Joseph Piccinini

July 28, 1923 - June 20, 2021

Joe was born on July 28, 1923, in Lammari, Lucca, Italy to Daniele and Amelia (Di Grazia). He married Iva Barsanti on November 6, 1946. Just a few weeks after their wedding, Joe departed Italy for the U. S. with the hope of paving the way for them both to have a better life. No one dreamed that it would take four years for Iva to be able to join him, and eventually, they both became naturalized American citizens. Their two sons, Daniele and Vico completed their family. Joe and Iva enjoyed a wonderful marriage lasting 47 years until Iva’s death on August 22, 1994.

Joe had a very successful professional life as a restaurateur. His most notable restaurant was Oreste’s in San Francisco which introduced Tuscan cuisine to the Bay Area when the doors opened in 1956. Oreste’s was considered one of the best fine dining establishments in San Francisco and remained in operation until 1970. From 1959 to 1961, Joe also owned and operated a San Francisco night club named New Facts. In 1972 until 1996 Joe was at the helm of Jovanelo’s Restaurant. This was an upscale establishment frequented by San Franciscans who wanted to celebrate memorable occasions with a special Italian meal. Although Joe made his mark in the restaurant world, he will be most remembered for being the loving and devoted “Nonno” to his grandchildren, Danielle, Julia, Joseph, Annalisa, Stefano, and Francesca. To all of them, Nonno Joe was larger than life, and they loved him to no end. This year, Joe was blessed with the birth of his first great-grandson, Luca.

After a long struggle with dementia, Joe died in his Alamo home on June 20, 2021.

Joe is survived by his two sons, Daniel (married to Rosanne) and Vico (married to Lisa), his adoring grandchildren, Danielle (married to Andrew Black), Julia, Joseph, Annalisa, Stefano and Francesca. His great-grandson, Luca, will come to know him through all of our stories. Joe was preceded in death by his brother, Danilo and his wife Lola as well as his brotherin-law, Edalgo Carmingnani. He will be very much missed by his brother Elio (married to Liliana), his sister, Ariana and as well as nieces and nephews

Family and friends are invited to attend the funeral mass, which will be celebrated at Church of the Epiphany located at 827 Vienna Street, San Francisco, California on June 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following charities: Shriners Hospitals for Children, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Alzheimer’s Association.