James J. Lanza

James J. Lanza Died peacefully on February 14, 2006, in San Mateo, CA. He was born on October 25, 1902 to Francesco and Caterina Lanza in Sicily. A native of the San Francisco Bay Area since 1925. A pioneer in Fisherman's Wharf as one of the founders of the upscale restaurant known as the Exposition Fish Grotto. A winemaker and wholesaler of specialty Italian food products in SF at the present location of the Transamerica Building. He is survived by his son Frank C. Lanza and daughter-in-law, Patricia A. Lanza; his grandsons, James, Louis and Anthony Lanza, all of whom followed in his footsteps as restaurateurs in New York and Tampa Bay; his great-grandsons Matthew and Steven Lanza; and his nephews and nieces, Frank L. Lanza, Nicolina Puccinelli and Paul Pieri. Above all he was always concerned with the well being of his family and friends and will be greatly missed. A private family service was held at Saint Mathews in San Mateo and a Graveside Service was held at the Italian Cemetery in Colma. Donations in his memory can be given to the Mills Peninsula Hospital Foundation, 1783 El Camino Real, Burlingame CA 94010, or Habitat for Humanity of Westchester, 529 Main St, New Rochelle, NY 10801.