On May 31, 2021, Graziella Almanza passed away after a short non-respiratory illness. A native of Italy and a long-time resident of San Marino, she came to live in the United States as a result of meeting her future husband, Robert, at a train station in Paris in the summer of 1958. They both were on their way to London — she to work as an au pair to practice her English, he on leave from his U.S. Army posting in Germany — and were seated in the same compartment. At the end of the ride, he gave her his address in Los Angeles. She wrote him that November, by which time he was back in California, and he went to visit her in Italy that December. So began a courtship involving Robert taking many transatlantic flights. On July 16, 1962, in her hometown of Perosa Argentina, Italy, Graziella Bresso and Robert Almanza were married.
Graziella and Robert settled in Alhambra before moving to San Marino in 1976, where they lived until her passing. They welcomed their daughter Monica in 1963 and their son Paul in 1966. Both attended San Marino schools.
Graziella was very involved in the San Marino community, serving as a volunteer with the following organizations: San Marino Women’s Club (President, 1981-1982); San Marino Guild of the Huntington Memorial Hospital (President, 1991-1992); P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter KQ, South Pasadena-San Marino; San Marino Historical Society; San Marino Garden Club; and the PTA. Additionally, she was involved in Italian-American volunteer organizations such as the Garibaldina Society and the Piemontesi nel Mondo. Finally, Graziella was very involved with San Marino’s sister city relationship with the Republic of San Marino, including serving as the translator for the Republic’s Olympic Team during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
Graziella was predeceased by her sister Carla, her mother Iolanda, and her father Mario. After nearly 59 years of marriage, she leaves behind her husband Robert. She also leaves behind her daughter Monica and her husband Ren, as well as her son Paul, his wife Darlene, and their three sons Mark, Peter, and John.
In lieu of flowers, those willing to remember Graziella may donate to the charity of their choice in her memory. A memorial service will be held at St. Therese Church on August 14, 2021. Information concerning the service will be announced in this newspaper at the appropriate time.
