Aurora Pialorsi Roselli
Feb. 16, 1934-Aug. 2, 2025
Pleasanton, CA
Aurora Pialorsi Roselli passed away peacefully on Saturday night August 2nd, leaving this world to be reunited with her beloved husband Frank Roselli.
A native San Franciscan, Aurora grew up on Potrero Hill. She was the daughter of Italian immigrants Pietro Pialorsi and Margherita Marinai. Aurora was always very independent and a bit of a trendsetter throughout her life. As a young lady she drove her friends around San Francisco in a super sized ‘51 Mercury Sedan, took road trips to Tracy and even rode a bus to Hoberg’s Resort in Clearlake. Aurora was one of the first women to graduate from Lone Mountain College for Women at a time when most girls did not attend universities. After graduation, she went on a 5 week tour of Europe with three girl friends, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
Aurora always stayed connected to her Italian heritage. She studied Italian Art & Literature in school and spoke Italian at home with her parents. For fun she loved to attend Italian dances and picnics. It was at one of these picnics where she met her future husband and soulmate Frank. They lived an amazing 64 years together, moving from San Mateo and Redwood City, California, to Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They later returned to Redwood City before finally settling in Yountville in the Napa Valley. Aurora and Frank travelled extensively throughout their lives, visiting over 25 states and close to 40 countries across the globe. They often visited Italy twice a year.
Aurora was a lifetime learner and avid reader. She also had an amazing memory for details and facts. She could recall almost anyone she had ever met and tell you where they met, all about their family history and what meal they shared! Aurora was a lifetime member of the Italian Catholic Federation, the Leonardo Da Vinci society, the Pacific Musical Society and the American Association of University Women. In her retirement community at Stoneridge Creek - she was integral in their Italian Club and would often give presentations on Italian culture, history, art and fashion.
Aurora loved art and history. She came from a family of famous Italian wood artisans in Tuscany, known as the “Boscai” Their amazing sculptures adorn many churches in the region. On her travels, Aurora would often pick up a piece of artwork, like a ceramic from Gubbio, a doll from Japan or an antique painting to add to their ever growing collection. Later in life Aurora went back to school to study interior design. She was adept at needlepoint and loved all types of crafts.
Aurora was immensely proud of her family—her daughter Pia, son-in-law Don, and her cherished granddaughters, Molly and Penny. She loved to tell detailed stories about them to anyone who would listen. The name Pia was particularly significant, as it was a tribute to Aurora's family name, Pialorsi.
Aurora had an amazing circle of family and friends. She loved to entertain, hosting many family Easter gatherings, business dinners for Frank, wine tastings and the Madonna del Buon Consiglio at their San Savino home in Napa Valley. Lots of eating, drinking and dancing to Italian music was the standard.
We are sure that Aurora and Frank are now dancing together once again.
Aurora was preceded in death by her parents, Pietro and Margherita and her husband Frank Roselli. She will be forever remembered by her friends and family including her daughter Pia Roselli Murphy, son-in-law Don Murphy and granddaughters Molly & Penny Murphy.
Tags: teacher/educator
