Amelia Riparetti

Amelia Riparetti, 95, passed away on June 21, 2014 surrounded by her family. She was born on April 21, 1919 in Santa Barbara and lived here her whole life. Her parents were immigrant Italians, Perfetto and Erina Riparetti. She attended a one room school house as a child and fed the chickens on her father’s dairy.

Amelia was a member of the Native Daughters of the Golden West and the Italian -American Boot Club. She was also a long time member of the St. Francis Hospital Guild, and volunteered at the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (over 20 years) where she helped direct visitors and made tray favors during the holidays. In her youth she helped her parents in the restaurant business (Rip’s Fine Food). She was a talented Italian cook and made many dishes from scratch for happy family gatherings throughout the years. She took care of her widowed mother until her mother passed away. She attended bible classes from Father Virgil and went to church at the SB Mission as long as she was able. Most of her life was dedicated to caring for others, both the young and the elderly.

She is preceded in death by her mother, father, her sister Nellie Watson and her brother P. Paul Riparetti MD and half-brothers Julio, Corrado and Luigi Riparetti. She is survived by her many nieces and nephews. A private memorial will be held by her family.