Unexpectedly in Redwood City on March 1st.

A third generation native of San Francisco and lifelong resident.

Son of the late Michael and Sylvia Bersaglieri, he is survived by his wife Kathie, and adored and loving daughter Gina Bersaglieri of San Francisco.

He leaves behind his sisters: Ann Bersaglieri of San Rafael and Judi Bersaglieri of Fairfax and Judi's children Cassidy DeBaker and Cody Bersaglieri, and her grandchildren Lily and Logan.

Also survived by a loving and large number of Bersaglieri and Muzio family cousins who will miss his sense of humor and bright spirit.

Mike grew up in the Richmond District, was confirmed at St. Monica's church, and graduated from Washington High School (where Kathie and Mike met). He joined the Butchers Union in 1960 and was part of the Petrini and Cala Foods family stores, among others. As a boy, he started out behind the counter at the Crystal Palace Market with this Dad and Uncles.

Married for 46 years, Mike and Kathie enjoyed car shows, street fairs and, since his retirement, treasure hunting at flea markets and garage sales.

A classic car enthusiast and collector, he still had the two cars he started with in high school: a '31 Ford Model A and his blue '57 T-Bird.

His loss will be felt by friends and neighbors in the City, Brisbane and Fairfax, where Mickey spent every summer at the "country house" and many days at Marin Town & Country Club.

Mike treasured the many friendships he made as an owner and former member of the Board at R-Ranch at the Lake on Lake Berryessa.

He will be sadly missed by our dear friend and neighbor Marilyn Byington and her daughter Julia; as well as long life time family friend Janet Peacock of Pacifica.

Services will be held on Tuesday March 7th at Chapel of the Highlands on El Camino Real in Millbrae at 7pm. A Celebration of Life is planned for the weekend of March 11th.

In lieu of flowers, please consider gifts in his memory to the San Francisco SPCA or Zoological Society or your favorite charity.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Mar. 5 to Mar. 6, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Bersaglieri

Sponsored by Chapel of the Highlands.

18 Entries

Shalom

March 3, 2023

Mike is a friend who I will always cherish,even in the short time I knew him. He was like a big brother or uncle to me,always making sure I stayed on the right path but always made me laugh. I'm blessed to have found Gina on social media. I remember what a proud dad he was showing me pix of his daughter & funny stories about the family dog. It is natives of SF like Mike that always made me feel at home & connected. I know he would want me to always keep working towards my dreams. Za Pizza on Polk st is where I worked,next to the family market. I believe the Family/Market was mentioned above,maybe his cousins.

Shalom Simms

December 20, 2019

Just now 2yrs later finding out Michael's last name & finding his Obituary. We lost touch over the years. I met him in the late 90s when I worked at a pizza slice spot next door to the market where he was a butcher on Polk street. He used to come over on his smoke breaks wearing his bloody butcher apron & chit chat. I knew he was Italian,he'd talk about his family. He treated me like a daughter or lil sister,seeing what my plans in life were. He walked me down to the modeling agency where he knew the lady in charge so I could at least be an extra in movies. I can't remember all we talked about but I know he made me laugh & was a hold nothing back guy. I think italians are like that & why i get a long with them so much. 1 story I have remembered all these years was he said he & wife would attend dinner parties & bring their dog,he said his dog would steal things. That still makes me Lol. He also said that when his daughter was a baby they took her to dinner parties,we were talking about when people have a babies & try to be quiet around them. So when I had my son I remembered what Mike said,he said go on about your business & make noise around them so they'll be used to it. I really had hoped I'd see Mike again some day. I am truly sad right now but I will cherish the times chatting in front of Za Pizza. He is 1 of those people in my life that is unforgetable. My condolences to his family & friends,I know you must mis him tons.
Always Loved but never forgotten.

John Petrini

March 23, 2018

It's been a year already, Mike.
Still hurts, your being gone.
This Easter you spend with God in heaven.
See you on the other side, my friend

David Robson

March 9, 2017

Dear Bersaglieri family,

I am so sorry for your loss. I only knew Mike for a short while, but the time I spent with him will remain with me for the rest of my life.

