Diana Cerchiai
March 18, 1929 - June 11, 2017
Diana Isola Cerchiai, the eldest of three daughters, was born on March 18th, 1929 to Agostino “Bimbo” and Emilia (Rosellini) Giuntoli. A life long San Franciscan born in San Jose, California and raised on Hartford Street in the City, she attended Most Holy Redeemer Grammar School (‘43) and Presentation High School (‘47). Her parents owned and operated Bimbo’s 365 Club in North Beach, one of the West Coast’s premier supper clubs. Working in the family business gave Diana an enduring love of show business and passion for music-especially that of Frank Sinatra. She was frequently seen at the club and was influential with its operations to this day.
In the summer of 1953, while vacationing in the town of Montecatini Terme, Italy, Diana met Graziano Cerchiai, the love of her life. It was love at first sight that led to a short two-week engagement followed by their marriage at St. Stephen’s Church in San Francisco in January of 1954. Soon thereafter Diana and Graziano started a family and raised five children. The door to the Cerchiai home was an open one. Diana was a beloved second mother to many of her children’s friends who were always welcomed with a warm smile, home cooked food and a glass of lemonade.
Diana was known for her generosity, alluring style, class and impeccable taste. She loved to entertain and to be entertained, especially with family and friends. She embodied the belief in a simple approach to life and found great happiness in giving to others. Her contagious laughter always filled and brightened the room. She taught her children to have love and respect for one another and to always do things right … “do it right or not at all” was her firm motto.
Diana is survived by Graziano, her husband of 63 years; her sister Yvonne (Giuntoli) Sangiacomo; her five children: John (Kim) Cerchiai of Phoenix, AZ, Grazia (Peter) Tragitt of Clovis, CA, Michael (Jennifer) Cerchiai of San Francisco, Suzy (Greg) Holl, of San Francisco, Gino (Shawn) Cerchiai of Mill Valley, CA, and fourteen grandchildren: Matthew, Charley & Christina Cerchiai; Michael, Francesca & Giuliana Tragitt; Sofia, Lola & Marco Cerchiai; Joseph & Emilia Holl; Finn, James & Graziano Cerchiai; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins in the U.S. and in Italy. Diana is predeceased by her sister Nadine Giuntoli.
The entire Cerchiai family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and care workers that made sure Diana was well looked after. We would particularly like to thank Patricia Quirke for her many years of dedication, friendship, and assistance.
A memorial mass will be held on Wednesday June 21st, 2017 at St. Stephen’s Church at 451 Eucalyptus Drive in San Francisco. A short rosary will begin at 9:45 with mass to follow at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Diana’s honor to a charity of your choice.