Frank Perata

1933-2013

Frank Perata died on Jan. 21, 2013, at his home in Yountville. He was born to Lena and Frank Perata on Jan. 3, 1933, in Oakland, Calif. He moved to Napa in 1943. He lived on Stags Leap, before moving to his present home on State Lane.

Growing up, he was very active with the Future Farmers of America and made it to the state level. Frank was an avid farmer all his life.

Frank married the love of his life, Albertine, in 1956. They started their family in 1957 with Francine, followed by Susan, Dianne and baby David.

Mr. Perata was a member of the Yountville Volunteer Fireman Association, Native Sons of the Golden West, Yountville Appellation Association, Napa Valley Grape Growers Association, and Yountville Bocce Club and was a past board director of Napa County Farm Bureau.

Frank was involved with his family, and his grandchildren were the light of his life. He attended most of their events and loved joking around with them. Nothing made him prouder than to watch his grandkids graduate from high school and college. He was so excited to hear when they received their first job. His first question would always be, “Are you enjoying yourself?, and can I have a business card?”

Frank is survived by his daughters, Francine (Mike) Chouinard, Susan (Jeff) Grant, and Dianne (Bob) Decius; son David (Andrea) Perata; grandchildren Michael and Gregory Chouinard, Jennifer, Kevin and Melissa Grant, Daniel, Alex, Megan, Kellie and Ryan Decius, and Olivia and Nicholas Perata; sisters-in-law Marilouise Palmer and Petite Abruzzini. He also leaves behind his close friend, Stella Williams. He was preceded in death by his wife, Albertine; both parents; and his two brothers-in-law, Jack Abruzzini and Edward Palmer.

Frank’s charm and wit will be missed by many.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Apollinaris Catholic Church on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013, at 11 a.m. A visitation will be on Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, at Claffey & Rota Funeral Home from 1 to 8 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to Napa Valley Hospice, 414 S Jefferson St., Napa, CA 94559; Justin Sienna High School; or St. Apollinaris School.

Condolences to the family may be left at claffeyandrota.com.