Louis August Lituanio

April 21, 1942 - July 16, 2016

Born to first generation Italian-American parents Louis “Big Lou” Lituanio came home from the hospital to San Francisco’s Excelsior district in April of 1942. Growing up across the street from the Excelsior playground, Lou played the sport of the season underneath the lights of the playground. Lou would often be at the park after the lights were turned off, only coming home when Aunt Mary yelled “Looouie,” embarrassing Louie as he made his way to his home across the street.

Lou excelled at sports while attending Epiphany Catholic School and got the notice of the coaches at St. Ignatius Preparatory School. While at SI, Lou earned All-City honors for football and made “the shot” that won SI the city basketball championship against archrival Sacred Heart. Lou’s next stop was the San Francisco Elevator Company where he learned the trade he would practice full and part-time for the next two decades. From SF Elevator, Lou joined the San Francisco Police force. Lou loved working for SFPD but when the chance came up to work at the San Francisco Fire Department, Lou made the switch to the job he was made for. Lou was never happier than coming home after a long night fighting a “working fire” with the other firemen. Smelling of smoke and exhausted, Lou would hit the couch for one of his famous naps.

Along the way, Lou met the love of his life, Donna, and for the next 35 years “Hon and Babe” traveled together, loved together and had a good time with friends and family. Big Lou led by example. Showing up to help a friend, buying the first round, returning the rare borrowed tool or take a ribbing as well as he handed them out. An avid Giants and 49ers fan, and a Giants season ticket holder, he especially enjoyed the recent run of success of the boys in Orange and Black.

Lou wanted to pass along a heartfelt thanks to those who understood his need for privacy towards the end of the trail. Lou is survived by his wife, Donna, sons Lou and Nick, Nick’s wife Betty and his granddaughters Gina Rae, Alessandra and Daniella Lituanio.

In parting, Lou reminds us “if you’re going to drive a truck, drive a big truck – but don’t forget to use the brakes once in a while.”