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Kevin Restani Obituary
The Bucks didn't say how Restani died on Sunday night. While in Milwaukee, he had participated in the North American Association of Club Athletic Directors basketball tournament.
Restani was playing for a team representing the Olympic Club of San Francisco.
The 6-foot-9 Restani was nicknamed "Big Bird" by then Bucks play-by-play man Eddie Doucette and played in Milwaukee from 1974-79. He averaged six points and 4.6 rebounds per game with the Bucks and played eight total seasons in the NBA, making stops in Kansas City, San Antonio and Cleveland.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
98 Entries
April 13, 2015
I will miss coach. He was a great man and always pushed me to ne my best as a basketball player. We never realized how fortunate we were to have him in our live. PG#11 class of 1997 Archbishop Riordan High. RIP Coach
Cherol (Fleming) Ockrassa
August 6, 2011
I grew up on the same street as the Restani family. I remember the him teaching the kids on the block to shoot hoops in his driveway, and the kids hovering around when the Mach 1 was being waxed. Beautiful kind family. Great family to grow up around.
I came across this this while reminiscing. My prayers go out to you.
Mike
February 23, 2011
I can't believe this - I was just telling a couple of colleagues about how I met Kevin and Mark McNamara in Italy, and what nice guys they were and how they made my time there a lot more fun, so I decide to track Kevin down online and see this.
Ciao Capo
January 15, 2011
I saw the newspaper article and I remember Kevin attending Gino's funeral. My recollections of Kevin were that he was humble and very good person. I hope in some way Gino and Kevin have reconnected. Joe A. Colombo
How you can show support
Sharon Kidd
May 19, 2010
I was at ART's Restaurant last evening and saw Johnny Burks, who told me about Kevin. I was very shocked and sadden to hear this about Kevin.
The last time I saw Kevin was at Larry Deal's Funeral a few years ago. I was a student with these wonderful and talented ball players at USF in the 1970's. We have lost a number of our alumni players, so we should stay in contact with those that are still around.
To Kevin's Family he will be missed, but remembered as a wonderful person.
Sharon Kidd
USF - Class of 1977
I will be sure to let 'T' Tony Styles, Jeff Randle, George McQuillister, Arnetta Duncan(Peters, and
May 13, 2010
I though you would like to hear that I met Kevin as a teen ager vacationing at Konocti Harbour Inn. I was about 13 and played basketball for my Jr. High Shool. I was out practicing on the courts there and he came up to ask, If he could shoot some hoops with me? He was a inspiration to talk to and have had the opportunity to meet someone that was a proffesional player for the Bucks!
I remember my friends were in awh, that I shot some hoops for a few afternoons with a superstar!
I happened to be watching a Bucks game and typed in the Name just out of random. I was shocked to see that he had passed away. My thoughts go out to his family in this difficult time. It truley is interesting how somehow we connect with memories of people by chance!
Sincerely
Susan Pujals
Jon Kurpinsky '73
May 11, 2010
Had the pleasure of knowing Kevin since I was in grammar school. He played at Riordan and a year or so at USF with my brother. As a kid, Kevin always had time to chat with me and make me feel important. He will be missed and always be remembered as a basketball icon in San Francisco.
Lele
May 7, 2010
Giocatore vero, umile e serio, ma soprattutto grande uomo, un esempio per tutti.
Ciao Kevin
Warm Christian Love
May 4, 2010
Sorry to read of your loss. Many thoughts and prayers are with the Restani family. May the love of God and support of friends comfort and sustain you now and in days ahead.
Jon Lowder
May 3, 2010
God Bless the Restani family.
My thoughts and prayers will be with you all.
Sincerely,
Jon Lowder of Monroe
May 3, 2010
Kevin was well thought of no matter where he went. My sincere condolences to the family for your loss. Be assured that your burden is not one your bear alone. "The hour is coming when those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out." (John 5:28) May your hearts be comforted by these words. He will be greatly missed.
