Chooch and Mary are Reunited Forever.

Chooch lived his entire life in Pittsburg. Born to Frank Lombardo Jr and Eva Carini Lombardo, along with his younger brother Russell, Chooch was raised in the old downtown area. His Papa was a musician who gave Chooch his first trumpet at age 8. They marched together in the Pittsburg Municipal Band. He graduated from Pittsburg High in 1949. Chooch joined the Navy and became a Naval Air Station Plane Captain, followed by six years in the Reserves.

One fateful day, Chooch spotted Mary, who was crossing the street with her younger brother John.  When John fell Chooch was the hero who helped him….

Mary Ambrosini lived her entire life in Pittsburg.  Born to Giovanni Ambrosini and Mary Gargulio Ambrosini along withAnthony(Tony), Frank (Banny), Ruby, Nancy (Dolly)Chism and Joe Scanapico. After her mother passed, Mrs. Continente cared for Mary until Papa married Luisa Scotto. They added Louis and John Ambrosini to the family. As a young girl, Giovanni insisted Mary work at the family store, Bayfront Grocery.

Mary and Chooch married in Reno in 1950 at ages 15 and 18. They remarried in Saint Peter Martyr Church and lived downtown near family. They bought their only home in the Heights area in 1958 and raised two daughters, who gave them two grandsons and a great granddaughter.

Throughout their lives, they worked hard to provide for their family. Chooch worked at the Rubbermill, Alhambra Water,DuPont and the Good Shepherd Church. Mary worked at Hickmott Cannery, Alaimo Fruit Stand, Sol's Fashion Fair, Pittsburg School Cafeteria and Saint Peter Martyr School.

They enjoyed an active lifestyle with their girls. Anchor Bay was a second home for fishing and diving with the RioMakos and Delta Dolphins. Chooch earned a black belt with the Pittsburg Karatemen. Mary sewed, cooked and baked, with pizza, biscotti and sesamo cookies as her well-known specialties. They joined the Elks, Italian American Club, YLI, Bocci, DERA, Good Shepherd Parish, and the Historical Museum.

They were often seen walking with their little dog around town.

Chooch played trumpet his entire life. He joined the Musicians Union and played both locally and with large orchestras, including the Frank Lombardo Trio, We 3, 4 Hits & a Miss, Pittsburg Community Jazz Band, & the Sacramento Jazz Festival. He is honored in the Musicians Hall of Fame with his portrait on the Creative Arts Mural.

Recently the Pittsburg Community Jazz Band honored Chooch and Mary performing at a Living Memorial Concert to celebrate their 95th & 92nd Birthdays plus 75th Wedding Anniversary. Of course, Chooch played his trumpet.

Chooch & Mary will be remembered surrounded by love, hand in hand.

A Trumpet Player &   his Number One Fan