Luigi (Lou) Briganti
1921 - 2008

Published in the Bakersfield Californian on 11/29/2008

Graveside services will be held in Greenlawn Memorial Park (River Blvd.) on Tuesday, December 2, at 10:30 a.m. for Luigi (Lou) Briganti who passed away on November 25, 2008 with his family at his side. Reverend Monsignor Michael Braun will officiate.

Lou was born on March 4, 1921, in Los Angeles, CA to Sicilian parents, Francisco and Rosa Briganti. Shortly thereafter, the family relocated to Torrance, CA to continue the family dairy, Briganti and Sons Columbus Dairy. Lou worked alongside his family delivering milk in the old neighborhoods of Los Angeles and the South Bay area doing whatever was asked of him.

Lou attended Carson Street School and Torrance High where he excelled in baseball earning him scholarships to Santa Clara University and UCLA.

In the 1940's Lou played Class B baseball with the Washington Senators in the Pacific Coast League. With the second World War engaged, Lou proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps.

In 1954 Lou began a career with Dow Chemical which later became Shell Oil Company in Southern California. While at Dow Chemical, Lou met his wife, Doreen, whom he enjoyed 54 years of marriage with. In 1972 Lou and family moved to Bakersfield, CA where he continued working for Shell Oil until retiring in 1984.

During retirement, Lou and Doreen enjoyed traveling with family and friends. Lou enjoyed golf with his old buddies at Kern River, baking homemade bread during the holidays and lunch at where else - Luigi's. In the evenings Lou would cheer on Walker Texas Ranger before bed.

Lou is survived by his wife, Doreen; children and their spouses, Stephanie and Dennis Gatson, Mark and Roxy Briganti; grandson, Mike, all from Bakersfield; sister, Lucy Ward of Arcadia, CA; numerous nieces, nephews; and special Granddogs, Amy, Murphy, Blueberry, Biscotti and Cocoa. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the S.P.C.A. or a charity of your choice. No visitation is scheduled.