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Walter Nassi

1946 - 2022

Walter Nassi obituary, 1946-2022, Salt Lake City, UT

BORN

1946

DIED

2022

FUNERAL HOME

Starks Funeral Parlor

3651 South 900 East

Salt Lake City, Utah

Walter Nassi Obituary

Walter Nassi

1946 ~ 2022

Walter Nassi died at his home on September 20th, 2022 at age 76, with his loved ones, wife Phyllis Pettit Nassi and son Enrico Nassi, by his side. Walter was born to Enrichetta and Coraggio Nassi in 1946 in the Tuscan village of Monte san Savino, Italy. At an early age he had a zest for cuisine which would be the catalyst for a culinary career extraordinaire that would last a lifetime.
His love for food took him to such prominent places as London, Porto Cervo, Gstaad, Nairobi, New York City and others where he served guests from groups such as the Cypriot High Commission, Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman, United Nations, Sony Music, and many others. After nearly 50 years of learning the food service industry in clubs and restaurants internationally, he found a new home in Salt Lake City where he moved in1996 with his family to open Il Sansovino in the American Stores building.
It was a few years later in ""his city"", Salt Lake City, that his international distinction as a renown restaurateur took hold. His signature restaurant, Valter's Osteria, opening on November 13, 2012, became a magical landmark for anyone interested in personalized Tuscan cuisine and the most hospitable welcome anywhere in the world. Valter's was a place where his grand passion for entertaining locals and travelers alike brought them back endlessly. He gave his gift of love equally to everyone, whether a celebrity or a regular. His passion for ""la vita"" was displayed vividly in his collection of diners' photographs at the restaurant's front entrance, and in the way he lived his life. Valter's Osteria received over a dozen professional awards such as Best Italian, America's Top Restaurants, and Lifetime Achievement Recognition from Salt Lake Magazine, Salt Lake Chamber, Zagat Review, and more.
Colleagues and friends from around the world will remember him as a giving, loving, and passionate soul who cherished every night in the company of diners who were entertained and thought of as family members by the master of hospitality. It was never just about money but about creating cuisine served with love and the wish to give something back. As he said in his book, ""working is not a sacrifice. It is a passion and love."" He displayed this passion in his art, ""the art of presentation,""at Valter's nightly with intricate meal composition on every plate.
He loved and cherished family and lived a life devoted to his church. He will be missed by wife, Phyllis of more than 42 years and son, Enrico. He is survived by niece Patrizia Nassi; of San Giuliano; nephew Emiliano Nassi of Fontegoro; the Valter's Osteria family; family and friends in Italia, New York, Connecticut, Kansas and Israel, and of course, Salt Lake City.
Walter was preceded in death by his mother, father and brother (Carlo). He was commended to God September 22nd, 2022 and his rite of Committal was September 23rd, 2022. Funeral Mass may be viewed by visiting his obituary page at www.starksfuneral.com. A public memorial Mass to celebrate his life will take place on November 10, 2022 at 6:00pm at the Cathedral of the Madeleine. Services have been entrusted to the care of Starks Funeral Parlor. The Nassi Family extends our profound thanks to the Carmelite nuns of Carmel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Salt Lake City; the doctors, nurses and staff at Huntsman at Home; the Huntsman Cancer Hospital; Huntsman Cancer Institute; Drs. Christopher Dechet, Weldon Gilcrease, Benjamin Maughan, Shane Lloyd; Trisha, RN and Angi, RN; and the Greater Salt Lake community for your kindness and support in this difficult time; and as Walter always said ""Salt Lake, my city, TI VOGLIO BENE!!"" In lieu of flowers, a gift may be made in memory of Walter to benefit the ongoing work and mission of Huntsman Cancer Institute.

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

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Sep. 22 to Oct. 9, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
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Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Suzelle Smith and Don Howarth

Planted Trees

Kent Holland

November 8, 2022

A real gentleman let alone a great host and restauranteur. We miss him!

Dean Bannon

October 18, 2022

Valter:

Thank you our friend for always taking care of us both here is Salt Lake and in your home town of Monte san sovino Our first dining experience with you was in the American Stores building and we have loved you and are thankful for all the many years you have taken care of our culinary appetite. You will be missed and we are so thankful to call you our friend
Dean and Paul

Steve Walrath

October 3, 2022

I am terribly sorry you have lost such a wonder partner and friend Phyllis. My deepest condolences to you and your family.

Celeste Whitewolf

October 2, 2022

I am so sorry Phyllis that the "love of your life" has moved to the " Spirit World." I think of the dried roses he gave you that hung through out your home. I truly believe that he will continue to come to you to help you in this world. Prayers for you. Much love.

Coleen Crespo

October 2, 2022

Blessings to you and your family Phyllis. My deepest condolences on the passing of your loved one.

Albert & Marianna Gamboa

September 27, 2022

We the Gamboas Family send Our deepest condolences to Phyllis and Enrico for their .Rest in peace

Bob Fiero

September 26, 2022

My condolences to Valter's family. A great friend
that will sorely missed. Cowboy up!

Mary Navanick

September 24, 2022

My condolences goes out to Phyllis n Enrico for the great loss of their husband n father. Valter is a great lovable man may the great spirit carry you onto your next journey.

Ricky Largo

September 23, 2022

It was an honor to have worked with him.so many years ago in New York City at Castellamno Restaurant
I am so sad for his loste
Mr:VALTER NASSI
My condolences to his family and wife & San
Att:Ricky Largo

mike petroff

September 22, 2022

Valter will be missed. After dozens of times at his
establishment how could you not miss his caring
about everything. Rest In Peace

Stefania Melis Orme

September 22, 2022

Carissimo Valter, che la terra ti sia lieve. Our deepest condolences to Phyllis and Enrico for their loss. Con un abbraccio forte, Stefania, Elisabetta e Federica

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