Pietro "Pete" Busalacchi

BUSALACCHI, Pietro Pietro "Pete" Busalacchi was born June 13, 1925 in Porticello, Sicily to Antonino and Anna Busalacchi. In 1950 he married Cristina La Rosa and in 1966 they came to San Diego with their 5 sons and 2 daughters. In Sicily Pietro was a fisherman and continued that in San Diego until 1969 when he went to work for American Airlines where he stayed until he retired in 1987. Pietro spent the rest of his life in his garden raising the fruits and vegetables he was so proud of, and spending time with his wife of 53 years, Cristina, along with his family. He was a hard working man who was devoted to his wife and family. They were everything to him. As the family grew with the births of 22 grandchildren and 3 greatgrandchildren, he was bursting with pride. He told anyone who would listen about them. He became the unofficial PR man for his sons ' restaurants and was always passing out business cards! He was well-known in Little Italy, often seen having espresso and talking to friends both old and new. Though suffering from cancer for 2 years, he rarely let it stop him. He kept on going until the end. But on September 5, 2003 he was just too tired and went to Heaven to become the special angel for his family. In addition to his wife, Pietro is survived by his children Anna (Frank), Tony (Lucy), Sal (Lisa), Frank (Rosemarie), Joe (Lisa), Leonora (Sal), Vince (JoJo) and the grandchildren and great-grandchildren who called him "Nanu". He was an exceptional man and will be greatly missed. Visitation: Sunday, September 7, 3:00-6:00 P.M. Merkley-Mitchell Mortuary, Rosary: 7:00 P.M. Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church with Funeral Mass Monday, September 8 at 9:00 A.M. Our Lady of the Rosary. Internment will follow at Holy Cross Masoleum. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The San Diego Hospice, 4311 Third Ave., San Diego, CA 92103.