Elmer L. Tofanelli

Elmer Louis Tofanelli March 8, 1921-Feb. 17, 2012 Having lived a full, inspiring life until just short of his 91st birthday, Elmer Tofanelli died peacefully at his Vallejo home, surrounded by beloved family members. Elmer, born in West Oakland to Louis (Pete) and Emily (Azevedo) Tofanelli, moved with his family to Vallejo in 1932. He graduated from Vallejo High School in 1939 and the next year began working at Mare Island while attending UCSF. From 1944-46 he served in the Navy as an Aviation Shop Keeper-First Class, stationed in Guam and Pearl Harbor, where he attended the University of Hawaii. He and his “girl back home”, Stella Mae Wilson, were married in 1946, and he resumed working at the Yard as a supervisor in the Pipe Shop, Planning and Research, and Public Works. He was presented the “Meritorious Civilian Service Award” for developing a conservation, salvage and scrap program. After retiring, he worked at Gil Hart's Men's Store and then for Booz Allen Hamilton as a consultant. For over 60 years he also worked nights and weekends as a private bookkeeper and income tax preparer. Elmer was an avid hunter, outdoorsman, and conservationist. Other joys included his fishing boat Shackles, storytelling, dancing, standing up for his faith and values, defending the underdog, being kind, considerate, and gentlemanly at all times, and seeing his family together and happy. He was a member of the Sons of Italy--on whose bocce ball team he starred until just last year--and the Elks Club. Elmer was preceded in death by his wife, Stella; daughter, Pamela Rodgers; son, Rod; granddaughter, Maria Rodgers; brother, Vernon. His legacy of goodness, integrity, and strength will live on through those who survive him, daughter, Lesley (Chris) Warnshuis; son, Ron; grandchildren, Gina and Greg (Allison) Rodgers, Emily (Frank) Candela, Joey and Alice Warnshuis; four great-grandchildren, and brother Norman. Visitation will be 5 to 9 p.m., Thursday, with vigil services at 7 p.m., at Twin Chapels Mortuary, 1100 Tennessee St., Vallejo. Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m., Friday, at St. Vincent Ferrer Church, 925 Sacramento St., Vallejo. Burial will follow at All Souls Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested for Dominican Mission Foundation, P.O. Box 15367, San Francisco, CA 94115 or SmileTrain.org.

Elmer L. Tofanelli

March 8, 1921 - February 17, 2012