Joseph Bambara

1926 - 2025

Joseph Bambara
09/27/1926 - 06/11/2025
Joseph Bambara died at the age of 98 on June 11, 2025, with family at his side. His life spanned long distances, from his birthplace in Taormina, Sicily, to his final residence in San Francisco. One of four brothers, he went into the hospitality industry early, and worked in some of the greatest hotels in Europe: the Beau Rivage in Lausanne, the Savoy in London, and the Danieli in Venice. There, he learned the art of fine entertainment and classic dining. While working in London, he met and married his wife of 70 years, Annamaria, who died in 2022, and they had a son, Massimo (Massey). The next chapter took them to Tripoli, Libya, where Joe worked for the royal family for some years. In 1960, they came to the U.S., living first in Las Vegas, and shortly thereafter, in San Francisco. There, Joseph soon became the manager at Villa Taverna, where he was a well-known and elegant presence until his retirement.
Throughout his life, Joe was active in competitive sports, and was a talented tennis player from childhood on. In the Bay Area, he was able to develop his passion for salt water, and sailed his beloved Little Dipper, Bear Boat 32, for decades in races all over the bay. He served as Commodore of the Golden Gate Yacht Club, a short walk from his Marina home, and spent many hours helping to direct the club, overlooking the blue water of San Francisco. Entertaining friends over fine food and wine was one of the great pleasures of Joe and Annamaria's lives, and they made many friends, and entertained them at their home over the years. Joseph is survived by his son Massey, daughter-in-law Barbara, and beloved granddaughter Lauren Bambara, as well as many nephews, nieces, and cousins in Italy. His ashes will be scattered along with Annamaria's in the bay that he loved. A celebration of life will take place down the road.