Julian Alexander Morinini 1937-2021 •

Alexander Morinini died on Friday the 22nd. in January 2021 entered eternal life in Paso Robles Calif. He and his wife Sharon have lived in their beautiful home next door in Paso Robles for 12 years.

He was born on the 14th. August 1937, born in King City, CA, the son of Aquilino and Marianne Annie Morinini. Julian grew up on the family ranch in Greenfield, California. He attended Greenfield Elementary School and King City high school where he was very popular and led the Mustangs’ cheerleading team. He and his siblings helped out on the ranch and worked part-time at Greenfield’s Tiny’s Market as teenagers. After high school he enlisted in the Navy. After his military service, Julian returned to Tiny’s Market and enrolled in a butcher school in Toledo, Ohio to develop his butchering skills. He then bought the Ascona market in Greenfield and became known for Morinini’s version of the Swiss sausage, a tradition spearheaded by his brother Leno.

Julian will be remembered as one of Central California’s finest bartenders, who owned Nina’s Cantina in King City, CA and the Buckhorn Saloon in North Fork, CA, where his wife Sharon and family lived for many years before returning to Southern Monterey County. Many would be surprised how quickly he remembered their drinks and their generous willingness to talk.

Among his many talents, he was an excellent cook. His love of his family’s Swiss heritage is reflected in his mastery of polenta and stew or his famous gnocchi and cioppino, always accompanied by the creation of unique cakes and, more recently, rum cakes, which he loved to offer generously to his family and friends. The family tends to copy her recipes and use her famous motto: Cooking is a matter of imagination. It would be hard to find anything Julian cooked that wasn’t delicious, creative and made with love.

Julian was a compassionate and kind man with a generous heart, as evidenced by his decision to help others as an organ donor. He was a voracious reader who loved detective stories, biographies and non-fiction. Julian also loved country music, especially Willie Nelson, and loved watching NBA games, cheering for his favorite team, the Lakers. He was a great storyteller who was witty and shared his memories and life experiences.

His sister recently found a quote that sums up Julian: When I stand before God at the end of my life, I hope I have no talent left and can say this: I used everything you gave me.

Julian is survived by his wife Sharon and daughters Julianne (Ken), Melanie, Lisa (Craig), Lori (Larry) and Tami. His grandchildren include JT (Alexandria), Alec (Kiley), Nick, Carson, Cameron, Kyler, Ainsley, Colt, Jesse and Riker; and his great-grandchildren Maki, Tinley, Isla and Grayson. He is also survived by his brothers Arthur and Leno (Linda) and his sister Esther. He leaves behind nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who knew and loved him. He will be sorely missed, but those who remain will not forget him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Aquilino and Annie; his brother-in-law, Barney; his brother-in-law, Kenny; and his nephew, Tim.

Donations can be made to the Wounded Warriors Project WCO (www.HonorWarriors.org) or to the San Antonio Mission in Padua (www.preservemissionsanantonio.org).

Given the current state of the pandemic, commemoration plans are being revised.

Arrangements have been made by Eddington Funeral Services, 429 Bassett Street, King City, (831) 385-5400, www.EFS-Cares.com.