Wine Country Times

Rep. Mike Thompson (D-05) recently introduced a bill to rename a local post office in honor of Sonoma’s “Pasta King.”

The post office, located 502 East Cotati Avenue, would become the Arthur Luis Ibleto Post Office Building, in honor of Art Ibleto, local restauranteur and Italian immigrant, according to a press release from Thompson's office. 

“I am proud to introduce a bill to rename the post office and recognize him,” Thompson said in a Facebook post. “Art was a giant of a man who did so much for so many.  Jan and I were honored to call him a friend and to work with him for so many years.  As our famed local Pasta King, he built a catering company that served Sonoma County for nearly 50 years."

Ibleto immigrated to Sonoma County from Sesta Godano, Italy, after deserting fascist Benito Mussolini’s army to help defeat the Axis powers during WWII.  In 1972, he opened Pasta King, a catering and retail business through which Ibleto shared his love of Italian food with Sonoma, according to Pasta King's website and the press release.

During his lifetime in Cotati, Ibleto became a community leader, co-founding the North Bay Italian Cultural Foundation and serving as state president of the Order of the Sons and Daughters of Italy in America.

"Our family is so honored that the U.S. Post Office in Cotati will be named after our father and grandfather,” said Annette Ibleto-Spohr in the press release. “He would be over the moon thrilled and unbelievably honored with this dedication. He was so proud to be an American and cherished his life here in Cotati. He was happiest while greeting, feeding and being of service to the people of Sonoma County."