Chris Bertucelli’s warm welcome and gracious smile made every customer feel like a friend. His sudden death last week at 47 shocked the tight-knit Willow Glen neighborhood.
Bertucelli, co-owner of Bertucelli’s La Villa, a gourmet Italian delicatessen famed for its ravioli and lasagna, was known for lending a hand and never saying no. Jill Maggi, owner of Gal in the Glen and Sprouted Twig, said its unfathomable to imagine that one of Willow Glen’s best is gone.
“Chris was the heart of Lincoln Avenue,” Maggi told San José Spotlight. “La Villa is family to everyone in Willow Glen, so it’s just a huge loss.”
His family’s restaurant and deli have been serving the neighborhood since his parents Dave and Patty Bertucelli bought the business in 1988. So much of the eatery’s decor and even the popularity of his namesake sandwich, the Chris Combo, speaks to their son’s love of life, sports and community.
The walls of the cozy deli are lined with NHL and NFL sports memorabilia — autographed hockey sticks from the San Jose Sharks and San Francisco 49ers jerseys, including one from legendary quarterback Joe Montana.
He loved the local Little Leaguers as much as the pro teams, and the Willow Glen sports community has let it be known they won’t forget him. A large poster board covered with messages inside the front window of the deli reads: “In Loving Memory of Chris. Owner of La Villa, Proud Little League Sponsor, True Champion of Our Kids and Community. You Will Be Missed, Chris. PLAY BALL IN HEAVEN. LOVE WGL.”
On Tuesday, community members and customers expressed their condolences, exchanging hugs with heartbroken family members. A sign posted in the window thanked them for their support. The family was too distraught to speak to San José Spotlight.
A GoFundMe account created to help support Bertucelli’s wife and children has raised more than $142,000, including a $2,000 donation from the San Jose Sharks and a $12,000 donation from Sharks player Mario Ferraro, who plays defense for the team.
Another sign in the window from Curt, Bri and the Teal City Crew, a supporters club for the San Jose Sharks and San Jose Barracuda, reads: “A model businessman, friend, and father. We all lost an incredible man. We, the entire community, love you, Chris.”
Lifelong customer David Kennedy said Bertucelli was personable and always had a smile and wave for locals and was a huge supporter of the local car show.
“Standing in line, every person in front of me was giving their condolences to everyone behind the counter,” Kennedy told San José Spotlight. “My thoughts and prayers are with them.”
Willow Glen Business Association Board President Tim Mulcahy said Bertucelli was a man who left a lasting imprint on the entire Willow Glen community.
“Chris helped strengthen the fabric of Willow Glen. He was an active participant in the community, created tight-knit relationships with other businesses and was always willing to help when needed,” Mulcahy told San José Spotlight. “With his hard work, Bertucelli’s La Villa Deli has become a staple and an icon in San Jose, bringing us the famous Chris Combo sandwich and raviolis we have all come to love.”
Lisa Morris and Vicky Malvini, co-owners of neighboring women’s boutique BellaJames, said they lost a dear friend.
“We’d see him almost every day walking to work and he’d always give a big smile,” Morris told San José Spotlight. “It’s just hard to imagine Lincoln Avenue without him.”
Morris said when La Villa catered parties at her house, Bertucelli made an extra effort, which included creating meatballs to resemble golf balls for her boyfriend’s birthday party.
“He always had such a big heart,” she said. “He did so much for Little League and all the different organizations and schools.”
Malvini, who was quite emotional while talking about Bertucelli, said he was full of life and lit up a room. She said he was generous and hardworking.
“He made you feel loved and cared for always,” Malvini told San José Spotlight. “He always gave you a big hug. It breaks our heart. He’s going to be missed.”
District 6 San Jose Councilmember Michael Mulcahy, who represents Willow Glen, wrote a tribute to Bertucelli in his newsletter.
“It has been a long time since I’ve witnessed the public’s uniform sadness over the loss of one of our own,” he said. “The sudden passing of Chris Bertucelli… is heartbreaking. The outpouring of stories, photos and memories has been uplifting, inspiring and even filled with humor — a reflection of the joy Chris brought to so many. Willow Glen and San Jose has lost part of its soul.”
Contact Lorraine Gabbert at [email protected].
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