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Samuel Pace

Samuel Pace, a longtime resident of Saratoga, died in his sleep on Jan. 23 in his home. He was 100.

Mr. Pace was born on March 22, 1907, in San Jose, the eldest of the six children of Sicilian immigrants Mary Ardizzone Pace and Giovanni Pace. He was raised in San Jose.

Following his graduation from high school, Mr. Pace attended classes at UC-Berkeley while also working at several jobs to help support his family following the early death of his father.

He met his future wife, Lorraine, at a dance in San Jose, and following their marriage they settled in San Francisco, where they worked during the Great Depression. The couple moved to Willow Glen in 1939 and Mr. Pace started his optical business--the first of several offices--in the Bank of America building in downtown San Jose. The Pace family moved to Saratoga in 1950.

Mr. Pace was active in his community and church, sitting on several boards, including St. Elizabeth's Day Home, and serving on the Santa Clara County grand jury in 1969. In retirement, he devoted his time to gardening, travel, family and friends.

Mr. Pace is survived by his son John Pace and his wife Chris; his daughter Elinor; his sister Anita Lanfrie; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a niece and two nephews. His wife died in 2002, and his sisters Frances and Christine and his brothers Anthony and Thomas all died previously.

Memorial services have been held. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name can be made to Hospice of the Valley or St. Elizabeth's Day Home in San Jose.