I met Mike during a difficult time in my life, and it's because of him that I got back on my feet. I never got the chance to truly thank him for that. The fact that he felt like family to me after such a short time is a true testament to his character and effect on people.

Passionate, energetic, hilarious, over-the-top, dedicated, empathetic, fatherly: These words all describe Mike Bersaglieri. He touched my life and I am so grateful to have known him.

-Dave

Holly Borghello

March 8, 2017

Dear Bersaglieri family: Mike, his mom and dad as well as his two sisters were our neighbors growing up. We lived on 21st Ave just around the corner from them on Anza. We are the Malarky's and with that name, we were known in the neighborhood. Altho we had not kept in touch as we grew up and moved away, we had fond memories of Mike and his family. It was sad to read about his passing. He was too young.

Holly Malarky Borghello
Mari Malarky Musante
Daniel Malarky
Andrew Malarky
Arlene, (Gigi) Malarky Weeks

Kris Peradotto

March 7, 2017

Mrs.Bersaglieri
Sorry to hear of Mike's passing. We work together at Petrini's. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Rita Nicolas

March 7, 2017

So sorry for your loss Bersaglieri family. This is a tragic loss.
Mike was one of the first owners I met at the R Ranch when I bought in 2000. I knew after a short amount of time that day that he was going to be a jokester and I needed to be quick on my toes to react.

When we met, there were about 4 Mikes at the ranch and they all went by the name Mike so I had to come up with some nicknames to call all of them so they didn't answer at the same time. Since Mike was Itslian, I said you are going to be Italian Mike and he laughed about it and didn't take too well to it at first probably because I thought of it first, but soon after, every time he introduced himself to new owners and friends, he said I'm Italian Mike and this stayed with him until now. I am proud to have given him his nickname and that is who he was to everyone.

We enjoyed many good times at the ranch and our trips to cache creek. He will be missed so much and I am glad to have known him and may he rest peacefully in his resting place. Love, Rita Nicolas

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Connie Perez

March 7, 2017

Dearest Gina,
So very, very sorry to hear of your loss. Sincere sympathies to you and your family.
Big hugs, Connie Perez

Mo Dajani

March 7, 2017

Dear bersaglieri 's family , Iam chocked to hear the news of mike's passing. He was a great man and it was a pleasure knowing him for so many years. I pray that god gives you the strength to get through this difficult time. May he Rest In Peace.

Suzanne Henley

March 7, 2017

Suzanne Henley

March 7, 2017

Suzanne Henley

March 7, 2017

Ken Gallant

March 6, 2017

Dear Gina, my deepest and most sincere condolences to you dear friend. Although I never personally met your Dad, I know how much you adored him and he adored you. I remember you always showing me the latest photos from family holidays and get togethers with so much love and pride in your eyes. You are in my thoughts and prayers, the love we have for those special in our lives never dies. It will always be there. Ken Gallant Coalinga,CA [formerly a 40 year San Franciscan]

Our Ranch buddy...

Jessie & Dolly Guajardo

March 6, 2017

We met Italian Mike around 15 years when he became an owner at the R-Ranch. Mike was our buddy...he loved to joke around, tease and poke, but we knew he was a softy under that hard shell. Mike would even be the third wheel for wedding anniversary dinners, he would always call me and ask "when is our anniversary dinner" and he wanted say in what restaurant we were going to. Mike was really proud of his title!
I remember going to the Casinos, Cache Creek or Twin Pines with Mike to eat at the buffet, everyone knew him and he would always win on the slots!
When we would be at the Ranch on weekends, Mike would come over to our trailer around 7:30am to have coffee with us and complain to me about how terrible my coffee was all the time, so he started getting coffee from the office, then coming to our trailer to complain about my coffee, but he would always come back. He was referred to as Grandpa Mike because he loved our dogs and they loved him.
We are going to miss Mike dearly. Till we meet again....