Henry John Aiassa, Sr. Known to everyone as Hank, was a quiet, private man who preferred to stay behind the scenes.

A native San Josean, he was born on Feb. 4, 1920 at the King Road ranch of his parents Felicina and Francisco Aiassa. His father came from Castelnuovo Donbosco and his mother from Staffoli, in Lucca, Italy. They met one another in San Jose and married in 1914 at Holy Cross in downtown San Jose.

As a child he worked in his father's Aiassa Markets. It was at Hank's suggestion that his father decided to sell liquor as well as groceries after the end of prohibition.

Hank used to talk about sneaking to the stage door of the California Theatre, which was adjacent to one of his father's markets. The chorus girls found the little boy charming.

Hank attended St. Mary's on Third Street and then Bellarmine College Prep. graduating in 1938. He graduated from Santa Clara University in 1942, where he was president of the Nobili Club. After graduation he enlisted in the Army Air Corps where he was recruited to work as an interpreter in Italy.

Returning to San Jose after his military tour in 1944 he worked for his father's Aiassa Markets. After his father's death in 1964, Hank took over the chain of seven markets, retiring in 1976.

In 1972 he met Annette Pastorini and the two married in 1973. March 24th would have been their 33rd wedding anniversary.

After retirement, Hank enjoyed painting in oils and watercolors, working in his garden and vineyards, where he grew barberi grapes. He delighted in serving his Castelnuovo d' Aiassa Vineyards barberi wine to friends. He proudly served it at the launch of Annette's Castelnuovo d' Aiassa jewelry line in the fall of 2005.

Hank served for two decades on the Board of Fellows at SCU before going emeritus and as a business owner he was a member of the Retail Clerks Association.

An avid golfer, Hank enjoyed playing at San Jose Country Club where he was a member for more than 30 years. On Oct. 2, 2004, he hit a hole-in-one on the seventh hole at the club. He had hit a hole-in-one years before at Lompoc.

Hank passed on March 17, 2006 at the age of 86. At the same time a double rainbow could be seen from his home overlooking the Santa Clara Valley. St. Patrick's Day was ironically also the anniversary of his mother's death.

In addition to his loving wife Annette, Hank leaves behind Bellina, daughters Carolanne Diodate, Lisa Fahey, Linda Smythe, his son H. John Aiassa, and his sister Laura Bigotti. He was the grandfather of 10 and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter Francine Durkton.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Bellarmine Scholarship Fund in Henry Aiassa's name, 960 West Hedding Street, San Jose, CA 95126 and Santa Clara University scholarships funds in his name located at 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053, or the cardio pulmonary department at O'Connor Hospital, c/o Dr. Ali Bassari c/o O'Connor Foundation Pulmonary Fund, 2105 Forest Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128.

The rosary and visitation is at Rancadore and Alameda, Second and Reed Streets, at 7:30 p.m. on March 23. Viewing from 9 to 10 a.m. with funeral mass at 10 a.m. on March 24 at Mission Santa Clara, The Alameda and Santa Clara. Interment at Calvary Cemetery.

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Published in San Jose Mercury News on Mar. 20, 2006.

Henry J Aiassa