Steven Pizzo

It is with great sadness that the family of Steven Pizzo announces his passing at the age of 101. The Lord took him into his loving embrace in the early hours of Friday, December 3rd, 2021.

Steven was born on May 31st, 1920, in the North Beach District of San Francisco, California. He was the son of Gaetano Pizzo and Rose Materano. He lived most of his early years with his father’s sister, Antonina (Salvatore) Balestrieri and their children, Ignatius (Anne) Balestrieri, Mario (Mary) Balestrieri, Rose (Jim) Silvestri, and Steven (Frances) Balestrieri. Steve’s father’s siblings, Vincenzo (Antoinette) Pizzo, Phillippo (Vera) Pizzo, Angelina (Paul) Manzzella, Salvatore Pizzo and Rosalia Pizzo, and their children, lived across the street.

He is survived by his son, Steven Pizzo and his wife, Debbie (La Russa) Pizzo. He is also survived by his brother, George (Carol) Raine, their children, Chris Raine, Cathy (Jubal) Catlin, Margo Raine, Ruth Raine, David Raine, Paul (Maggie Newcomb) Raine, their granddaughter, Rachel (Jonathon) Darling, and their great grandchildren Jonah, Brenden and Ever, and his brother Terry (Maureen) Raine, their daughter, Heather (Eric) King, their grandchildren, Scott Raine-King and Carlee King. Steve enjoyed a very close loving relationship with his cousin Ann Marie (daughter of Rose and Jim), her husband Tom Ellerhorst, and their children, Tom (Kacie) Ellerhorst, and Theresa (Marco) Dito, along with their grandchildren, Kaylee Ellerhorst, Connor Ellerhorst, Rocco Dito and Aria Dito.

Steve attended Francisco Jr. High, and graduated from Sacred Heart High School, in San Francisco. Early on, he went to work in his father’s restaurant, “The Lighthouse”, also known as “Tom, Tom, & Joe’s on Fisherman’s Wharf” in San Francisco. He continued working there until he was drafted into the Army during WW ll. He was assigned to the Army Transportation Service and served on a ship, as cook for the troops and crew, as they shuffled up and down The Aleutian Islands, for more than 2 years. He married his sweetheart, Celeste, who anxiously awaited his returned. They enjoyed 50 happy years of marriage until illness took Celeste away. After his Army service, Steve joined The U.S. Postal Service and was a carrier for more than 30 years. He had a passion for music and was an accomplished accordionist, forming a group named “The Tri-Tones and Johnny Noel”. They played throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. In November 2020, he was interviewed by a Professor from Merritt College for her dissertation about Italians and the accordion in North Beach San Francisco. Along with Diane and Ron, his cousins, Sal Balestrieri (son of Ignatius and Anne) and Ann Marie, were present for this interview. It was an enlightening experience. He actually played the accordion for us all that day!

Steve was a very social person and was the member of several social clubs including The Elks Club, Accordion Club and The Italian Social Club. He made friends wherever he went. He also was an avid bowler and, at the age of 79, while in a bowling league, met the second love of his life, Violet Petersen. This began another loving journey with his blended family. Violet and her daughters, Diane (Ron) Wheeler and Patricia (Terry) Boyle, grandson, Kyle (Tesha) Wheeler, and great grandchildren Emery and Jolene, became his devoted family. Steve and Violet moved to Sun City, Lincoln Hills, and resided there for 22 years, where they gained many relationships with neighbors and friends. They enjoyed playing pool, bocce ball, cards and community talent shows where Steve played the accordion on several occasions. He continued on the bowling league at Strikes Bowling Alley, along with his longtime friend Connie Dvorak (Violet’s sister). After Violet’s passing, at 104 years old, Steve moved in with Violet’s daughter, Diane.

Today the world is a little dimmer but the Heaven’s shine brighter than ever as they welcome Steve into their midst. We are all forever blessed to have shared our lives with him. His love will always be a part of us, and, for that, we are eternally grateful.

A memorial service for Steven Pizzo will take place on Friday, December 17, 2021, at 1:00 pm at

St. Raymond Catholic Church

1100 Santa Cruz Avenue Menlo Park, California 94025