Louis Lorenzano was born on November 25,1926, in New York City and left us on November 5, 2011— at the age of 84. A true Sagittarian, Lou was a man full of dreams. He came to California in his early teens and lived in Los Angeles and San Francisco. When we was older, he served in the U.S. Merchant Marines during WWII, and upon being discharged, the warm dry climate of Arizona beckoned him.
Known to most of his friends as “Louie” — he was a generous man with a gregarious and loving personality. He had an encouraging word and a helping hand for everyone, yet he was tough and determined.
Lou was a man of many talents, and among them was a beautiful voice. While living in Tucson he formed a trio, “The Makebelieves.” This classy group became famous for their formal attire and swanky style, which was a rarity in the “wild-wild west!” They were in demand at all the best clubs in Tucson during the late fifties and early sixties.
After meeting and marrying his Annie in 1963, he decided to leave the entertainment business and became a businessman. Lou was the first of the serial entrepreneurs now famous in Silicon Valley. He operated a bakery in Modesto and owned and operated Maple Leaf Liquors on Saratoga Avenue and Lou’s Villa East on McKee Road in San Jose, as well as several other enterprises from sales of in-home security systems to a landscaping service. In his later years he became a realtor and worked in several offices in the San Jose and South Santa Clara County area.
Lou loved music, the outdoors, the warmth of the sun, and spending time in his garden. He was proud of his Sicilian heritage and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Those that knew he best, know that this list wouldn’t be complete without noting that he loved pasta and red wine too!
Lou leaves a beautiful legacy of family—Annie, his children Lia (Shaun) Kennett, Lawrence (Gina) Lorenzano, Lorinda (Tom) Mosca and Luanne (Mike Santosuosso) Fisher and 12 grandchildren; Jenna, Tommy, Lawrence, Christian, Sierra, Kevin, Anthony, Antonia, Zachary, Isabella, Matteo and great grandson, Preston.
A memorial service by Father Sean O’Laoire, a family friend, will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2011, at 3:00 P.M. at the Seventh Day Adventist Church at 786 Channing Ave. (at Guinda) Palo Alto, CA.
