Dr. Henry Joseph Soldati

Dr. Henry Joseph Soldati passed away peacefully from heart failure at his home on February 19, 2024, just one month shy of his 91st birthday. Henry was a caring, loving man who provided compassionate care to many patients and baby deliveries in his over 50 years as an OB/GYN doctor. A man of deep faith and a true gentleman, Henry loved his family above all else and was always a beacon of hope and inspiration to everyone he met. Henry was born in Petaluma, California, on March 28, 1933, to Henry and Lorayne Soldati (Wall). He grew up in Petaluma, attending St. Vincent’s grammar and high school. Henry and his sister, Sandra Von Raesfeld, were proud of their family histories in Petaluma, and always spoke fondly of their Sonoma County roots. After graduating high school in 1951, he attended Santa Clara University, where he earned a BS in Biology (premed) in 1955. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from St. Louis University Medical School in 1959. In 1956, Henry married the love of his life, Joanne Paolini, beginning a remarkable 67-year union that blessed them with six sons, 18 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. After graduating from medical school, Henry and Joanne returned to their Bay Area roots, moving to Daly City, as Henry took up his internship and residency at St. Mary’s Hospital in San Francisco, an association that would continue for over 30 years. During that time, he was active in many committees and took on many leadership positions in the hospital and the OB/GYN department, including Chief of the Medical Staff in 1979-80, and Chairman of the Board from 1983 to 1988, the first lay person to ever hold that position at St. Mary’s. He also practiced at Seton Medical Center in Daly City and St. Luke’s Hospital in San Francisco. Although Henry retired from private practice in 1992, he continued his passion for delivering babies for another 16 years throughout the country in mostly underserved and underprivileged areas at over 60 locations. He always valued his remote work, as he continued to serve patients who truly needed help. This chapter of his life allowed him to further pursue his passions for history and geography, through watching sporting events and visiting historical sites throughout the country. Henry was always there for his sons, coaching their baseball and basketball teams, and he held many volunteer roles at Our Lady of Mercy grammar school and St. Ignatius College Prep, where all his sons attended. He served as the St. Ignatius Men’s Club President in 1981. Henry’s biggest passion was his love of baseball, especially his beloved Giants, a passion that he has passed down to his future generations. He loved to attend his son’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, and even his eldest great-grandchildren in recent years. As many of those who knew him can attest, it was a joy to talk baseball with him, but it was very difficult to stump him on baseball trivia. He was also a voracious reader, and it was not uncommon for him to read several books simultaneously scattered around the house, even while doing chores and daily activities. Henry is survived by his wife of 67 years, Joanne Soldati; his sons Mark (Cena), David (Mary), Michael (Lisa), Thomas (Sally), Timothy (Kathy) and John (Lucy); 17 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; his sister Sandra Von Raesfeld, of Petaluma, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Lorayne Soldati, and grandson Bradford. Henry lived a wonderful life, and he will truly be missed by his family, friends and all those whose lives he touched. We know he passed peacefully with a final “Bye for Now” for all of us. We love you and we miss you. Funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, March 5 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 35 Liberty St. Petaluma, CA. Inurnment will immediately follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 304 Magnolia Ave., Petaluma, CA. Cremation and arrangements entrusted to the direction and care of Twin Chapels Mortuary, Vallejo (707) 552-6696. www.TwinChapelsMortuary.com

Dr. Henry Joseph Soldati

March 28, 1933 - February 19, 2024