Mrs. Mason, California
Margaret Dolan
May 1, 2010
To the Restani family -- I had the pleasure of knowing Kevin when he went to USF and I was shocked to see his death notice in the paper. It was so much fun to watch him play basketball but he was also a great guy off the court -- full of fun and humility. Please accept my condolences. He left everyone he met with lots of great memories.
anna Laura cugia
May 1, 2010
Cara Roberta,non so se ti ricorderai di noi: siamo i cugini di Stefano Colantoni, di Rieti (Italia).
Sapere della perdita di Kevin ci ha molto colpiti lasciandoci profondamente addolorati. alla mente ci sono tornati i tempi in cui abbiamo passato insieme bei periodi. Anche a nome di Stefano ti inviamo le nostre più sentite condoglianze e desideriamo che tu sappia che, anche a distanza di migliaia di chilometri, ti siamo vicini con il cuore.
anna laura e augusto da Rieti.
Marcia & Romano Andreini
May 1, 2010
Dear Roberta,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
CJ & Michael
May 1, 2010
Dear Roberto,
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a very special guardian angel to watch over you always.
Paul Dyer
May 1, 2010
Kevin was the embodiment of humility. His behavior on and off the court will forever be the template for any aspiring young athlete...and yes Kevin, that four bagger you blasted off me was not only majestic, it was "Ruthian"...
Paul Dyer
May 1, 2010
Kevin was the embodiment of humility. His behavior will forever be the template for any aspiring young athlete...and yes Kevin,that four bagger you blasted off me was not only majestic, it was "Ruthian"...
Bill Healy (class of 71))
May 1, 2010
To the Restani family,My sincere heartfelt sympthany goes out to you. Kevin was a great person. A gentle giant of a man who always had time for anyone. He was a legend and will be missed by all who knew him.Sorry for your loss
David DiLuzio
April 30, 2010
I got to see him play at Riordan in 1969-70..He was a man among boys.He was the anchor on a great team at USF..God bless him
tina canepa
April 30, 2010
To the Restani Family, I send my deepest sympathy. Kevin Restani was a name that everyone knew since High School. What a great guy he was and always popular and well-liked. This is very sad. He was taken way too soon. May God Bless him. Sincerely, Tina Canepa
karen duggan
April 30, 2010
Dear Roberta:
Our family sends our heartfelt sympathy for your tremendous loss of your beloved Kevin. You have our love and our prayers.
Always, Karen, Dan, Mariesa, Matt, and Joey Duggan
Michael Lazzari
April 30, 2010
Roberta,
I'm Mike Lazzari, I was Kevin's teacher at Rirodan. He was a fine young man and great person. Those were a lot of fun years when he was a student. Over the years we ran into each other. I'm really sorry for your loss. He was taken way too early. He will be missed.
f b
April 30, 2010
impossibile dimenticarti
Jessica Brown
April 30, 2010
Roberta - this is Jessica from Super Skills. I'm so devastated by the loss of Kevin I don't know what to do. All my love goes out to you - what an amazing man. Much love, Jessica Brown (from Brussels, Belgium)
April 30, 2010
Too many good people go too early.
Rest in Peace Kevin.
Mike Cuff Bloomington, MN
dean
April 30, 2010
My heart felt condolences to the friends and family of Kevin Restani. He made us proud as a player and from all accounts as a very good person.
Bryan Beasley
April 30, 2010
We were all so lucky to have been touched by Kevin's kind, giving soul. I will always remember you, and hope to emulate your spirit in my relationships. You are a great man, friend, coach, and mentor. Gracie
April 30, 2010
So sorry. Many prayers to friends and family of Kevin.
Rosemarie
April 30, 2010
Our condolences to the Restani's. Please allow the Bible's promises for the future to bring you comfort.
April 30, 2010
Restani family my condolences go out to you all. May you find comfort through the many memories (Acts 17:31)
Greg - Val (Bix) Dawidczik
April 30, 2010
You were always a pleasant spirit on the 4th floor of Phelan Hall. We always remembered you in the brightest of lights. In a very short time we have many memories of you. We are remembering you Kevin, and your family. God bless you.
