Paul Michael Grazioli

May 23, 1951 - March 11, 2023

On March 11, 2023, Paul Michael Grazioli passed away suddenly yet peacefully in his sleep. He was 71 years old. Paul was a life-long San Francisco resident and third generation Italian-American. His grandfather, Giuseppe ‘Joseph’ Grazioli, was one of the original founders of Victoria Pastry (established in 1914) and former head of the SF Baker’s Union. His father Maurice Grazioli was a long-time employee of SF’s Crocker Bank and served in the Navy during WWII while his mother Ann Grazioli served in the USO and was a regular swimmer in Aquatic Park.

Paul was a true San Franciscan, having lived his whole life here.

Born in San Francisco and raised on North Point Street, Paul attended elementary school at Notre Dame de Victoires, was a graduate of Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep, class of 1969 and held a BA from San Francisco State, class of 1976.

Paul had a passion for music. In his youth he was a regular at venues like the Fillmore West, Carousel Ballroom and Crystal Rose, where he saw 60s classics like The Grateful Dead, Big Brother & the Holding Company, Jefferson Airplane, Yardbirds, Quick Silver and other lesser-known artists. He appreciated a variety of music styles including soul and gospel, not to mention a one time musician himself as an accordionist.

Paul was a sports fan and was devoted to the major local teams including the Giants, Warriors and 49ers and was fortunate to experience their highs and lows over his lifetime.

He was passionate about studying psychology to understand his own personal struggles with mental health in the hopes of helping others. In his later years, Paul became a peer counselor, supporting countless others in their recovery at both The Westside Crisis Clinic and Hyde Street Community Services for a combined 35+ years. In his retirement, he enjoyed being in nature, caring for animals and lived a life of peace, harmony, and contentment.

Paul was a good friend to so many including Nicole Strain and the men in his cohort. Although he never had his own children, he treated his nieces Katie Bracco Comfort and Caroline Bracco as well as great nieces Ellie, Phoebe, nephew Anderson and nephew-in-law Dan Comfort as his own. In addition to his nieces and nephews, he is survived by his cousins; Joseph (Sue & Nicole), Michael (Kathy) and John (Maureen) Grazioli. He is preceded in death by his sister Joanne Grazioli Bracco, and parents Maurice and Ann Grazioli.

There will be a vigil and rosary in Paul’s honor at Duggan’s Serra Mortuary, 500 Westlake Ave, Daly City on March 24 from 6-8pm, and a funeral service on March 25th starting at 10:30am with Burial Rights following at the Italian Cemetery, Colma starting at 12pm. Donations can be made in Paul’s memory to Hyde Street Community Services via their website: https://www.hscssf.org/