Romano Buoncristiani

Romano was born in Orentano, Italy in 1933. Later his family went to live in Livorno, Italy, where he continued his schooling and with the guide of a very well-known pastry chef, he learned his trade. In 1958 he came to San Francisco to live with relatives and enrolled to study Restaurant Management. He met Luciana, also from Italy, at Café Trieste in North Beach. They married in 1960 and had two sons, Marco and David. Shortly after, he heard that Victoria Pastry was looking for a baker and decorator and that was the beginning of a long career. He eventually co-owned Victoria Pastry Co of North Beach and later moved to Marin with his family. Along with his best friend, Renzo Lavezzo, they opened Victoria Pastry in Bon Air Shopping Center in Greenbrae, California. He loved his job and was well respected by his partners and others in his field. Romano loved his family in California and also kept in close contact with his family in Italy. For many years he and his family spent their summer vacations in Livorno to be with them. He was very proud of his Italian Heritage. He belonged to the SF Italian Athletic Club for many years and later to the Italian Athletic Club of Marin, Club Italia and The Assoc. Lucchesi Nel Mondo. He was one of the first Presidents of the Bocce Federation and was grateful for his teammates kindness when they made life easier when getting to the games became difficult.

His beloved wife Luciana, passed away in April 2022 after a long battle with cancer. Romano is survived by his sons Marco (Keri), David (Danielle) and two grandchildren, Leonardo and Dante; sister-in-law Maria Gasparini and her extended family; first cousins, Roberto, Adrian, Bruna and their families and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his brother Paulo (Dori) and his sister Enrica (Eliseo) and many nieces, nephews and friends in Italy.

His two grandsons were the apple of his eye, and they loved their Nonno very much. His Grandson Leonardo, when he was 5 years old, out of the blue patted his Nonno on the shoulder and said, “You are a good man Nonno”. We think that this best describes Romano’s character. Funeral Mass to be held at St Patrick’s Church in Larkspur on Tuesday, 9/20 at 10am. In lieu of flowers a donation in his name can be made to Continuum Hospice (www. continuumhospice.com)