Emilio Bernardini

Emilio Bernardini passed away peacefully at eighty-five on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. Emilio will always be remembered for his ability to make just about anyone smile through his very social nature and playful personality.

He was born in Massa Macinaia, Lucca, Italy on September 5, 1938, to Giuseppe and Neli Bernardini. He emigrated with his family to San Francisco’s North Beach just after WWII, when he was thirteen. He attended Salesians and then Sacred Heart High School, later going on to serve over fifty years as a butcher for Petrini Meats and Mollie Stones. Emilio was known by his loyal customers for his quick wit and warm smile. He served in the United States Military from 1961 to 1963, where he was stationed at Fort Bragg as a chef, beloved for his homemade, Italian recipes by al the colonels and captains. Emilio loved singing. He was a wonderful baritone, and he faithfully sang at North Beach’s St. Peter and Paul’s Church for over fifty years. When he sang Schubert’s “Ave Maria,” even the angels stopped to listen. He was also a founding member of San Francisco’s branch of Lucchese Nel Mondo. Though Italy always had Emilio’s heart, San Francisco was his home, and he loved the city fiercely.

Emilio later went back to visit Italy, where he met and wed the love of his life, Angela Mori, on August 16, 1964. Angela and Emilio came back home to San Francisco, settling in its Cow Hollow neighborhood, where they welcomed and raised two lovely children, Nancy and Danny. Emilio adored his grandchildren—Alessio, Luca, and Nico—and was equally adored by them. He was the loving zio (Uncle) to Linda and Steven Dell’Angelica, Diana and Jim Bernardini, and Ilaria and Patrizia Massoni, and Elisa Mazzoni.

Those close to Emilio had the pleasure of hearing his life’s entertaining tales, of which he loved to tell anyone willing who would listen. He was, without a doubt, a kind and gentle soul—tender, even, “like a woman’s heart,” as he would so often say. He was always quick to crack a joke, and even quicker to smile. Even in death, one cannot help but smile simply thinking about him, and laugh simply remembering one of his jokes or funny stories. He loved strongly and was so proud of his children and grandchildren for every little thing they accomplished. Emilio touched the hearts of every soul he came across, and he will be greatly missed by many.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Elsa (Sergio) Dell’Angelica; his brother, Diano (Annie) Bernardini; and his sister-in-law, Alba (Sergio) Massoni.

He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Angela; his children, Nancy (Simone) Giometti, and Danny (Stacey) Bernardini; his sister-in-law, Maria (Paolo) Mazzoni; and his grandchildren, Alessio Giometti, and Luca and Nico Bernardini.

A funeral Mass will be held August 2, 2024 at10:30am at:

St. Peter and Paul’s Church

666 Filbert Street

San Francisco, CA, 94133-2805

followed immediately by a reception at the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Emilio’s memory to https://salesianclub.org/give/memorial-honorary-giving/

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