Alberto
April 30, 2010
Kevin, I've never had the pleasure to talk with you, but I had the honour to see you playing many and many times with style and sacrifice. A piece of my youthness is gone. See you in heaven, and there I wanna talk to you ;)
KEN&MARY O'DANIEL
April 30, 2010
WE ARE SENDING OUR LOVE,PRAYERS,&CONDOLENCES TO THE RESTANI FAMILY,FRIENDS,&ALL WHO KNEW KEVIN.
April 30, 2010
patrick carlin madison wi
Claudia
April 30, 2010
More than a basketball star, he was a star of goodness and sincerity!!!His transparent eyes could make you perceive it immediately!!!I was still a little girl when you were playing in Livorno, but you'll never be forgotten!!!Take care of you and of us all from there up among the stars!!!
Eric Walker
April 29, 2010
It was an honor and pleasure to work with Kevin when he was with us at Balboa High School. He had so much concern and love for all of our students. I can't say that I have met a nicer person than Kevin. All of us at Balboa want to extend our condolences to the entire Restani family. Rest in peace big man, we will never forget you and will always have love for you.
"Curva Nord" - "Libertas Livorno 1947"
April 29, 2010
True champions never die...thanks for all the emotions...thanks for your basket...
April 29, 2010
Dearest Mrs. Restani, we are all grieving for your devastating loss. Take comfort in knowing how many people in our community treasure you and let this be your strength. Love to you always,
Nicole Marca and family
April 29, 2010
My condolences to your family. Treasure your memories. May the God of all comfort (2nd Corint. 1:3 & 4) be with you. Your family and friends are in my prayers.
Gayle Montano
April 29, 2010
I was very saddened to hear the news of Kevin's passing. Both of my kids were lucky enough to have him as a coach at the Salesian Club. He was a very talented and giving person. We are grateful for all the time and energy he has devoted to young people. He will certainly be missed.
The Montano Family - San Francisco
Scullion Family
April 29, 2010
"Big Bird" and Bumper(Justin Smith) will meet at Center Court for what could be a Battle of the Olympians! God bless you all during this difficult time.
April 29, 2010
I remember him as great basketball star like my uncle Toddy Giannini-AllAmerican and your beautiful family that we all loved.His speech about his Mother was beautiful last year.God Bless him. Jan Darcey-niece of
FrankGiannini---he was agreat basketball star of sanfrancisco
janet darcey
April 29, 2010
I remember him as great basketball star like my uncle Toddy Giannini-AllAmerican and your beautiful family that we all loved.His speech about his Mother was beautiful last year.God Bless him. Jan Darcey-niece of
FrankGiannini---he was agreat basketball star of sanfrancisco
True champions never die...thanks for all the emotions...thanks for your basket...
Curva Nord Libertas Livorno
April 29, 2010
Please Read Acts 24:15
Terrance M
April 29, 2010
Dear Restani family,
So sorry to hear of the lost of Mr. Restani. He will be missed by many people that looked up to him. Your family has all my condolences. May the God of all comfort bless the family and comfort them during these difficult times. Also may your family gain comfort in knowing that there is a wonderful promise given to those who have lost a love one in death. This is at John 5:28,29.
Sincerely,
Terrance M
Pierfrancesco
April 29, 2010
Your star will shine forever in the sky of Livorno...than you Kevin...
Pierfrancesco
April 29, 2010
Your star will shine forever in the sky of Livorno...thank you Kevin...
April 29, 2010
Cara Roberta,
we have no words to express how sad we are. Kevin was a great player, but also a real gentleman with a big heart. He is an example of sportmanship for every player. We remember having dinners with him at his favourite restaurant in Livorno after games: it was such a pleasure talking to him. We'll miss him so much and will never forget him. Dear Kevin, go on playing in Heaven. Ciao Susy e Mauro
Bob Hayden
April 29, 2010
Kevin didn't talk about himself, knew everyone's name, hated attention, loved baseball, would always ask me about my father, brother, sister etc. and only talked about his home run in 6th grade off Paulie Dee after a few horns. His humility, sincerity and love of good humor made him totally unique. We'll never see his like again. I miss him already.
Wilson
April 29, 2010
Please accept our warmest sympathies and be comforted knowing that God is “near to those that are broken at heart, and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.” (Psalm 34: 18).
