Umberto Abronzino Remembered
The soccer community lost one of its legends when Umberto Abronzino passed away on Saturday, July 1, 2006.
Friends are invited to attend a Vigil and Funeral Mass, Thursday, July 6, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Martin of Tours, 200 O'Connor Dr., San Jose. Visitation will be held prior at the Lima Family Erickson Memorial Chapel on Willow Street, from 3 to 5 p.m., Thursday. Interment Services will be held Friday, July 7, at 11:00 a.m. at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery.
Umberto was the beloved husband of 59 years to Elda (Agnoletti) Abronzino. Loving father of Linda Abronzino and Aldo Abronzino. Devoted grandfather of Brianne Abronzino, step-grandfather of Jennifer Amaya, Hayley Ruyf and Rikki Ruyf. Great-grandfather of Madeline Blackford. Devoted brother of John (Mary) Abronzino, Arthur (Margaret) Abronzino and brother-in-law of Leon and Irma Agnoletti. Survived by many nieces and nephews.
Umberto was a major figure in soccer in the South Bay area, with a long history of developing some of the best soccer programs in the area. Umberto was a native of Italy, a member of Sons of Italy, California Soccer Association North, California Youth Soccer Association North, United States Soccer Hall of Fame, and a Founding Father of the Peninsula Soccer League in 1957. The Abronzino League, a youth soccer league in District 2, was named after Umberto. A small portion of his history is captured in this entry in the United States National Soccer Hall of Fame.
From his box at the gate of Watson Bowl, Umberto ensured that only those who came to enjoy the game of soccer would pass. He welcomed referees with a warm and friendly handshake, and often asked those whom he hadn't seen in a while, "Why you no come to the Watson Bowl no more?" He had a way of making you feel that you were important and needed.
Umberto encouraged referees and players to look their best upon entering the Watson Bowl. If he thought your hair was too long or scruffy, Umberto would say so and urge you to "come down to the barber shop so I can fix you up".
He was a great figure; a man of strong convictions, guided by a heart of gold. It will be difficult to imagine what we are going to do without him.