Thomas Francis Poggi

May 23, 1924 – September 25, 2017

Thomas Poggi passed away on September 25th at the age of ninety-three. He was born in Oakland, California, just three months after his parents immigrated to the United States from Stella San Martino in the Liguria region of Italy. He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife, Marisa Poggi. They met in the Italian Catholic Federation (ICF), an Italian cultural association, and were married for more than sixty-five years. Thomas was a leading figure in the ICF, serving as president, attorney, Central Council member and toastmaster for conventions.

He attended the University of San Francisco for both college and law school, and practiced as a lawyer in the Bay Area. He also served on the board of Catholic Charities and believed strongly in Vatican II and the model of Pope John the XXIII. He fought in World War II, serving as a lieutenant in the army and earned a Purple Heart with cluster.

In addition to his loving wife Marisa, he is survived by his five loving children: Christine, Thomas, Marisa, Stephanie and Jacqueline, as well as his eight dear grandchildren: Miles, Brook, Genevieve, Peter, Sophia, Claire, Ally and Carly. He is also survived by his loving sons-in-law, Keith and Bernard, and loving daughter-in-law Doreen, as well as many beloved cousins in Savona, Italy and Mexico City.

Thomas loved to travel, and for many years enjoyed summer driving trips across the U.S. with his family and the Carmazzi family. He visited many countries and returned to Italy with his family as often as he could. He was a wonderful cook and an excellent writer who penned a food column for the ICF with the help of his wife Marisa.

Friends and family are invited to a funeral service on Friday, September 29th, at 10am, at Santa Maria Church, 40 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA. Reception to follow in the church hall.