Louis Chiotti

Louis Chiotti, of Sonoma, CA, passed away peacefully at home on October 16, 2025 at the age of 101.

Louis is survived by his children Susan (husband Greg), Stephen (wife Ericia) and David (wife Renise) and was a proud grandfather to Rachel (husband Dan), David (wife MacKenzie), Dominic, Jason, Ethan, Jordyn, Jacob and Gianna. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Sally and brothers Alfred, Ambrose “Gino” and Bennet.  

Louis was born in Roanoke, IL on July 6, 1924, the son of Ambrogio and Palmira Chiotti who had emigrated from Saluzzo, Italy to build a better life. Ambrogio worked in the coal mines and when the depression hit it was hard to find work, so at the age of 6 Louie’s family traveled by boat back to Saluzzo. Louis went to school and trained to be an electrician until WWII broke out. Unfortunately, the Italian government confiscated their passports and the family was not allowed to return to the USA. He avoided conscription by the Italian army and joined the Italian Underground and fought throughout the region blowing up bridges and blocking roads until the end of the war.

He returned to America in 1948 with two of his brothers and about $40 in their pockets. They worked on a farm in Canton, IL for a year before they were able to get back to Roanoke. He learned English and began working in construction and took a job working in the foundry at Caterpillar and then as an electrical journeyman. In 1954 he moved to San Francisco, CA where he finished his degree in electrical engineering at the University of California Extension and worked for PG&E for 36 years. He met Sally Laury at a Catholic social club and the rest was history. They married in 1967 and then things started to get interesting. They had a daughter in 1971 and then in 1973, at the age of 48, Louis became the father of twin boys. They decided to give country living a try and moved to Sonoma in 1975. Louis was a devoted husband to Sally for 39 years until she passed away on March 11, 2006.

Louis was known for his hard work and attention to detail. He never hired anyone to do a job for him that he could do himself. He was very straightforward and enjoyed telling stories of his many life experiences. He also enjoyed a glass of red wine with dinner and was always up for a lively conversation. Louie was a life-long learner and liked the challenge of problem solving and learning new things. Over his lifetime he went from living in a house without indoor plumbing to communicating across the internet on his computer. He will be remembered for his perseverance through difficulty, strength of character, determination to overcome obstacles, and the pride he took in working with excellence. He tried to maintain a positive outlook when faced with challenges.

He loved playing Bocce Ball on Wednesdays with his dear friends and he cheered for the 49ers and the Giants. Louie also owned several hunting dogs over the years and enjoyed taking them pheasant hunting. He was also a member of the SIRS in Sonoma and St. Francis Solano Church. He loved his children and was thrilled to welcome 8 grandchildren into the family. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Friends are invited to attend a funeral mass, Friday, 11/14/2025 at 11:30 am at St. Francis Solano Church, Sonoma.  Friends may call for visitation Friday morning from 9 - 11 at Duggan's 

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