Del Rosso, Irene (gianotti) Obituary

Del Rosso, Irene (gianotti) attended Elk Grove High School in Elk Grove, CA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Del Rosso, Irene (gianotti).

Graduation Year	Class of 1940
Date of Passing	Feb 26, 2019
About	Her father, Gervasio Gianotti came over from Italy and landed on Ellis Island about 1911. Had relatives in San Francisco who he worked for then later bought a small piece of land on Elder Creek Road that he farmed for about eight years. He then purchased a 20 acre farm on Hedge Avenue and Florin Road, built a small home and sent for my grandmother and uncle, Ida and Frank Gianotti. Mom was born in 1922. Mom attended Sierra Enterprise School and spoke very little English, and thanks to her very dedicated teachers she was soon speaking English. Her parents spoke a little English but not much. Mom graduated from EGHS in 1940 and went to work for the Principal, Smedburg. Later she met my Dad, Deno Del Rosso, and they were married in 1944. I was born in 1948 and am an only child. In 1961, my parents, Deno and Irene DelRosso built a home on the property, helped with the farming and remained there until the passing of my grandparents. They farmed for almost 40 years after that and sold onions, squash, tomatoes, figs, etc. to wholesalers and later built a shed on the property to sell produce at home. Many friendships were formed over the years. People are still stopping by to see when the figs, which my son still picks and sells each year, will be ready. I knew she was still farming but she would never admit it so one day a good friend of mine said, don’t ask, she’s gonna do what she wants to do so just let her do it. Kind of like if you don’t want to hear the answer don’t ask the question. Mom was a perfectionist and always wanted to do her own packing. I already knew the answer but asked my son about the packing of the figs. Mom was not getting around well and spent lots of time in bed. He carried the picked figs, baskets and boxes into the bedroom so that Mom could pack them. She was a farmer right up to the end. If she hadn’t fallen and broken her hip she probably would still be out there working. We are getting the house interior painted etc. and plan to move to the farm through the summer. Still has original oven and cooktop. No dishwasher. Original carpeting. Kitchen definitely needs a face lift. If we like it, just may stay longer. - daughter Norma (Del Rosso '66) Pharr