Pete Pallari

Pete Pallari died at his home in Millbrae on July 28, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. He was 74. Pete was born to Frank and Dolly Pallari on June 20, 1947, in San Francisco. He had three older brothers, Frank, Ray, and Pat, and one younger sister, Linda. He graduated from Galileo High School in 1965 and went to work for UPS. Pete also served our country through the Army Reserves. He met the love of his life, Sue Apice, in 1969, and they were married August 7, 1971. They started their life together in San Francisco and later moved to Millbrae, where they raised their three children.

In 1977, Pete purchased O Sole Mio Restaurant in San Francisco from Sue’s father, Bert Apice, and began a career that would span over 30 years of his life, until he retired in 2005. The restaurant business is a tough one, but it was a vehicle for Pete to share his many talents. Pete was a “people person,” and not only enjoyed cooking for customers, but loved building relationships with patrons and neighboring business people, who became lifelong friends. During the 1989 earthquake, Pete generously stepped up before the Red Cross arrived, acquired a generator, and cooked hot meals for close to 2000 residents who had lost their homes and were devastated by the earthquake. He stayed at his restaurant for a whole week, not coming home, to serve those in need. Some years later, Mayor Willie Brown declared March 17, 1996 “Pete Pallari Day” in San Francisco to honor Pete for his years of service to the City.

In 1996, Pete closed O Sole Mio and opened a new Italian restaurant, Pallari’s, in Millbrae, closer to his home and family. The new restaurant flourished there as well, and Pete continued to provide his customers with great food and a homey, friendly atmosphere.

Pete was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1995, the year before he started his new restaurant venture. The painful diagnosis began a battle with the disease that lasted until Pete’s death, a battle he fought with courage, determination, and grace.

Pete’s devotion to his family was the hallmark of his life. The Pallari home was always open to friends and family. A sports game was constantly on the TV, with a group of happy, boisterous friends and family sitting around the kitchen table. That’s how Sue and Pete wanted it. Pete loved the 49ers, Giants, and Warriors but his biggest love aside from his family was his beautiful and much loved, “Casa Nita,” the Pallari family home in Monte Rio. That is where he was happiest and where he loved spending his time after he retired.

Pete is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sue, his children, Lisa (Jodi), Angela (Paul), and Michael (Mickie), grandchildren, Sam and Emma, brothers, Frank (Maureen), Ray, and sister-in-law, Mary. Pete was preceded in death by his brother, Pat, sister, Linda, sister-in-law, Diana, brotherin-law, Rich Crispi, and sister-in-law, Lia Crispi.

The family is asking for donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Society (nationalmssociety.org) in lieu of flowers. A Celebration of Life for Pete will be planned at a later date.