Lorenzo Petroni

Surrounded by family in Sonoma, Lorenzo entered into rest on May 27, 2014 following a long battle with cancer. He was born on July 12, 1938, in Lucca, Italy in the region of Tuscany. In 1957 at the age of 19, he left his home in Lucca, taking the cruise ship Christofo Columbo from Genoa to Naples thence onto New York. Several months later, he took the train to San Francisco, arriving in the late fall of 1957 and has resided in San Francisco ever since. Lorenzo is survived by his beloved wife of forty two years, Maria Elena, sons Peter (Drinda), Marco (Katya), daughter LP (Cara), and grandchildren, Giovanni, Dimitry, and Rocco. His eldest son, Paul, passed away in 1998.

Upon arriving in San Francisco and speaking little English, Lorenzo began working in the restaurant business, progressing from busboy to waiter, with bartending and kitchen stints as well---a long apprenticeship in the finest Italian restaurants in San Francisco: Piros, New Joes, Orestes, Paoli's, Quo Vadis, and lastly Scoma's on Fisherman's Wharf. It was at Paoli's that Lorenzo learned the art of restaurant promotion from Joe Paoli, considered by some to be the best in the business. In May of 1970, Lorenzo together with chef Bruno Orsi, opened the North Beach Restaurant in San Francisco specializing in fine Tuscan cuisine. The restaurant, located in the heart of North Beach, is one of the best-known in the City---a gathering place for political leaders, lawyers, executives, artists, writers---as well as people from all walks of life from all over the world.

In the Spring of 1992, Lorenzo and his wife, Maria Elena, purchased a 37-acre property in the Mayacamas Mountains in Sonoma County and built Petroni vineyards and winery.

Today, the winery produces some of the finest wines in California, including a Brunello, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

Lorenzo will always be remembered by family and friends for his garrulousness, welcoming style, compassion, forgiveness and charity. Visitation will be held from 4:30 pm on Monday, June 2, 2014 at Saints Peter and Paul Church, 666 Filbert Street, San Francisco, followed by a vigil service at 7 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Tuesday, June 3, 2014 at Saints Peter and Paul Church. Donations in memory of Lorenzo can be made to the SPCA or Saints Peter and Paul Church.

Complete Editorial Obituary can be found at SF Gate.com

http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/S-F-restaurateur-Lorenzo-Petroni-dies-at-75-5511457.php