Marcello Baldocchi

1937 - 2025

Marcello Baldocchi
01/25/1937 - 11/04/2025
Marcello Baldocchi born in 1937 in Lucca, Italy passed away in La Quinta, Ca on 04 November 2025 after a long illness. He was the middle of three children born to Evelina Paoli and Pietro Baldocchi and was raised in Lucca where the traditions of Tuscan life shaped his early years. In 1956 he emigrated to the San Francisco Bay Area determined to build a new future filled with possibilities.
Upon his arrival Marcello worked for his Uncle learning a new language and the rhythms of life in a new country. Drawn to the soul and energy of North Beach he found his calling in the restaurant industry.
In 1960 Marcello married his first wife Leena and together they welcomed two daughters Piera and Diana who gave him much joy and he made sure they connected to their Italian heritage.
Marcello was a lifetime member of the SFIAC where he connected with fellow Italian born residents and enjoyed the social environments of the club in North Beach.
Marcello opened Ristorante Marcello in 1978 with Eugenio Massoni who retired in 1993. What began as a modest neighborhood trattoria grew quickly into a beloved institution. For over 40 years families, friends and neighbors returned repeatedly for the food and the warmth of a neighborhood gathering spot.
Outside the kitchen Marcello's great passion was foraging for mushrooms - especially porcini and in the season traveled all over Northern California for the hunt. Restaurant patrons were treated to the results!
Marcello married Vicki in 1996 and they shared travel adventures and a wide circle of friends. Every July Marcello closed the restaurant and traveled to Italy to spend time with his family until the last visit in 2024.
Marcello is survived by his wife Vicki, his daughters Piera (Ron) and Diana, his beloved sister Rosalba, his nieces Ilaria and Silvia (Gabriele) and grand niece Federica plus countless other Baldocchi relatives and extended family through marriage in the USA, Europe, New Zealand, Australia and Ethiopia.
He will be deeply missed. At a later date we will have a Celebration of Life Event.