Diane Vanoncini

July 17, 1936 - December 24, 2023

We could all use a little more joy in our lives, and so we would be wise to take a page from Diane’s book. Anyone who knew Diane would tell you her glass was always half full. She beamed when she told stories about her family, cherished her husband of 62 years and thanked God every day for her many blessings. She kept friends and family close, and brought so much love, warmth and joy to everyone she knew and met.

Diane’s example will live in our memories. She died on Christmas Eve after 87 joyous years.

Born in Hollywood during the summer of 1936, Diane was the daughter of Emile and Cynthia Brosio, who met in Piedmont, Italy before moving to the United States. Diane grew up in San Francisco, in the Marina District, and went to St. Brigid, St. Vincent’s and San Francisco State. After graduating, she taught elementary school students in San Francisco for 33 years.

Diane met the love of her life, Charles “Chuck” Vanoncini, at The Buena Vista, on Hyde Street, in San Francisco. They married at St. Vincent de Paul Church on a summer day in 1961. Chuck and Diane raised two children, and lived in San Francisco and then Daly City, where the fog inspired them to spend summers in the North Bay heat, before moving to Walnut Creek and then Napa.

Diane loved games, especially cards, and she knew how to play the hand she was dealt, at the poker table and beyond. She contracted polio at 16, and the effects of the illness followed her throughout her life, but she faced her challenges with grace and optimism. Diane always managed to have a good time. As a young mother, she spent six months meandering around Europe in a Volkswagen bus with Chuck and their children. After retiring from her teaching career, she played the tables at the Peppermill Casino in Reno, and gathered with friends over games of Bridge and Mexican Train. Diane traveled throughout her life, and took cruises all over the world with family and friends.

Family was the most important thing in Diane’s life, and she was the best wife, sister, mother, and grandmother anyone could ask for. Diane is survived by her husband, Chuck; her brother, Richard Brosio; her children, Laura Pera (husband Angelo) and Robert; and her grandchildren, Matthew, Christina, Oliva and Ellis. A memorial service and lunch will be held Jan. 25, at 11 a.m., at St. Isidore Church in Danville. Diane’s family would love to see her friends there to celebrate her joyous life.