Was born on May 29, 1937 in San Zenone degli Ezzelini, Italy to Antonio and Anna Vendrasco. He passed away on July 9th with his daughter Lisa by his side. As a young boy, his mother made plans for him to learn tailoring from the local tailor down the road. On his way, he would walk past his father, a stone mason, working. It was then, as Gino would tell it, that the stone called to him.
In 1956, Gino immigrated to the United States to join his father who had immigrated before him, followed closely by his little brother, Germano. To his mother’s dismay, Gino followed his passion and became a stone mason. He worked with several companies including D’Alfanso, Arnoldi Masonry, and lastly Oswald Da Ros Inc. before starting his own company, Gino Vendrasco Masonry, Inc. His artistry can be found all over Santa Barbara, Carpenteria, and Santa Ynez in such places as the Old Mission, SBB&T, and Sea Meadows. He was known by one famous client as the Michelangelo of the Masons. Gino was the President of the Trevisani del Mondo Santa Barbara chapter, and a founding member of both the Santa Barbara Italian-American Boot Club and the Madonna del Grappa Foundation.
Gino was a man of many talents. When he found something he loved to do, he put his whole heart into it and it always turned out extremely well. In life, one of his greatest enjoyments was hunting and nothing was better than the thrill of the hunt. So, when he could no longer walk the trails or see through his scope, it was with great sadness that he had to hang up his guns. When Gino wasn’t hard at work with his business or hunting in the woods, you could find him and his green thumb in the garden. His wife, Bruna, will never forget the day he tore up her rose garden to plant and grow radicchio instead. Gino grew amazing gardens and enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labor with his family and friends. After a hard day of work, Gino enjoyed spending time with his best friends at Arnoldi’s Café, playing bocce or mastering the BBQ.
Gino was preceded in death by his loving father and mother. He leaves behind his brothers: Gabrielle (Maria), Giovanni and Germano (Vanda); his wife, Bruna; daughters Annamaria (Jeremy), Linarosa (Barbara), Lisa (Delio) and Jennie; grandchildren: Christine (Bram), Vincent, Vanessa, Katharyn, Dylan, great grandson, Rowan and many nieces and nephews
His family would like to thank all the doctors and nurses who took great care of him and all his friends who visited him often. There will be a celebration of his life on Saturday July 27th at Arnoldi’s Cafe between 11-2. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Alpha Resource Center 4501 Cathedral Oaks Rd. Santa Barbara, CA 93111
