Enrico Pucci, who owned Pucci's (what is now Fradelizio's) for nearly 20 years, passed away on Dec. 12 at the age of 80. The following is an obituary from his son:
An immigrant from Marlia, Italy, Enrico Pucci left his family and came to America in 1951 at the age of 19. Landing in San Francisco, he began a fifty-year journey in the restaurant business – a journey in which he became a fixture of the North Beach restaurant scene until he opened his eponymous Marin County restaurant, Pucci’s, in 1982.
From North Beach to Fairfax, “Pucci,” as he was called by his friends, neighbors, and customers, was known for his sparkling personality, his charming smile, and his passion for life – all of which he displayed prominently during his years in the restaurant business. He was especially beloved in Fairfax, where Pucci patrolled the corner of Broadway and Bolinas dispensing advice, offering opinions, and laughing at the human menagerie that inhabited Fairfax.
Though Pucci was a man of many talents and accomplishments, he will be remembered as the loving husband of his wife, Antoinette; the devoted father to his children, Rick, Alicia Susi, and Michael; the father-in-law of Laura, Tina, and Mark; the proud grandfather of Ricky, Frankie, Emilio, and Tony; and as a one-in-a-million character to his many friends and acquaintances.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Dec. 29 at 11 a.m. at St. Isabella’s Catholic Church, 1 Trinity Way in San Rafael, CA. A fine party, celebrated “Pucci-style” for all who knew and loved him, will follow at La Toscana Restaurant, 3751 Redwood Highway.
Sierra Salin
11:16 pm on Thursday, December 22, 2011
I miss seeing and hearing him singing out on Broadway way.
chris
11:10 pm on Friday, December 23, 2011
Loved his restaurant. Best ceasar salad! Delicious food, great menu, friendly nice atmosphere. Thank you Pucci for providing Fairfax with an awesome place to dine for decades. God bless and god speed. Glad that Fradelizio's is carrying on the tradition. xo