Louis Martin Dalcerri, beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2024, at the age of 94.

Born on September 2, 1929, in Lompoc California, Louie led a remarkable life filled with love, laughter, and dedication to his family and work. Throughout his life, Louie was known for his affable personality.  Being a Lompoc native, countless people have been blessed to know him. Even if you met Louie just once, he could shoot the breeze with you as if he had known you your entire life.

Louie's parents emigrated as children from Italy to Lompoc in the early 1900s. His parents met, raised a family and farmed in the Lompoc Valley. Growing up on a dairy farm, Louie learned to wake up early and work hard all day.  When he was in his early 20s, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War.  Returning from the war, he began his lifelong career as a mechanic at Johns Manville.  Louie became a member of the Operating Engineers, which he maintained throughout his life. Later, Louie owned and operated a trucking company (Dalcerri Trucking) for many years until he opened a heavy equipment diesel repair shop in the Lompoc Valley.

On June 7, 1958, he married Shirley Dodd and together they shared 51 years of cherished memories. Louie and Shirley enjoyed traveling. Together they traveled much of the U.S. in their RV, often with friends. They especially enjoyed traveling with Louie's brother and wife, Frank and Jean Dalcerri.

Louie had a passion for restoring antique tractors and gardening. His enthusiasm and talent touched many who knew him, whether through the sharing of stories or sending home produce and succulents that he grew in his backyard. Louie is a past exalted ruler of the Lompoc Elks Lodge, and throughout the years Louie and Shirley enjoyed participating in many events at the Elks.

Louie instilled discipline, integrity, and the importance of family into his four children and lovingly supported them by always being available and encouraging. Everyone who ever played on a sports team with a Dalcerri, fondly remembers Louie in the stands shouting, "Way to hum!" after a good play.

Louie is survived by his sons Darryl (Susan) Dalcerri and Michael (Mischa) Dalcerri; his daughter, Shannon (Gary) Wells; four grandchildren, Jeremy (Suzanne) Dalcerri, Jason (Brittany) Dalcerri, Garrett (Dorothy) Dalcerri, and Morgan (Clayton) Petersen; and numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends.  In addition to his wife, Shirley, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Denise, and brother, Frank.

His kindness, wisdom, and unwavering support will be deeply missed by all. Way to hum, Louie.  May all who know you be inspired to love life and people as you did.

A graveside service is planned for 10:00 on Friday, July 12, at the Lompoc Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to a charity of your choice, in honor of Louie Dalcerri.