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Dino Paolo Restelli

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Santa Clara University

Dino Restelli Obituary

Dino Paolo Restelli September 23, 1924 - August 8, 2006 Beloved husband, brother, father and grandfather, passed away at his home in San Carlos the morning of Aug. 8, 2006. Dino was born in St. Louis, MO, to Angela and Paolo Restelli who immigrated from Italy. A graduate of Galileo High School, he attended Santa Clara University and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After the war, he became a pro baseball player with the San Francisco Seals and Pittsburgh Pirates. Dino still holds the rookie record for hitting 8 home runs in his first 10 games at bat, and his photo graces the walls at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. Up until the time of his passing, he would get requests for autographs, and would sign every one, as he so enjoyed receiving letters, cards, and phone calls from devoted fans. After his baseball career, he was a policeman for the city of San Francisco. Dino was also an avid tennis player and swing dancer, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame for West Coast Swing Dancing. He was a member of the Major League Baseball Player's Association and the Old Timer's Baseball Association. Dino loved to tap dance and performed in many San Carlos Chickens' Ball and Kiwanis Club variety shows. He was proud to serve on the San Carlos Parks and Recreation Commission for 14 years, the San Carlos Senior Center Advisory Board, and was a long-time honorary member of the San Carlos Kiwanis Club. Survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Jude Restelli; daughter, Lesley Nemeth Axtell, and son-in-law, Joe Axtell. Loving grandfather to Erika Nemeth Axtell and Hunter Axtell. Brother to Paul Restelli (Barbara). Reunited with his loving sister Josephine Jacklin. Uncle to Carol (Charles) Langer, Paul Restelli, Jr. (Sandy), Dina Jacklin, her son Aaron, Richard Jacklin, Hal Jacklin, and countless other family members, close friends and baseball teammates. Dino will also be greatly missed by his two faithful 4-legged companions, dogs, Lefty O'Doul and Good Time Charlie. Family and friends are invited to attend a Rosary and Vigil, Thursday, August 17, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. at White Oaks Chapel, 1696 El Camino Real, San Carlos. All are invited to gather for a Celebration of Dino's life Friday, August 18, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church, 880 Tamarack Ave, San Carlos. Interment at Golden Gate National Cemetery will be private. Contributions in Dino's memory may be made to the American Parkinson's Disease Assn.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Aug. 13 to Aug. 17, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Dino Restelli

14 Entries

Brett Restelli

August 29, 2006

Our family would like to extend our sincere sympathy. There isn't a week that goes by that someone doesn't ask if I'm related to Dino Restelli and then they go on to tell me how he took Pittsburgh by storm during his rookie season. He will be missed by a lot of people in Pittsburgh.

Respectfully yours,

Brett Restelli

Mark Restelli

August 29, 2006

In 1995 I had the pleasure of touring the H&B baseball bat plant in Louisville, KY, with my father and brother. Our tour guide showed us the Dino Restelli signature used to stamp his Louisville Slugger. Living in Pittsburgh, and having the same last name, we frequently get questioned from the old timers, asking "where is Dino now?"

It's wonderful to read that Dino enjoyed his life to the fullest. His legacy in Pittsburgh lives on.

Restelli means "King of Stars"

Warmly,

Mark Restelli

Terri Cook

August 22, 2006

Jude, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I will always remember how the room would light up when Dino walked into it. I know you will treasure your many years together. God bless.

Phyllis Charlton

August 19, 2006

Dear Jude, We were saddened this evening to receive a phone call from a mutual friend who advised us of Dino's recent passing. I have many fond memories of our time together; at your home and the time I spent just with you at work and socially. It has been ten years since we left your area; but you are often in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you even more in your time of sadness.

Janet Brinkop

August 18, 2006

Dear Jude,

Dino was a gift to all who knew him because he so generously shared his love of sports, dance, and above all, his sense of humor and love of people. He was a natural mentor who left a lasting impression on me, and I am so grateful to have known him. Much love to you. Janet

Mike Dugan

August 17, 2006

Major league Baseball has lost one of its dearest brothers.

Rest in peace Dino.

May the dear Lord bless the Restelli family.

Tony and Sharon Ramos

August 16, 2006

Our prayers go out to Jude and family on the passing of Dino, a first class guy. My wife and I, remember all the good times we shared with Dino and Jude at Al and Ann Liva's home, having TRIPA for dinner, which Dino loved and couldn't get enough of. Dino told us how he met jude. A very fascinating story and one which we will never forget.

Dino, may the good Lord welcome you into his kingdom with open arms.

Ward Schuyler

August 15, 2006

Growing up in Walnut Creek in the 1940s and 50s I was a devoted follower of the San Francisco Seals and their foe, the Oakland Oaks. Dino Restelli was a player that I remember and can say, has given me quality memories throughout my life.

Donna Pieretti/Sylvestri

August 15, 2006

Dear Jude, I can't tell you how sorry I was to hear about Dino. Judy, Richard, Ronnie and I were just talking the night before, about what day we would come over for lunch. We are so sad that we didn't get to have that lunch. Dino will be missed by many, but he can now play in the "Big Game" with our Dad and maybe Larry can have batting practice with them. Dino was Like an Uncle to me, and his nickname of "Mouska" will always be one of my fondest memories.

Ron Cabral

August 14, 2006

I saw Dino play for the Seals in the early 50's. He was really a terrific player. The Seals were my favorite team when I was a kid and I was mad when the Giants came to SF - that meant the Seals had to go. I will always recall the great Seals players of that time and Dino was certainly one of them.

Bill Castellanos

August 13, 2006

In my first day as Visitors' batboy with the Seals, Pittsburgh came to town and Dino Restelli hit a homer that night. In the on-deck circle he talked with the fans. In 1954 when I was asigned the Visitors' clubhouse, Dino came to town with the Portlanf Beavers. Always had a good word to say. He even introduced me on one of the Seals Stadium Reunions. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word.

My condolences to his family.

Bill Soto-Castellanos

Bill Castellanos

August 13, 2006

In my first day as Visitors' batboy with the Seals, Pittsburgh came to town and Dino Restelli hit a homer that night. In the on-deck circle he talked with the fans. In 1954 when I was assigned the Visitors' clubhouse, Dino came to town with the Portlanf Beavers. Always had a good word to say. He even introduced me on one of the Seals Stadium Reunions. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word.

My condolences to his family.

Bill Soto-Castellanos

Anthony (Nini) Tornay

August 13, 2006

I was shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Dino. He was a friend and teammate (SF Seals). My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family.

Dick Schroeter

August 13, 2006

When I was a young boy at Seals game at Seals Stadium I was refused an autograph by their star pitcher. He was very unpleasant about it. I was crushed and in tears when Dino came over to me. I got Dino's autograph and he made the pitcher sign my program. Dino became my life long hero. Several years ago the story was told to him by a friend and he sent me an autographed ball. I will always treasure it along with the memories of Dino and baseball the way it was.

My sincere condolences.

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