Gino P. Lea's Obituary
Gino was born in the little town of Magliolo, Italy. At age two, Gino with his Mother, Giuditta and Aunt Manin, had traveled across the Atlantic Ocean aboard the Giuseppe Verdi. Not speaking any English they made the difficult trip from Ellis Island to the west coast, settling in the town of Half Moon Bay.Gino attended grammar schools in Half Moon Bay and graduated in 1939 from Half Moon Bay High School as Valedictorian of his class and played soccer and football. He furthered his education at College of San Mateo, where he continued to play soccer.After school, he worked at Bank of America in Fresno. Then in July of 1943, he enlisted in the army to serve his Country. He served as a manuscript typist from July until March 1946, then again from October 1950 until October 1951. He was a Marksman, a Master Sergeant and was awarded a WWII Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and also achieved the Medal of Efficiency, Honor and Fidelity (For good Conduct) from the Army.In 1955, he considered a career in firefighting, however decided to work for Cabrillo Unified School District until retirement in 1983. He was a Bus Driver as well as Supervisor of Transportation. During this time, he also volunteered as a firefighter. At the School District he met his future wife, Patricia J. Bertolucci. Patricia found love again after the death of her first in 1964. They started dating in 1966 and married on the 29th day of May 1983.Gino had several other endeavors he enjoyed; he worked as a Radio Operator; marched with the Half Moon Bay Dons Drill Team; acquired a real estate license and was a silent partner of a drayage company. He also worked at the Half Moon Bay Review as a photographer and wrote many articles under the heading of “This is Your Coastside”. A photo he took over 50 years ago was in the HMB Review recently of the elusive shark, “Really Old Shark Appears Again”, it also appeared in The San Mateo County Times. He was also a member of the Order of the Sons of Italy, in 2004 he received a silver plaque from Magliolo, Italy honoring him for being the oldest living person from Magliolo.Gino’s greatest passion was music, he had a large library of albums; reel to reel and cassette tapes of jazz. He enjoyed film, playing tennis and racquet ball.Gino leaves behind his step children, Richard Sr., Sharon, Michael; grandchildren, Richard Jr., Cody, Corey, Anthony, Gabriel; and great-grandchildren, Kaley, Bailey, Olivia, Wyatt and Makaela. He is predeceased by his loving wife, Patricia (2003) and step-daughter Terri (2001).He was loved and will be missed by all who knew him. We are thankful for all the love and support our family and friends have shown us.A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 1pm at Skylawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the American Heart Association or the Bonnie J. Addiaro Lung Cancer Foundation.
What’s your fondest memory of Gino?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gino?
Share a story where Gino's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gino you’ll never forget.
How did Gino make you smile?