ad, which he ran successfully from 1960 to 1997, with offices in Oakland and Danville. He was active in Lion's Club, serving as President, Zone Chairman, and a founder of the Leo Club. Bill and Joanne were pioneer members of Community Presbyterian Church in Danville, attending there for 54 years. He served as a deacon, an elder, and Bible Study Fellowship leader. He also followed God's call serving in the Prison Ministry for 4 years, significantly changing a man's life. In retirement, he tutored many people as an ESL instructor. He loved life, people, parties, and road trips with Joanne. They built 2 mountain cabins for family to gather at Bear River and then Dorrington.
Bill was devoted to his family above all. He was a loving and supportive father, and was the consummate Grandpa to his 6 grandchildren. He rarely missed their games, and performances, and coordinated many wonderful family vacations both in the U.S. and abroad, his favorite being trips to Italy. Grandpa "Delli" loved to gather his grandsons for the annual "Big Trees Camp" in Calaveras County. He served as camp & activities director, as well as chief cook and bottle washer, making memories that will last forever.
Moving to Emeryville in 2012, Bill & Joanne enjoyed being closer to family, as well as Fenton's. Bill was one of their most devoted customers since the 1920's, always ordering a chocolate all around, non-pour milkshake! He made many new friends, both in his neighborhood, the nearby Emeryville Senior Center, and at First Presbyterian Church in Berkeley. He liked to tell people he was 92 years old.
His parents, William A., Sr. and Elsie L. as well as his beloved sister Barbara [OHS Jun 1938] precede Bill in death. He is survived by his wife Joanne, and his children William A. III (Jan), Jill (Steve), and Tim, his adored grandchildren, Matt, Ben, William A. IV "Bo", Nick, Genna, and Katie, as well as his brother Robert (Jan). There were no strangers to Bill, only friends he hadn't yet met. "Sempre Amici!"
A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley, 2407 Dana Street, Berkeley, CA 94704 at 1 PM on August 28, 2015.
Family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Youth Business USA, a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded by his grandson, Bo, that assists underserved youth to develop new businesses. Their website is www.ybusa.org. Alternatively, please make donations to the deacon's fund at First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley.
