Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Peter Cerri Obituary
04/18/1942 - 10/29/2024
Peter "Pete" James Cerri, aged 82, passed away peacefully in Forestville, CA, surrounded by his wife and family.
Born on April 18, 1942, Pete was raised in San Francisco, where he attended Lincoln High School. It was there he met his future wife, Barbara. While Pete served in the Navy, Barbara attended SFSU, and they married in San Francisco in 1966. The couple later moved to San Mateo, where they raised their two daughters.
Pete served in the Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Currituck, where he learned the pipefitting trade that would shape his civilian career. He was a life member of Sprinkler Fitters Local Union #483, and after retiring from the union, served as a union compliance officer for Mayor Willie Brown. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to build a successful real estate business with his best friend and fellow sprinkler fitter, John Borrelli.
A natural connector with an infectious laugh, Pete was an active member of several community organizations, including the San Mateo Elks Lodge #1112, the Monte Cristo Club in San Francisco, and the Peninsula Italian American Social Club. His passion for gardening led him to join the San Mateo Master Gardeners association.
In retirement, Pete found his paradise on his 20-acre property in Forestville, CA, where he built a barn to house his tractor and cherished tools from his building trades career. He found pleasure in playing Pidro, mowing the meadow at his Forestville Ranch, and reading the Master and Commander series on his Kindle.
Peter and his wife Barbara were avid travelers, sharing many adventures with their dear friends Dorothy Vaio and Mayme Chinn. They explored all corners of the world together, and their safari in South Africa held a special place in their hearts. Pete especially cherished time spent visiting his beloved grandchildren, frequently traveling to Portland and Chicago to be part of their lives. Above all, he treasured time spent in conversation with friends and family.
Pete is survived by his beloved wife Barbara; daughter Alicia and her husband Richard; daughter Carla Starzec and her husband Mike; his two grandchildren, Eva and Elise Starzec of Portland, OR; and his younger siblings, Judy Burns and Dan Cerri.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Peter Cerri
Dan Cerri
April 13, 2025
So many memories (mostly fond) of my brother.
We had our moments, but the love was always there.
Sabrina Hernandez
December 3, 2024
Sharing gratitude for Pete and his role in establishing the SF Office of Labor Standards Enforcement (SF-OLSE). As first director of the OLSE in the late 90's, Pete helped to establish and protect labor standards for San Francisco construction workers, and he fought to ensure that they received the prevailing wages they were entitled to. He was a mentor to many and his legacy lives on at the SF-OLSE today.
May he rest in peace.
With sympathy and much respect,
Sabrina Hernandez
Labor Compliance Officer
IBEW Local 6, San Francisco
Bob Quinn
November 22, 2024
I am very sad to hear about Pete. My sincere condolences to his family..
Pete was a beautiful soul and friend..I miss Pete..
Bob Quinn
Jim Sawyer
November 11, 2024
I remember Pete as always having a laugh ready and a positive attitude. He was a person I looked up to and tried to emulate. I can still remember when he left for the Navy, we had a party at my Aunt Alice's house. We played cards, laughed and I listened to all the family stories. The last time I saw Pete the family had gathered to wish my wife and myself a farewell as we were moving to Idaho to build a home. I have thought about him many times for no particular reason, just good memories.
Mark C Head
November 10, 2024
A generous giant with a heart as bright as the radiant sun above, love him dearly.
Kerry
November 5, 2024
Dear uncle Pete -
It is hard to say good bye. As early as I can remember, you knew how to tell a story that kept little-me to an adult-me, enthralled. I always I wanted to know every adventure you and auntie Barbara took. I felt like the baby of the family but so loved by everyone. Alicia and Carla, my cousins, but felt more like big sisters. I wanted to be like them in so many ways. I will always remember your laughs, your meticulous way of opening gifts, and appreciation for the culinary finer things.
Uncle Pete looked at life as an adventure and to live it to its fullest. Or simply said, "I did it my way".
Much love, Kerry
David Rentz
November 3, 2024
Peter and I went to St Gabriel Grammar School. We were pretty good friends. After school we would visit each others homes from time to time. Peter lived on 35th Ave" on the other side of Taraval Wt". I lived on 36th Ave near Vicente.
After grammar school, I went to St Ignatius High School, Peter to Lincoln. I don't think we ever saw each other again.
Petere had a pleasant personality and was always happy. I have very pleasant memories of him.
David Rentz
Mark DeVost
November 3, 2024
Dear Barbara and Family, I am very sorry to hear of Pete´s passing, he was such a nice and caring guy, when I would see him he always wanted to know how I was doing and always asked about my wife Pat. We had shared a few medical stories of thinks we had or were going through. I enjoyed working with him on there place in Forestville and talking about places we had traveled, wine and Pedro. A very sweet and caring man.
Love and prayers to Barbara and his family.
Mark Pat DeVost
Gary Humphrey
November 2, 2024
Pete and I became good friends while attending weekly get togethers at the S.M. Elks Club having drinks at the bar and dinner in the dinning room. Pete's personality was very outgoing and He was fun to be with. We always had a good time talking about are Navy days and experiences while serving in Vietnam. About a year ago Pete invited me up to Forestville to see His ranch house and the barn that He built Himself. I could tell that this was His Happy Place to go to. My condolences go out to Barbara, Alicia, Richard, and all of Pete's Family. Pete, I will miss You my friend.
Charlene Crowley
November 1, 2024
Barbara and family:
Pete was truly one-of-a-kind and a great storyteller, especially when regaling about any of his hilarious escapades.
John'o deeply respected Pete as a colleague and loved him as a friend. We both did.
May warm memories and the support of friends comfort you all during this difficult time.
Stan Smith
October 31, 2024
Thank you my friend for all of years of support and guidance. You will be missed but the memories will stay with me forever.
Nina
October 30, 2024
Words don't adequately capture what exactly uncle Pete meant to me. I will forever cherish his big personality, sense of humor, love of gardening, family gatherings, celebrations at the ranch, the old electric car, the beautiful Sonora home, show tunes, Peugeot, and his big smile; but most of all, now as an adult, I can finally appreciate everything he overcame and everything he did for his family. How much he loved, and took care of everyone him. Thank you Uncle Pete, I'll love and miss so very much. Biggest hugs and deepest condolences to everyone
Christina Lisitzin-Hobbs
October 30, 2024
As far back as I can remember there was always Pete and Barbara. So many cherished memories of my childhood spending summers at Russian River. Pete brought my husband, son and nephew into the Sprinkler Fitters which has forever changed our lives for the better for which I am eternally grateful. I will always remember Pete's infectious laugh and his smile that could light up a room. I will miss you dearly. I'm sure my dad had a cocktail ready to greet you Rest Easy Pete!! Love Christina
Dan Cerri
October 30, 2024
He was and will always be my big brother.
So many fond memories which I will always cherish.
Marcie Maffei
October 30, 2024
My heart aches terribly. His laughter and love will hold a special place in my heart.
My condolences go out to the family. Rest in peace sweet Peter.
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
Make a Donation
in Peter Cerri's name
Memorial Events
for Peter Cerri
How to support Peter'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 Peter Cerri'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
