Edward F Bersano Obituary
Somewhere in heaven, Ed is winning a jackpot at his favorite slot machine at the Reno Heaven Peppermill. If he's not there, he's probably catching a big trout or telling jokes with his older brother Dick and younger brother Don.
Edward Bersano, born August 8, 1928 in Oakland, passed away after a battle with cancer on November 3, 2021. He was 93.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife Mary Louise Bersano. He is survived by two children from his previous marriage to Margaret Bersano: Donna Freitas (husband Ron) of Morgan Hill and Gary Bersano (wife Barbara) of San Jose. His three grandchildren and one great grandson, Marc Freitas, Ryan Bersano (wife Brittany, son Luca), and Brittany Bersano will miss him dearly.
Ed was born at home with the help of a midwife, who was his Aunt Lena, his mother's sister. The lucky parents were Felix and Mary (Benasso) Bersano. The family moved when Ed was 9 to a 15-acre prune ranch in Campbell, which he loved. He and his brother Dick worked after school and week-ends doing all the various chores. Ed had rabbits, pigeons, chickens, pheasants, and a goat lovingly named Daisy June.
Ed went to Campbell High School. He was on the varsity football team. He and his Italian buddies were called the "Spaghetti 6." They were
Tony Morrone, Ray Russo, Bob Raffanti, & Lou Barbaccia. He went to San Jose State College and Heald's Business College. After he graduated, Ed was in the Military Police in the National Guard.
When the family bought Villa Felice Restaurant, Ed cooked with his mother in the kitchen for 12 years. A diner could get an appetizer, soup, salad, entree, and dessert for $1.50. Ed's job was to manage the kitchen and wait staff. He was always the master of ceremonies for the countdown at the New Year's Eve Party.
Ed and Mary were each other’s true love. They held hands everywhere and enjoyed dancing together. Both of them loved to swing dance to Big Band music. Ed's favorite singer was Frank Sinatra. Their favorite ballrooms were The Palomar in Santa Cruz, the Avalon in Catalina, and of course the Villa Felice on Saturday nights.
Ed lived life to the fullest. He loved trips to Yosemite, Hawaii, Italy, and Alaska (9 times.) His favorite was a cruise to Alaska for his 80th birthday where the whole family surprised him by all being there. Going to Reno's Hot August Nights with the 1965 Cadillac Coup de Ville and his restored 1951 Willie's Jeep, that was the workhorse at the Villa Felice, was a special treat. The jeep even won best of show. Of course, his absolute favorite was getting his house in South Lake Tahoe. The memories created by fishing, boating, and enjoying a rum runner at the Beacon will never be forgotten.
