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BORN
1942
DIED
2024
Amelia Bucci Obituary
02/07/1942 - 05/29/2024
Known simply as "Bucci," Amelia Rose Bucci for 28 years partnered a small kingdom in Emeryville called Bucci's Café, a haven for fresh California and traditional Italian cuisine, operated as a labor of love with Paul Camardo and Leslie Julian. Bucci was a friend to all, known for her spirited personality and warm, welcoming smile.
While a social worker in Boston in the 1960s, Bucci discovered her enthusiasm for providing for people, honing her skills while cooking for friends, family, and colleagues drawn to her generous hospitality. In 1987, this growing group of friends parlayed their love of cooking and community into Bucci's restaurant.
Born in Syracuse, NY, to Rose and Carmin Bucci, Amelia is survived by her sister and brother-in-law Annette and Richard Sperry; nieces Titia Boyes and Amy Hargraves; a grandnephew and several grandnieces.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Amelia Bucci
Paula Silver-Manno
June 15, 2025
A light went out when Bucci died. I think about her often and miss the olden days where we were all a big family. She was the true matriarch and missing her has become a part of our lives. Bucci, your memory will always be a blessing.
dave stoppelman
March 1, 2025
I cherish her memory
Kristine Dong
September 7, 2024
It was indeed a pleasure to be introduced to you and Paul by Judy McCormick many years ago. I´ll never forget the nights coming in there for dinner and the meals were just outrageously delicious and of course Paul would always come by and drop in our coffee cups a little slivovitch.
Amelia, you were one of the warmest people I have ever met and it was an honor to have known you. With much love you will never be forgotten. Kristine Dong.
Larry Howe & Judy Frei
July 15, 2024
We met Bucci in Cambridge in 1976, visited her and the clan in Berkeley in 1978, and reunited in 1980 when we made our own move to the Bay Area. The warmth and hospitality of her household was a hugely important part of our settling in and our social life in the 80s.
She taught us a lot about food but even more about generosity. She was present at the birth our son-who inherited her love of cooking along with the pizza dough recipe that she passed on to us. Her eponymous restaurant was a favorite of ours, even the versions before the official one in Heritage Square. And after we moved to Chicago in 1995, a return to Bucci´s was an annual event
We´ll miss her and her big heart and bright smile. Our condolences to Paul and Les for the loss of their dear friend.
Pam Mendelsohn
July 14, 2024
There will never be another Bucci or Bucci's. I moved to Emeryville in 1994. I knew I had landed in the right place when I met Bucci. She was always so warm and welcoming. Eventually I had two photography shows at Bucci's, complete with parties. The restaurant was my go-to place because of two facts: great food and Bucci was usually there. I am so sorry she is no longer in this world.
Rich robbins
July 14, 2024
The embodiment of the `Community Mother Hen´ sharing her massively big heart. Thank you Bucci for so many good memories. RIP, blessings, rich robbins
Paula Silvermanno
July 2, 2024
I miss Bucci's smile and warmth and everything else that made her the special person she was. A piece of our family is now missing and she will forever be part of our hearts. She was the one who welcomed me into the Clan Extraordinaire almost 40 years ago. May her memory be a cherished blessing for us all. Paula
Madeleine Head
June 25, 2024
A lovely tribute to a beautiful person. Bucci will be missed by everyone who had the good fortune of knowing her.
Deborah
June 25, 2024
I loved Bucci's! It was such a great place to be. And was sad to see it close.....
So wonderful to hear of the story and person behind the name. It truly was a convivial place. Thank you Amelia Bucci [and partners]. Rest in peace.
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