Henryk Zaleski
April 29, 2010
The court is empty, rest in peace.
Steve Brugaletta
April 28, 2010
We are all deeply saddened by Kevin's loss. He meant a lot to all his classmates and friends.
There will be a rosary at 7pm, Friday, April 30th, at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 1310 Bayswater Ave, Burlingame. The funeral mass will take place at St.Catherine's at 11am Saturday morning, May 1st.
giorgio
April 28, 2010
Roberta and family members
My sincerest condolences on you recent loss
I knew Kevin and played ball in Italy with him He had a great sense of humor
Giorgio
Shirley Griffin
April 28, 2010
I am sorry for your loss may the God of all comfort and tender mercies be with you in your time of grief.
Dennis Borruso
April 28, 2010
Kevin was large in so many ways . He never made those around him seem small. All these comments only add to the impact he had on this planet.
Dominique Hall
April 28, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time. May the God of all comfort bring peace until he destroys this enemy, death, once and for all time. The dead will have the prospect of remaining on earth forever under peaceful, paradisaic conditions.
alice
April 28, 2010
I am so sorry to hear about your loss.
May you receive an outpouring of love and support at this most difficult time. Please remember the promise held out at acts 17:31.
April 28, 2010
I remember he owned Las Vegas Discount Golf in San Mateo...a great Golf Store that I truly missed
Mark Bechelli
April 28, 2010
Dear Roberta
My sincere condolences to you. I am honored to have known Kevin since high school and have been Kevin's teammate at the Olympic Club since 1993. You are both in my prayers.
With love,
Mark Bechelli
David D'Alesio
April 28, 2010
Goodbye Kevin, you'll be forever in our hearts... All your supporters from Livorno (Italy) are sad. We will always remember you for your honesty and your professionalism. We are united in spirit to the Family and we would be in San Francisco. You left an indelible memory on all the fans of Livorno. R.I.P.
David D'Alesio, Livorno (Italy)
Paul Mifsud
April 28, 2010
I remember Kevin from Riordan. Always a nice, low key guy even though he dominated WCAL hoops. Helped alot of kids out as a counselor at Balboa. My sincere condolences to his family.
April 28, 2010
Roberta, What a GREAT GUY. What a GREAT LOSS.
Steve Ryan
Roxsana Cucco
April 28, 2010
Dear Roberta I'm praying for you in this time of sorrow. Our sincere condolences.
Roxsana and Angelo
Bob Swall
April 28, 2010
My deepest condolences to the Restani family. I knew Kevin over the years and every time that I met him it put a smile on my face. He was a good man. I consider it to be an honor to have been one of his fellow classmates at Riordan High School, class of 1970.
michael puccinelli
April 28, 2010
Roberta, My condolences to you and the rest of the Restani family. Kevin was a great guy and a friend. He left us way too soon.I'll miss him.
louise wisinski
April 28, 2010
Thanks for the memories; rest in peace
Christine Giordano
April 28, 2010
Dear Roberta and family:
We pray for you and the stregnth to endure this loss. I always enjoyed seeing Kevin around the Club, he was such a gentle man. I know he will be missed by all that knew him.
God Bless you all.
Carolyn Scott Ed.D
April 27, 2010
Dear family: Kevin was a wonderful addition in his University of La Verne School Counseling class. His humorous personality and caring attitude will surely be missed by us all. My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to the family and all who loved him.
Jen Dick
April 27, 2010
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
While he was an amazing basketball player, Kevin's greatest legacy will no doubt be shown in the hundreds of lives he touched as an educator and school counselor. He was someone kids could look up to...in more ways than one! We will miss you, Kevin.
Tom Balistreri
April 27, 2010
I like to say Kevin when he played in Milwaukee he used to stop in my bar Tommys 49 bye byes and later on to the Venice Club He was always one you felt Good to be with. We had a great time together. I will miss him.
Dennis Martinez
April 27, 2010
Kevin was such an inspiration to all of us who attended Riordan High School. He was a true gentleman as well as a great athlete. The world is poorer for his loss.
Dennis Martinez (Riordan HS, Class of 1972)
R Golay
April 27, 2010
To the the family of Kevin restani- May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow,I know that Kevin will be missed by many.
