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Lorenzo Petroni Obituary
Upon arriving in San Francisco and speaking little English, Lorenzo began working in the restaurant business, progressing from busboy to waiter, with bartending and kitchen stints as well-a long apprenticeship in the finest Italian restaurants in San Francisco: Piros, New Joes, Orestes, Paoli's, Quo Vadis, and lastly Scoma's on Fisherman's Wharf. It was at Paoli's that Lorenzo learned the art of restaurant promotion from Joe Paoli, considered by some to be the best in the business. In May of 1970, Lorenzo together with chef Bruno Orsi, opened the North Beach Restaurant in San Francisco specializing in fine Tuscan cuisine. The restaurant, located in the heart of North Beach, is one of the best-known in the City-a gathering place for political leaders, lawyers, executives, artists, writers-as well as people from all walks of life from all over the world.
In the Spring of 1992, Lorenzo and his wife, Maria Elena, purchased a 37-acre property in the Mayacamas Mountains in Sonoma County and built Petroni vineyards and winery.
Today, the winery produces some of the finest wines in California, including a Brunello, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.
Lorenzo will always be remembered by family and friends for his garrulousness, welcoming style, compassion, forgiveness and charity. Visitation will be held from 4:30 pm on Monday, June 2, 2014 at Saints Peter and Paul Church, 666 Filbert Street, San Francisco, followed by a vigil service at 7 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Tuesday, June 3, 2014 at Saints Peter and Paul Church. Donations in memory of Lorenzo can be made to the SPCA or Saints Peter and Paul Church.
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Memories and Condolences
for Lorenzo Petroni
Fern Desilets
March 29, 2025
Lorenzo was truly larger than life. He entertained, innovated and cared like very few people I have had the pleasure of spending time withwhat a loss ! Fern Desilets ( Kona Wine Market Hawaii)
James Vincent Kelly
June 4, 2014
Just hope all is well with family of a very one of a kind man!!!
Met ur folks at In Shape a "few" yrs ago & always kept in touch as I was in bar/ restaurant scene also but no where in same level
Lorenzo will be missed but not forgotten !!!
RIP
JIM Kelly-PatO'Shea's-L'Avenue & Kelly's Mission Rock
Marialena Castorina
June 4, 2014
Dear Lorenzo: I just became aware of your illness and passing and am so shocked and saddened (tears). In the long past you ordered cheesecakes from me for your iconic North Beach restaurant. That is when we met and an instant fun friendship began. Soon thereafter you would always address me as the “cheesecake lady.” Then, when I let you know that I would be moving on from that particular company, you exclaimed with arm and hand gestures, “no more cheesecakes then.” That was so loyal of you. You were always so jolly, gregarious, playful and quite a character with that adorable smile. San Francisco has lost a true icon and North Beach will never be the same … and I surely will miss your presence. My condolences to your family and friends and those who loved you.
May you rest in peace dear Lorenzo.
Marialena Castorina
Robert Newsom
June 2, 2014
I saddens me and my family to say goodbye to Lorenzo.He was always so gracious and generous to us. My fondest memory is of when I saw him shortly before my Father passed . He asked me how Dr Bill was .I told him that just before arriving for dinner at NBR I visited my Dad .I said to Lorenzo that my Dad was sorry he could not join us and eat some fresh petrale sole.The next night I was sitting in the hospital room and 2 waiters arrived. They served Dad his sole.I will miss Lorenzo.
Lorenzo Petroni
June 2, 2014
Our heartfelt sympathy to the Petroni Family. We will miss him very much.
Riposa In Pace.
Jackie & Dennis
Nancy Boerum
June 2, 2014
Peter and Drinda, my deepest sympathy on the passing of your wonderful father. He built a little Tuscany on top of Cavedale for us all to experience and enjoy so he left a legacy of his beloved heritage and for that we are all so grateful and will never forget him. Of course, we will be reminded of his contribution to North Beach as well when we go into SF. Bill was just at the restaurant a week ago. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers and hope that all the good memories you have will be of some comfort to you.
June 1, 2014
My prayer is for you. My husband, Renato Ghiozzi, thought the world of you and your wonderful restaurant. If he were here, I know he, too, would have you in his prayers and heart. Rest in Peace, Lorenzo. Mrs. Renato (Nikki) Ghiozzi
collin hardwick
June 1, 2014
You will be truly missed my friend, thank you for all the great times...
W K
June 1, 2014
Dawn. Crissy Field. Here he comes! Bundled up. Goofy hat. "Bella! Come!" Pockets full of treats. And all the dogs come running. They know. He stops. He chats. We pass. Arms wave. "Good morning! Good morning!" Oh, Lorenzo. Old fellow walker. Old friend. It's not the same. Goodbye.
May 31, 2014
In our thoughts frequently, loved your restaurant/friendship w/Freddy Casavecchia. Always, Mose and Barbara Galante
May 31, 2014
Our family is heartbroken over the loss of one of San Francisco's treasures. Lorenzo was always so loving to my children and my family whether it was at the restaurant or the winery his gracious thoughtfulness, irreverent humor, and friendship I will treasure for the rest of my life. He was truly one of a kind to so many of us. Our goes out to the Petroni family. Much love, Senator Art Torres (Ret.), Gonzalo Escudero, Joaquin and Danielle Torres
caitlin niven
May 31, 2014
I love you and miss you.
Paul Lessig
May 31, 2014
Alas, time and age has taken another legend of those that made San Francisco what it once was! Lucca Italy blessed the city with a host of exceptional restaurateurs of which Lorenzo was the last man standing. He is now also gone and and the last vistage of genuine traditional Italian restaurant proprietorship in the city is now reduced to only a fond memory; along with the North Beache's Vanessi's, Giovanni's, Original Joe's, and Villa Toscana to mention but a few. Along with many in the city, I will personally miss Lorenzo. Despite my departure from the city some twenty years ago, upon my infrequent returns to the city he would greet me as if I had only been absent from his 'Family's Table' for a few days.
My sincere condolences to this wife, Maria Elena,his sons Peter and Marco, his daughter Lora and all the members of the family. I share their grief and tears in the loss.
Howard Wong
May 31, 2014
Lorenzo Petroni was one of those unique/ bigger-than-life (and fast-disappearing) characters of North Beach and San Francisco. Like the late Ed Moose, Lorenzo Petroni's magnetism constructed relationships, energizing North Beach as a hub of social, cultural and political interactions. Beyond ideology, he linked people through genuineness lubricated by bread, pasta and wine. Not shy, you knew where he stood---particularly effective in stopping the digging up of Columbus Avenue by the Central Subway.
Steve and Susie Ficklin
May 30, 2014
Thanks for all the good times!
God Bless.
Steve and Susie Ficklin
Steve and Susie Ficklin
May 30, 2014
We will miss you Lorenzo.
Our condolences.
God be with you.
Steve and Susie Ficklin
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