Vernon Mario De Martini was born and raised in San Francisco. After graduating from Galileo High School in 1944, he joined the Navy, where he served on the USS Crenshaw, and drove landing crafts in the Pacific during WWII. His fighting spirit carried over into the ring, where he was also an excellent boxer during his time in the service. When his time as a soldier came to an end, he returned to San Francisco and fell in love with his late wife Joan. After marrying and starting a family, he moved his wife and children to Petaluma for better family life and so he could barbecue!!

Vernon loved to travel. He visited so many places and had great adventures in Spain, Ireland, Germany, England, Portugal and Croatia.  But greatest affection was for Italy, which he visited on more than one occasion. He took great joy in cooking  Italian food for his family and friends and had quite a talent in the kitchen. He also loved to play golf and was a man who could make friends and good conversation everywhere he went. His friendly demeanor served him well in his successful career as a salesman, which he retired from in 1983.

Vernon is proceded in death by his wife Joan, of 57 years. He is survived  by his son Vern,  his wife Yvette, daughter Joanne, her husband Manuel, son Paul, and his wife Laura, beloved  niece Cookie  her husband Fred Perdomo. Vernon had three grandchildren, Daniel, Rachel, and Nicole, and two great granddaughters, Sophie and Natalie.

In 2005 when Vernon became a widower, he began going to Raleys in Rohnert Park for coffee, where he met a wonderful group of friends with whom he shared many hours of fellowship and adventures. The family is so grateful for all of them who helped him celebrate his 89 birthday last September. Vernon passed away December 4, at home.

In lieu of flowers the family would be grateful for donations to Hospice of Petaluma, who cared for Vernon with big hearts and love. Family and friends are welcome join us Thursday January 7, 2016, at the Aquarium Lounge, 1030 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma from 4-6pm.