Peter Grassi

1936 - 2024

Peter Grassi
10/21/1936 - 05/08/2024
Peter had an amazing life. His love for his family and beloved wife Carol meant the world to him. "Pete" was born in San Francisco, third generation, to Salvatore and Edna Grassi. He was a loyal friend, hard working and funny! He had a "bigger than life" personality and often lit up the room with his captivating storytelling, timely humor, booming laughter, and exuberant dancing. It's these special moments his family and friends will especially miss.
He met his beloved wife, Carol, in high school and were happily married for 69 years. What an amazing love story they had! With his zest for life, love of the outdoors, and adventurous spirit, you'd find Peter traveling the world with Carol, drag racing as a young man, duck hunting in Northern CA and abroad, engrossed in a book about history, cheering on the Cal Bears football team, playing golf, or spending the summers with his family at their lake house where he often showed off his water skiing skills. Peter led a full life surrounded by family and friends, and was at the center of many family gatherings, especially during Christmas when he'd serve his famous homemade eggnog. His love and loyalty for his family and his wife knew no bounds. As an animal lover who spoiled his dogs, he often had his Labrador retrievers close by and would say, "when I die, I want to come back as one of my dogs."
Peter loved the city and worked there for many years. As a young adult, he took over his father's Moi-Sai precast concrete/terrazzo company, Grassi American. Some of their notable buildings in San Francisco are the Hanford building, the Rockefeller center (now the Embarcadero Center) as well as the historic Royal Hawaiian hotel in Waikiki. He later led the company through a successful sale.
With a strong business acumen, Peter began a career in investment management at Davis, Skaggs and Company in 1970 where he served as Senior Vice President and Director. After many years working with his son, Peter, they opened Grassi Investment Management, LLC, an independent advisory company, serving both institutions and high net-worth individuals in 2000. For more than fifty years Peter was a trusted advisor whose hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence generated success for his clients, many of whom became friends. Today, Grassi Investment is one of the top wealth management firms in Silicon Valley and Bay Area.
Peter was a dedicated volunteer and member of the community from a young age. He was a very active member of the San Francisco Guardsmen and was also a member of the Olympic Club, Sharon Heights, and Menlo Country Club for many years. At the time of his passing, Peter was a member of the Bohemian Club, where many lifelong friendships were made, and a member of the Palo Alto Club, where he enjoyed playing dominos.
Peter is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Grassi; his brother, Robert Grassi (Susan); his children, Peter Grassi (Paula), Annie Morris, and Lynne Johnson (Trent); his grandchildren, J.J. Morris, Aliza Morris, Danielle Grassi, Kona Johnson, and Jaclyn Armstrong (Kevin). Peter is also survived by his great-granddaughter, Juniper Armstrong, who he and Carol recently welcomed to their family. Peter was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Dorthea Grassi.
Peter passed away at home of sudden heart failure on May 8, 2024.
A private memorial service and celebration of life are pending.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his memory to the Paws for Purple Hearts or Golden Gate Labrador Retriever Rescue.