Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1933
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Basil Cavalieri Obituary
09/03/1933 - 05/05/2025
Late of Millbrae and San Mateo County resident since 1946, entered into rest at his home on May 5, 2025. Beloved husband of Barbara Cavalieri since 1956. Loving father of Bob Cavalieri (his wife Cathy) and Jerry Cavalieri (his wife Cynthia). Devoted son of the late Roberto and the late Mariannina Cavalieri. Also survived by his sister Anne Nannini (her husband David), 4 grandchildren Michelle (her husband Rob), Kevin (his wife Kiara), Daniel and Lauren, 4 great grand children Luca, Giada, Nicole and Giulianna, along with his many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and dear friends.
A native of Iera, Bagnoni, Massa-Carrara in Tuscany, Italy, age 91 years.
Basil's accomplishments include: Owner of South City Car Wash for 61 years & sponsor of multiple community sports teams; South San Francisco Host Lions Club Past President 1974 & 1979 and honored with multiple Lions awards; Charter member of the South San Francisco Elks Lodge #2091; Member of the Sons of Italy; Italian American Citizens Club "Citizen of the Year" 1994; member of the South San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and honored with their "Lifetime Achievement Award"; SSF Bi-Centenial Committee Chair in 1976; International Car Wash Association; Past Director with the Western Car Wash Association; Honored by the SSF Historical Society with the Victor John Feudale award in 2016; Outstanding Business Award for Business Success presented by Congresswoman Jackie Speier in 2003; Directed and sponsored the first St. Jude Children's Research Hospital fundraiser for SSF in 1972; South San Francisco "Person of the Year" in 1976, in addition to multiple other honors.
Family and friends may visit on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 after 4:00 PM at CHAPEL OF THE HIGHLANDS, El Camino Real at 194 Millwood Drive in Millbrae, with a Vigil Service at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Saint Dunstan Catholic Church in Millbrae. Committal will follow at the Italian Cemetery in Colma.
In lieu of flowers his family appreciates donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org; Lions Eye Foundation at www.lionseyefoundation.com or National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org/donation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Basil Cavalieri
Sponsored by Chapel of the Highlands.
Celeste Petersen Young
May 19, 2025
Dear Family ~
Please accept my most sincere condolences on the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. Your family has been part of our lives for many years. When my Dad died, Basil (or one of his boys) always made sure my mom was well cared for whenever her car needed attention. May your memories help sustain you as you realize the empty chair in your homes.
With deep sympathy,
Celeste Petersen Young
Cheryl Gordon Barrango
May 19, 2025
Dear Barbara and family. I was so sad to hear today from Lori Bergamaschi that Basil passed away. I remember all of you well as our neighbors on Baywood as we were on Oakcrest Avenue around the corner. I remember you moving to Millbrae and I know you always kept in touch with our parents, Al and Dorothy Gordon. I know they enjoyed their very long friendship with both of you. So sorry for your loss. He was quite an amazing man. What an obituary! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. May your many wonderful memories remain close to your hearts. With our sincerest sympathy, Cheryl and Diane.
Michelle Schmidt
May 16, 2025
Barbara, Jerry and family I am sorry Basil had to go. Heartbreaking even if we expect it. When I received notice of the obituary, I was thinking about what I should say. Knowing Barbara and Basil for over 30 years but not having spent extensive time with Basil what comes to mind. The first thing that came to mind was always smiling , always positive ,cheerful , welcoming and then I opened the obituary and looked at the messages posted several the time. "Always smiling, generous, " was a recurring theme. It speaks volumes about the person he was. I hope this along with all the memories draws strength for the next while!
Donald & Peggy DeMarco
May 15, 2025
Barbara & family,
We will miss Basil´s contagious smile and warm-hearted concern for his family and fellow man. Barbara, I am so sorry for your loss. Basil, may you rest in peace.
Don & Peggy
Stan Johnson
May 14, 2025
My condolences to the Cavalleri family on the passing of an unequaled individual. He will be missed by countless number of people.
Respectfully
Stan Johnson
Karin Rosander Chafetz
May 11, 2025
I have know Basil and Barbara for almost 50 years. I met them when they sponsored the Miss So SF - Miss America pageant and have remained friends ever since. Basil and Barbara define generosity and love for their friends and family. I will miss Basil´s contagious smile and warm hearted concern for his family and fellow man. Barbara, I am so sorry for your loss. Basil may you rest in peace
Judith Garvey
May 11, 2025
Condolences to Bob Cavalieri on the death of your father. May he be in heaven.
Laurie Fornesi Masetti
May 11, 2025
Such a sad day when our "Sweet Basil" was called home to heaven. We will all miss his loving personality and the kindness he showed to everyone! My heartfelt condolences to his beautiful wife, Barbara and his entire family! R.I.P. Sweet Basil!
Jack, Claudette, Jacie & Michelle Pacheco
May 9, 2025
Barbara & family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Basil was a very special person with an infectious smile & a wonderful sense of humor to go with it. When we think of him, it will always be with that big smile on his face. This photo of him captures him perfectly. We´ll miss you Basil.
The Jack Pacheco (Jr) family
Matthew Teglia.
May 8, 2025
A great guy. When I was a child he always let me ride in my dad´s car through South City Car Wash. it was a big deal for me as a little guy. Good people are always remembered in ways they probably didn´t think of.
Bill Silveria
May 8, 2025
I met Basil when I bought my first car in high school, 1985. I would bring it twice a week and Basil would say, we can´t get this car to shine anymore than it is! I bought several cars, over the years, and no one would touch them except South City car wash. Bobby would work on it, and Basil, that was it. He will be missed. I enjoyed the talks we used to have. He was the nicest man you could ever hope to meet in your lifetime. The whole family were beautiful people. My sincere condolences to Barbara, Bob, Jerry and Julian. Basil will be very much missed.
Brian&Diana Ferreira
May 8, 2025
We are deeply saddened for your loss and we will miss him always one terrific guy! We are both very thankful For Basil being part of are lifes
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Make a Donation
in Basil Cavalieri's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Basil Cavalieri
How to support Basil's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Basil Cavalieri's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
