Alfred James Sanguinetti

Alfred J. “Fred” Sanguinetti, a man of character, was a lover of history, literature, film, and most of all good music. He possessed a quick wit and loved nothing more than a conversation after dinner with a glass of red wine. He met the love of his life Anne Sanguinetti (nee Russell) later in life and found his true happiness. He died peacefully in Wheaton, IL at the age of 99 on March 15, 2026 after a short illness surrounded by his son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren.

One of three sons born to Ricco and Angelina (nee Zunini) Sanguinetti, Fred was born in the North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco and raised in the Potrero Hill neighborhood into a loving Italian family that spoke Zeneize. His people were known for their hospitality and honesty. One of his fondest memories of his childhood was going to San Francisco Seals baseball games with his brothers and father where he saw Joe DiMaggio, Lefty O’Doul and Ted Williams play in the Pacific Coast League. Fred graduated from St. Peter’s Catholic School in San Francisco’s Misson District in 1944.

Fred was a proud American, he was drafted into the Army during World War II and served in the Philippines and Japan as part of the occupying force. After the war, Fred worked as a warehouseman while studying at San Francisco State for a teaching credential. He became an elementary school teacher in the Oakland Public Schools and helped found the Oakland Teachers Union in the 1950s.

Fred considered himself a “lucky guy” solely because of his family. He loved his parents, his brothers, his wife, his children, and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years Anne, his parents Ricco and Angelina Sanguinetti, his brothers George and Louie Sanguinetti, and his stepson Tom Giovannoni. He is survived by his stepdaughter Louise Fonceca, stepson Vincent Giovannoni, his son Raymond (Evelyn) Sanguinetti, his grandchildren Victoria, Michael and Nicholas, and numerous nieces, nephews and loved ones.

There will not be a holiday, special occasion or a family dinner that his presence will not be felt at the head of the table where he belongs. A celebration of his life will be held regularly and often when family comes together to celebrate the beautiful aspects of life while sharing the occasional story of Grandpa Fred. He will be interned at the San Joaquin National Cemetery along side his wife. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in honor of his father Ricco to the Disabled American Veterans. https://www.ihelpveterans.org/

Finally, if he could, Fred would wish to express his gratitude to the entire 4th floor nursing staff at CDH for the compassionate and quality care he received the final days of his life.

The family is planning a Graveside Service for Alfred at San Joaquin National Cemetery at a later date.

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