Aptos Loses Icon: Frank Giuliani

December 18, 1929 – September 14, 2015
51 Year Resident of Santa Cruz County

Frank Giuliani, beloved father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home in Aptos on September 14, 2015, after a long illness. He was 85 years old.

Frank was born and raised in San Francisco and graduated from Polytechnic High School. He was proud to be a member of their winning football team.

A truly self-made man from humble beginnings, Frank had many professions: as a butcher, commercial salmon fisherman, storeowner, plumber, property developer, and lastly, as an hotelier.

Frank was a generous and philanthropic man. He worked with Group Home Society, Inc. Programs for Youth. He helped the organization to build a co-ed group home, Halloran Hall in Aptos, and a home for young women, Giuliani Independence Hall in Soquel.

His family will forever cherish the many fun-loving moments that he shared with them throughout the years. Frank and his wife of 54 years, Colleen, delighted in gathering with their family and friends annually at Lake Tahoe, as well as the many memorable trips to Acapulco and Hawaii.

Frank enjoyed playing golf his entire life; never letting his buddies forget the two holes-in-one that he made at Seascape Golf course. He was also a lifelong boater, and enjoyed taking his wooden boat out on excursions when he was well into his 70’s.

An avid 49er fan, Frank never missed a 49er football game, and reveled in personally meeting owner Eddie DeBartolo. The personal 49er clothing gifted to him that day was worn from then on during each game that he watched.

One of Frank’s biggest joys in life was helping design and build Seacliff Inn 30 years ago with his partners. It was the first modern hotel with banquet facilities built in the area. The Seacliff Inn and Severino’s were opened in 1985 by the Giuliani, Nicoli, and Pace families, who named the restaurant in honor of John Nicoli’s grandfather, Severino.

The Seacliff Inn is an internationally recognized resort-style property, which won Aptos Business of the Year in 2004. Frank was especially proud that they were twice honored with Best Western’s Best of the Best Award in 2008 and 2013.

Many fond memories of countless celebrations including birthdays, holidays, and simple impromptu fun gatherings held at Severino’s, will continue to be shared by Frank’s loved ones. He will be missed by long time staff and customers at Seacliff Inn, where he and LaVerne could be found every Thursday night listening to Don McCaslin’s Jazz Geezers.

The Seacliff Inn meeting rooms are also used by several community organizations such as Cindy’s Celebrations, the VFW, Aptos Chamber, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, etc. at no cost as a show of support by the owning families.

Frank is survived by his children, son Frank Giuliani (Cathie) and daughter, Lori Giuliani Patterson. He leaves four beloved grandchildren: Spencer, Carson, Ashley, and Dominic. He also leaves his sister Meda, and his loving companion, LaVerne Hardenbaugh, along with very close extended family Mike and Carmel Reitman, and his godson, Mark Reitman.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Colleen, his brothers Will and Joe, and his son-in-law, Billy Patterson.

The family wishes to thank his dedicated friends and caregivers without whom he could not have lived at home: Joe and Tammi Citti, Sandi Roffinella, and Eneida Rivera. In addition, the family sends a special thank you to Christopher O’Grady MD, Catherine Borchard MD and VNA. Donations can be made to a charity of your choice.