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Lawrence Bertolucci Obituary

Lawrence Bertolucci January 3, 1924 - August 14, 2010 Famed Peninsula Restaurant owner Lawrence (Larry) Bertolucci and long time Hillsborough resident died peacefully in his sleep last Saturday evening in the presence of his two granddaughters and his caregiver Cynthia all of whom were by his side. Larry is survived by his daughter Marcia Melnikoff and son-in-law Fred Melnikoff of San Carlos, granddaughters Melissa Melnikoff of Burlingame and Cristina Melnikoff of Redwood City, sister Lola Bertolucci Fox of San Mateo, nephews Dennis Bogdan of San Jose, Mark Bogdan of Spokane, Washington, Gary Bertolucci of Chicago, Lawrence Urrutia of Maxwell, California, nieces Teresa Holman of Colusa, California, Veronica Tofflemire of Hillsboro, Oregon, sister-in-law Carmen Urrutia of Maxwell. Larry's Father and Mother opened Joe's Blue Room in South San Francisco in 1928, a family style Italian restaurant who also fed and boarded the local steel workers of the day. Larry was trained as a carpenter and wanted to be a contractor, but was lured into the family business by his father. In 1962, the restaurant was rebuilt on the site of Joe's Blue Room and the name was changed to Bertolucci's Restaurant, where Larry and sister Lola ran the business until their retirement and eventual sale in 2005. The restaurant was a favorite spot for local sports figures, celebrities and dignitaries passing through town, as well as many local regular customers. Larry was a long time member of Green Hills Country Club where he had many friends, good times and was able to pursue his lifelong passion for golf. This passion for golf also led him to acquire a second home in the southern California desert communities of Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage, where he and his wife Josephine played host to family, friends and local celebrities. His wife Josephine died in 1982. In his younger days, Larry was a body builder and also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Throughout his life, Larry considered his family his most prized possession. Friends and family are invited to visit at 3:00pm with the rosary at 7:00pm at Crosby N. Gray Co., in Burlingame, Ca. on Thursday, August 19, 2010. Funeral Mass will be at Our Lady of Angels Church in Burlingame on Friday, August 20, 2010 at 10:00am. Entombment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Aug. 17 to Aug. 18, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence Bertolucci

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Jerry and Deb McClain

September 10, 2010

Dear Marcia and Fred - So sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad - our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family - Jerry & Debbie McClain

Ron Cabral

August 17, 2010

Larry drove his Lincoln as the limo at our 1965 wedding at St. Peter and Paul's Church in San Francisco. Both Rita (his cousin) and I send our sincere condolences and best regards to the family.

Angela De Benedetto

August 17, 2010

Larry was an old family friend. Sorry to hear of his passing.

Susan and Albert Alioto

August 17, 2010

For all the times we had the pleasure of eating at
Bertolucci's, and obviously, for so much more, may
he rest in peace.

August 17, 2010

We always enjoyed our times at Bertolucci's in So SF- My parents, Phyliis and Bob Goodin and Uncle Gerald and Aunt Audrey became good friends over the years with Larry and Jo. We will miss Larry and wish the family good memories and prayers in this difficult time. Regan Goodin. San Mateo

Dick Volpe

August 17, 2010

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the entire Bertolucci family at your loss. We have many found memories of enjoying a wonderful dinner and great service at the restaurant on our way to a flight from SFO. May God have mercy on Lawrence and may the Perpetual Light shine upon him and Josephine.

William J Schmidt

August 17, 2010

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Lynn Simmons

August 17, 2010

Growing up in South City Bertolucci's was always a treat to eat at. The food was great and the people working there were always nice. Sorry to hear of his passing.

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