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Aldo Brocchini
Manteca native, businessman
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Aldo Brocchini, 82, entered into rest on March 12, 2009 in Modesto, California. He was born on April 25, 1926 to the late Mr. and Mrs. Felice and Guilia Brocchini in Manteca, California. He is preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law Albert and Rina Brocchini and sister and brother-in-law Alba and Joe Meyers.
Mr. Brocchini is survived by his beloved family; wife of 61 years Mabel Brocchini, children; Marvin Brocchini and wife Barbara of Manteca, Janet Thornton and husband Michael of Manteca, Lori Mackey and husband Lloyd of Manteca and one brother; Alfred Brocchini and wife Shirley of Ripon. He was also blessed by 7 grandchildren; Lynda Brocchini, Julie Minton, Angela Silvera, Michael Thornton II, Shelly Simpson, Allison Mackey, and Aaron Mackey, as well as 8 great-grandchildren.
Aldo started his life in a small farmhouse in south Manteca where he learned the importance of family and friends. These values stayed with him for the next 82 years. Aldo attended the original Veritas Elementary School and then graduated from Manteca High in 1944. He went on to work at Sharpe’s Army Depot and then to Turner Hardware where he learned the hardware business working as a stock boy.
 In 1942, Aldo met the love of his life, Mabel De Marco. In 1947, they got married and proceeded to build their 1000 square-foot “dream home” where the home slowly grew as their family did.
 In 1949, Aldo and Mabel went on to open their own little hardware store, the Hardware Mart. In partnership with his brother, Albert, and sister-in-law, Rina, their efforts flourished and a thriving new business was established. The store (later known as Ace Hardware) was an icon in Manteca for 51 years before closing in 2000. In 1979, Aldo brought in his close friend and business partner, Dale Bordenkircher, as a co-owner. (For more than 20 years, Aldo and Dale started each and every day with a competitive game of Cribbage).
Aldo and brother, Albert, were adventurous and dedicated businessmen, and together, they started a farming business (Brocchini Brothers Farms) along with the hardware store. They purchased land and grew strawberries and watermelons. This farming adventure grew from a few acres to several hundred acres.. The two worked together until they divided the businesses up in the early 1970’s as their young families started to grow. To date, Aldo still farmed more than 200 acres of almonds in the valley.
In addition to Aldo’s ventures in the hardware world, he was very community-minded. He donated his time and talents to the Manteca Jr. Chamber of Commerce (1950s and 1960s) and then later to the Manteca Chamber of Commerce as a board member for more than 10 years. In 1968, he led the Chamber as President and was instrumental in bringing the annual Santa booth to the downtown district. He was an active member on the Manteca District Ambulance Board for more than 25 years.
As the community began to grow, Aldo saw a need and opportunity in this area for a flooring store. In 1974, he opened Accent Carpets in Tracy and then a few months later, he opened a second one in Manteca. Accent Carpets (now known as Accent Carpet One) are still strong retail establishments and provide quality products to many homeowners in our communities. At any given time, Aldo could be found at the design table in Accent Carpets (Manteca) helping people choose interior design products to enhance the looks of their homes.
At that table, Aldo spent numerous hours creating and designing new homes for various developments and for individual needs. Along with many other projects, Aldo was instrumental in designing and developing homes in the Mayor’s Park, Weston Ranch, Spring Meadows, Meadowlands and Stadium Crossing subdivisions. He also worked to develop commercial property in Manteca and the surrounding areas.
On Sundays, when the stores were closed, Aldo loved to take Mabel on little “drives” to see what was new and to discover all of the beauty that the valley had to offer. Often, those little jaunts would find them at his favorite destination, Black Oak Casino, where he enjoyed a little competitive gaming.
Although Aldo spent countless hours in the business world, he never failed to forget the values of family and friendship that he learned in that small farmhouse so many years ago. He knew no strangers and closed the door to no one. Mabel can tell stories of the many times that he met new customers at the store in the afternoon and then brought them home later that evening for dinner. The kitchen table was a welcoming place in their home and much love was demonstrated there. He was most happy when he was able to share Mabel’s home-cooked meals with those that he cared so much for.
Aldo dedicated his 82 years to the ones that he loved. First and foremost was his wife of 61 years, Mabel. Together, they raised three children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who have learned so much from both of them. Aldo stressed the importance of family above all else and taught them values that they will cherish forever. Even though his body is no longer here, his love for life, love for his family and friends, and adventurous spirit will never leave us.
Mr. Brocchini’s services are being handled by P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home of Manteca. Visitation will be held on Wednesday March 18, 2009 1  to 5 p.m. at P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home 290 N. Union Road, Manteca. Vigil services will be held on Wednesday March 18, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church 505 E. North St. Manteca. A Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday March 19, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church 505 E. North St. Manteca. Burial will be private.
In Lieu of flowers remembrances may be sent to Manteca Historical Society P.O. Box 907 Manteca, Ca. 95336.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Monday, March 16, 2009