Hugo Carlo Chiappone, of San Ardo California, passed away on January 29, 2015. He was 86 and died at his home beneath a bright blue sky near the Almond tree he planted with his Dad when he was a boy. Hugo was born in Oakland, California in 1928 to Adolfo and Innocencia (Ferraris) Chiappone days after landing in America. His parents emigrated from Italy and built their new life in San Ardo with sons Dino (Aldo), Hugo and Richie (Ricardo).

Hugo met Sylvia (Lanini), the love of his life, in 1954. He was a CPL in the 8034th Army Unit from 1953-1955, and received the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Meritorious Unit Commendation. Sylvia was a young girl from Salinas when she began writing to a service man from her area in order to keep his spirits high and bring news from home. Hugo and Sylvia wrote letters to each other for 2 years and their friendship turned to love. They married August 10, 1956 and lived in a little yellow house in San Ardo before settling into their home on Godchaux Road. In 1957 they lost their first child, son Dennis, when he was only 11 days old but God blessed them with a son David who was born in 1959, followed by Deborah (Partida) in 1964.

Hugo attended San Ardo Elementary, King City High School and received 2 years of training from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He worked as an Electrical Engineer for Texaco for 33 years.

In San Ardo, Hugo's BBQ skills were legendary. He cooked at many events for Texaco employees, the San Ardo Fire Company and for the Catholic Church. He only shared his chicken wing recipe with a select lucky few. Hugo loved to travel with the Silver Kings and Queens, the Active Seniors and the Friendship Club. He and Sylvia traveled throughout US and Europe but his favorite journeys were the riverboat cruises down the Mississippi. He loved Barber Shop music, Almond Roca, Western movies and books, Knott's Berry Farm and Disneyland. He and Mickey Mouse were born in the same year. Stories of their family trips to Disneyland – packing the car and kids and driving to Knott's and Disney for the weekend were treasured memories for him. Driving all night to get to the gates by opening, David and Debbie taking the same photo on the train engine in Knott's year after year, Sylvia sewing matching shirts and sitting by Carnation Plaza to listen to the jazz piano were among the stories he loved to tell.

Hugo enjoyed searching for the best Lambrusco, keeping in touch with friends on his computer, sitting and talking on the porch with Richie and his Sunday phone calls first with Dino and then with David. He was a kind and gentle man with a bright, infectious smile. His family leaned on his wisdom and guidance. Both Debbie and Chelsey found comfort in talking with Hugo whenever they needed to calm a fear or solve a problem. He loved Debbie dearly and when she passed away his heart was broken. But his relationship with Chelsey mended him and filled him with pride for all her accomplishments. He cherished his friends and loved to laugh and share a coffee or a glass of wine. Character and honor - words that are not always heard today but they define Hugo. Honest and fair, supportive and encouraging. We will miss his presence in our lives along with his warm and caring spirit. He was there for his neighbors. He protected, honored and cherished his wife. He taught his children well. He loved with all his heart.

Hugo returns to his parents, his older brother Dino, son Dennis and his beloved daughter Debbie. He leaves behind his wife Sylvia, son David (Teresa) Chiappone, grandson John Chiappone, granddaughters Chelsey Partida (Adrian Perez), and Katelyn Chiappone. He also leaves great-grandson Jeremiah Perez, brother Richie (Brenda) Chiappone, son-in-law Carlos Partida, sister-in-law Mary Lou Chiappone and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

SERVICE INFORMATION:

Rosary and Mass will be held on Friday, February 6, 2015 at 10:00 AM at the Lady of Ransom Catholic Church in San Ardo. Burial following services at King City Cemetery. A reception will be held at St. John's Catholic Church Hall in King City.

Donations can be made in Hugo's honor to the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) and Hospice P.O. Box 2480 Monterey Ca 93942-2480, to San Ardo Volunteer Fire Co. P.O. Box 311 San Ardo Ca 93450 or to any other charity of your choice.