Obituary of Primo Evaristo Facchini

Alamo, Walnut Creek, and all of Contra Costa lost a tireless, long-time community servant with the passing of Primo Facchini, following complications from a fall last year. Since moving to Alamo in 1958 with his wife, Rosemarie, Primo was dedicated to his community, "leaving an imprint somewhere in the East Bay nearly every day of the week." Among his contributions: Director, Alamo-Lafayette Cemetery District (30+ years); President and Board Chairman, Walnut Creek Historical Society (25+ years); co-founder, Walnut Creek Sister Cities International (1987); Selective Service Board (20 years); Public Member, California State Bar Planning Directory and Fee Arbitration Office (25+ years); Board Member, Camellia Society (10+ years); Member, Rhododendron Society. Born and raised in Oakland, Primo was a first-generation Italian-American and credited his civic involvement as a way for him to re-pay the community for the blessing of growing up in America. He attended Sacred Heart School, St. Joseph High School, Golden Gate College, and Laney College, from which he graduated with a degree in photography. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951, serving in the 2nd Engineers Battalion during the Korean War. Following Korea, Primo returned to the Bay Area, going to work for Ladies Choice Foods in San Leandro, where his father was a partner. When the company was sold, he chose not to relocate, instead turning his focus to real estate. He also worked for Pacific Coast Chemicals in Berkeley and continued to consult with them until his death. In 1956, Primo married Rosemarie Indelicato - "the only woman I ever dated," he once said. They built their home in Alamo in 1958, where they raised their three children, Primo, Monica, and Rosemarie. Locally, Primo's real estate interests inspired his interest in civic affairs. For more than 40 years, he was a fixture at Walnut Creek City Council, Planning Commission and Design Review meetings. On the occasion of his 80th birthday in 2010, Walnut Creek named him the City Council's "sixth member." The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors honored him for his dedication to the community and commitment to public service to the citizens of Contra Costa County. He was the State's 2010 Cemetarian of the Year. He is survived by his wife, Rosemarie; his sister, Norma Logan (Lafayette); three children: Primo (Janet) (Clayton), Monica (Bay Point), and Rosemarie Craighead (Richard) (Manteca); 10 grandchildren: Primo and Giovanna Facchini, Ashley and Bianca Hall, Brittney and Denée Dominguez, and Kevin, Brandon, Joshua and Emilee Craighead; three great-grandchildren: Maleeah, Leilah and Aubreanna; and nephews and a niece. The family will forever be thankful for the loving care given Primo by Sarah, Shari and Elizabeth of Hospice of the East Bay and by Bob, their wonderful volunteer. A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Isidore Church, Danville, on Sat., July 19 at 10:30 a.m. Donations in Primo's memory can be made to Hospice of the East Bay or the Walnut Creek Historical Society.