James Hill
April 27, 2010
Kevin played for the Spurs in the early 1980s, and he was a real gentleman. On the court, he was part of the "Bruise Brothers" combo. My prayers go out to the family of this good man.
Duncan Lyon
April 27, 2010
What a pleasure to have played with Kevin and to call him a friend. He was as graceful and as intelligent off the court as he was on.
Antonio
April 27, 2010
Dear family of Kevin I am so sorry for your lost. Let me share a scripture with you at James 4:8 WERE it says Draw close to god and he will draw close to you.
George O'Neill (class '69)
April 27, 2010
My sympathies and prayers to all of Kevin's family. He was truly one of the most gentle and beloved men I had the pleasure to know. Really a GREAT GUY!
Yvonne Mines
April 27, 2010
My condolences to the Restani family.During this time of great sorrow, may it help you to know that others are deeply touched by your loss. I too know the pain of losing someone dear. Even though our hearts are broken, rest assure our grand creator cares about you personally. (1peter 5:7)
Azmi Baharudin
April 27, 2010
Mr Kevin Rustani is suh a wonderful man. I am one of the parents from Balboa High school.My son respects him a lot. In fact I talked to him over the phone 1 week ago and he promised he will write a letter for my son when I need it. He wrote one last year.Mr Restani is loved by every one that he acquanted with.He will be resting in peace. Me and my son is so grateful to him and we will miss him.God Bless
April 27, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
The Turner Family
April 27, 2010
We would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family of Kevin Restani. May God, "the Father of tender mercies and of all comfort", ease the pain during this time.
April 27, 2010
Our condolences go out to your family from a longtime spurs fan, so sorry.
E. Hall Family
Emmett Hall
April 27, 2010
Our condolences go out to your family from a longtime spurs fan, so sorry.
E. Hall Family
Victoria VZj
April 27, 2010
condolences
sincer sentiments go
inside ones prayer
GodBless you"KEVIN"
After life has taking
your own spirit
into a restful place of peace..
In memory&honor Kevin Restani~
Robert Pierce
April 27, 2010
This little light you,ve shown god had allowed it to shine. Though many hearts you may have toughed who expressed their love so much. From the time of your arrival to the time of your departure. May your light continue to shine. Loving memories but "God" loved you best. Wendy D.
the twins
April 27, 2010
both of us had played against kevin in his c.y.o. days in s.f. i've never heard anything negative about kevin. please remember him as a positive role model in sports. u.s.f. were great days for all of us.
Randy Dixon
April 27, 2010
Rest In Peace Big Bird,with your passing so goes some of my best memories of my teenage fascination with the Milwaukee Bucks
Kelly Rogers
April 27, 2010
I'm so sorry for loss! My prayers are with you!
Efren ramirez
April 27, 2010
I LOVED TO SEE YOU PLAY BALL WHIT THE SPURS............
April 27, 2010
I'm so sorry to hear of this. Local boy does good, and leaves us so soon. May his family have strength during this time.
carlos sanchez
April 27, 2010
he will always be in the hearts of spurs fans. he will be missed and his family will be in my prayers in the very difficult time. we will alway remember him in silver and black.
USF Ballboy
April 27, 2010
I was the ball boy for the USF team that Kevin and the late Phil Smith were on. As a kid you didn't appreciate Kevin, but as I got older, I fully realized how nice a guy Kevin was and I wish I would have inherited Kevins work ethic. Never complained, was a coaches dream player. Heaven's got a nice player on their team.
Sharon Udovich
April 27, 2010
Dear Roberta and Family,
My deepest sympathy to you all. Kevin was a wonderful man. He had such a wonderful sense of humor and never failed to make me laugh (sometimes at the wrong time!). He is in my heart always.
S Pleasants
April 27, 2010
rip kevin..
BP
April 27, 2010
My thoughts are with you and the family and how painful it is to lose your loved one. Please accept my deepest sympathy. May God's love and comfort be with you and the family.
“For this is the will of my Father, That everyone that beholds the Son and exercises faith in him should have everlasting life, and I will resurrect him at the last day.” John 6:40
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