November 17, 1938 – June 14, 2022

Lifelong Santa Cruz Resident

Family and friends will gather July 12th to say farewell to Ben Tinetti, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, who passed away unexpectedly while enjoying what he loved, hunting wild boar in South Monterey County.

Born in Santa Cruz to Giovanni Battista Tinetti and Elvira Locatelli Tinetti, Ben grew up on the Westside. He graduated from Santa Cruz High School in 1957 and enlisted in the US Navy. Ben served on the U.S.S. General J.C. Brechenridge, a troop carrier, acting as the secretary for the captain. He was able to see numerous countries and looked back on his time in the navy as a great experience.

After being discharged, Ben went to work as a butcher for Safeway Stores in Aptos. He met his wife Paula shortly afterwards and they married in San Francisco on August 4,1962. Together, they raised three children, John, Ben and Kristi. Upon retirement, Ben and Paula pursued their passion to travel, visiting numerous US states and countries worldwide. Ben’s great pride was his seven grandchildren. Whether they were fishing or hunting, in a basketball game, play, or dance recital, Ben was their No. 1 fan, and loved spending quality time with each of them.

Ben’s love of life was shared with others through his numerous hobbies, including camping, fishing, hunting, cooking, gardening, concerts, movies, and playing bocce ball. Throughout the year, family and friends often found him delivering fresh vegetables from his garden, homemade Italian sausage, and canned vegetables. Ben was also proud of his Swiss-Italian Heritage and was president of the Swiss Club, hosting a yearly Swiss picnic BBQ at Forty Thieves Park. In his later years, Ben was instrumental in forming numerous bocce ball teams with friends and family though Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation and in Scotts Valley.

Ben is survived by his wife of 59 years, Paula; his two sons and daughters-in-law, John and Jamie Tinetti and Ben and Cindy Tinetti, and daughter and son-in-law, Kristi and Henry Bates, all of Santa Cruz. He also leaves his grandchildren Cassi, Gianna, Jake, Erika, Katia, Gabriella, Julia, and a great grandson, Liam.

Ben is also survived by his sisters, Martha Pazzaglia and Josephine Hart, and his many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and much-loved extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Life ceremony beginning with US Navy Military Honors followed by shared reflections by loved ones will be held at noon, July 12, 2022 at Forty Thieves Picnic Area, located off Branciforte Drive in Delaveaga Park.

He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Holy Cross Cemetery in Santa Cruz.

Please visit the Benito and Azzaro home page to share memories and condolences with his family. Directions to the Celebration of Life ceremony will be available as well. www.pacificgardenschapel.com

In lieu of flowers, a kind act of charity can be made in his memory to Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation or the Santa Cruz High School Alumni Association.