My beloved husband Larry Charles Bacchetti passed away at Kaiser Hospital with his wife, Mary, at his side on April 21, 2023.

Larry spent the first 30 years of his life in Eureka. At the age of 10 his mother died unexpectedly. It was a difficult time for his father, with five children to care for. At that time only social security was paid to the head of the household. Larry, at 13, feeling the need to help his father, went to work for Dick Kreps Lumber Yard. At 35 cents an hour, Larry would give half his paycheck to his father. Larry was a fast learner and to this day could figure how many square feet in a board without a computer. Before long Dick would leave him in charge. This helped to build the strong work ethic that Larry had his whole working career. Another, always being on time.

At the age of 16, he went to work in the mail room for the Eureka Times-Standard newspaper. Turning 18, it opened the opportunity to applied for a pressman apprenticeship program at the Times Standard — a career he followed his entire life. During that time, he met and married his wife, Mary Senn, having two children, Gregory & Brenda.

Larry loved ocean fishing with his buddy Ken Van Pelt. Larry also built a smoke house in his backyard. Ask Arnie Millsap or Doug Curtis what happened one night? Or perhaps the Eureka Fire Department? In Eureka, he served in the National Guard, spending two weeks at Camp Roberts every summer. He was an active member of the Eureka 20-30 club and served as President. Also he served as president of Night-Out Dance Club, with Al Sanders his VP. A fun time with dances held once a month at the Moose Lodge.

Things were changing in the newspaper industry. No more afternoon paper. It was becoming a night operation. 1969 finds Larry and family living in the Seattle area and working for the Post-Intelligencer. In 1970 Larry moves back to California and starts his tenure at the San Jose Mercury News. It’s a total night operation. By 1984 he was promoted to pressroom operations manager, a position he held until his retirement on Jan. 1, 2000.

In 1985 Larry & Mary purchased property in Mattole Valley. Larry’s best friend, Jerry Ballard, named the farm the “Bacchetti Fun Farm” — a place to go & have “FUN,” and that we did! Eight couples gathered for 25 years over the Labor Day weekend. A theme was adopted every year and two couples planned all the activities & food for the day. Unfortunately, on March 3, 2021, a fire destroyed the main house, luckily leaving all the outbuildings intact.

Larry loved road trips with adventure at every stop. Baja California was one of his favorites, along with 30 days in New Zealand. As he aged, cruises were on the horizon. Trips included Italy, Panama Canal, Alaska and down the East Coast, to name a few. However, his first real love was at his farm in Mattole Valley. He always had something on the drawing board. A party kitchen, a gazebo, a bunk house and a big barn. He also built a room for Mary’s canned goods, leaving enough room for his wine. It was well insulated, and a good place to cool off when the temps hit 100 or more. He planted a family orchard and in summertime a garden. His tomatoes were the best. The grandkids loved the pumpkins and let’s not forget the apples! Mary canned everything. Time out was walking or swimming in the Mattole River. Returning to BBQ and a cool cocktail under one of their many shade trees.

The final chapter found Larry & Mary living in Lincoln, Calif. — a lovely retirement. community with many things to keep one occupied. We are member of the Italian Club, which has social gatherings once a month. Can’t forget the neighborhood “Mailbox Gang.” Life is never boring!

Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Angelo & Shirley Bacchetti, Stepmother Grace (Ronnie) Bacchetti, Brother Bruce Bacchetti. Survived by Wife Mary of Lincoln & Petrolia, Son, Gregory Bacchetti, Petrolia, Daughter Brenda Criley, San Jose, Brothers Duane of Olympia, WA, Frederick (Judy) Bacchetti, Woodburn, OR and Sister Donna Millsap of Eureka. Grandchildren, Davin Bacchetti (Desiree) Bacchetti, Andrew Criley, and Erica Criley. Great Grandchild Reign Ruiz all of San Jose, CA Granddaughter Christine Kaundart of Canton, GA

Larry will be interred at Ocean View Cemetery in Eureka. A celebration of life is scheduled in Eureka. There will be a celebration of life at the Wharfinger Building on June 23 at 1 p.m. Please RSVP by June 11 if you wish to attend. To do that, or for more information, contact Mary at: bacchetti1@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers a donation in Larry’s honor to the Mattole Valley Historic Society. See this link, or write to PO Box 144, Petrolia, CA, 95558.

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