Emiddio Ungaro

Emiddio, 63, of San Pedro, CA passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, at home on October 31, 2021. He was born in Ischia, Italy in 1958, to Rosario Pasquale and Liberina Lucia Ungaro. He was their beloved first-born son. He immigrated to the United States in 1960, with his mother at the age of two, on a ship called the Christopher Colombus. His father was already in America and working as a fisherman in San Pedro. Emiddio was named after his grandfather on his paternal side. He attended 15th Street School, Dana Middle School, and was a graduate of the San Pedro High School class of 1976. He had to learn to speak English because his parents only spoke Italian at home. He taught some of his Italian friends English at school because his teachers asked him to do so. He and his friends loved to play baseball after school. His nickname was “Pizza” because he said he always delivered when he had to make a play or get the game winning hit. Emiddio’s uncle Gennaro, who was blind, was his favorite relative when growing up. His uncle raised pigeons and would listen to Dodger baseball games with him on the radio. The person who influenced Emiddio the most in life was his father. He was told that if he worked hard, he could be whoever he wanted in life. His uncle Frank Mattera told him, “Listen son, it is better to make a fast nickel than a slow dime”. As such, Emiddio was the successful owner of A1 Imported Groceries and Deli in San Pedro for well over 30 years. He began working at the deli as a teenager. He always said both his father and his uncle helped him become the man he was today and was proud to call San Pedro his lifelong home. He put his heart and soul into the success of A1 and he will be greatly missed by his loyal customers and those who knew him in the San Pedro community and beyond. He was always appreciative of the support he received from his customers and friends. Emiddio was a big sports guy! He played baseball and football in high school, and a lot of pumpkin ball as an adult. He loved to watch sports and attend sporting events in person. His favorite teams included the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Los Angeles Rams, the Los Angeles Lakers, UCLA, and whatever softball team his youngest daughter Alexandra was playing on for the season. He was her biggest fan! He enjoyed hunting and a good game of cards. His nickname at the card table and in the fields was “Doc Sausage”. Emiddio leaves behind many heavy hearts, including his wife Lisa whom he met on a blind date in 2001, and married in 2004. He was her life and her true love. Love found the both of them. It had a little bit to do with destiny and fate, but it was written in the stars. In addition to his spouse, he is survived by his mother, his children; Natalina, Elena, Rosario, and Alexandra; his sister Lucia Scotti and his brother Frank “Frankie” Ungaro. Emiddio will be remembered as a funny, kind, and generous man who willingly shared whatever he had with others. He was loyal and loyalty was important to him. His work ethic, his huge heart, his eyes, his smile, and personality made him unforgettable. His biggest flaw was that he worked too hard and too often. How lucky we were to have him in our lives. Life will never be the same without him. May he rest in eternal peace. XOXOXOXOXO
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Mary Star of the Sea Church. Funds will be given as Scholarships to Mary Star Students. Memorial Scholarship Fund envelopes will be available at all services.