Stefano Brunetto

1923 - 2017

Stefano Brunetto September 1, 1923 - October 11, 2017 San Diego Stefano Brunetto was born in Aspra, Sicily, in 1923. Stefano immigrated to San Diego with his family after World War II seeking better fortune in the local tuna fishing industry. He met his wife, Renata Sabatini, while attending English classes at a local immigrant community center; they married in 1952 at the historic Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Little Italy. They had three sons and two daughters together. In order to be closer to his family, Stefano opened the first Mona Lisa Restaurant in 1955 with his brother-in-law, Gaspare Apparito. In 1965, they ended their fishing careers and focused on growing their business, opening four restaurants throughout the county. In 1973, Mona Lisa opened a Little Italy location which is currently owned by his three sons and going into its third generation of family ownership.Stefano was predeceased by his wife Renata in 2003. He is survived by his brother Giuseppe and his sister Maria (Sam), along with his five children: Giovanni, Domenico (Helene), Benedetto (Celina), Dorothy (Gaetano), and Emma (Leo). He is also survived by his nine grandchildren and great-granddaughter, Arianna.Stefano will always be remembered for his wisdom, resolve, and deep dedication to family. He was a committed husband, loving father, and doting grandfather who will always be thought of with love and respect. He was a fixture within the San Diego Italian community and maintained a wide social circle in which he will be sorely missed.A viewing will be held at Merkley-Mitchell Mortuary on 5th Avenue on Sunday, Oct. 15th from 4-7pm. Rosary and Funeral Mass will be held at 9am on Monday, Oct. 16th at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church at State and Date streets in Little Italy. Interment will occur immediately following at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church.