Denis Arthur Bossetti

Denis Bossetti was born in Salinas, CA to parents Art and Thelma Bossetti. He was raised in Gonzales, CA, attending elementary and high school. He excelled in three sports in high school and was named Most Valuable Athlete. He went on to play football at Hartnell College and earned the Golden Helmet award after the team took the State Championship in 1967. The team was inducted into the Hartnell College Hall of Fame. Denis furthered his education at Chico State and played Wildcat football. He later earned his Masters degree at San Jose State. Denis dedicated over 30 years of his career as a teacher, coach and school administrator. He loved refereeing basketball, umpiring baseball, golfing and playing poker.

In 1973 he married Wendy Whalen and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year. He was a devoted father and took great pride in his family's accomplishments. He is survived by his wife Wendy, son Patrick (Sheila) Bossetti and daughter Camille (West) Upton. He leaves behind five grandchildren: Austin, Maddison and Phillip Bossetti and Emma and Jax Upton. Additional family includes father-in-law Edward Whalen, cousins Deann Kinnear, Paul (Kerry) Panighetti, Gary Panighetti (deceased) and (Camille) Panighetti, Gabriela (Bill) Borchard and numerous other cousins.

Funeral services will be held on June 14, 2024 at 11:00 at St. John's the Baptist Catholic Church at 435 Chestnut St. Chico, CA with a reception immediately following. Interment will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to your favorite charities are suggested. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Denis' caregivers and to wonderful friends and family who provided love and support.

Published in Salinas Valley Tribune · June 4, 2024