Daniele Massimo Raggi

On April 29, 1957, Rome, Italy, welcomed Daniele Raggi to its city. The fifth of as many children in his family, Daniele grew up in central Rome with the Vatican serving as the backdrop to his childhood home on a seven-acre farm.

Bel Paese is where he cultivated his love of food, football (AC Roma forever!), and started raising his first child, Christina.

Eventually, he brought his passions to the States, working in the hospitality industry for most of his life. In 1995, Daniele married his wife, Amy, after they met at Enzo’s on the Lake, where they were both employed. Their loving family grew to five when Francesca and Nicolas were born in Maitland, FL.

He went on to own and operate two restaurants in Central Florida, bringing his boisterous Italian flare to a community he loved to feed and share meals with.

In retirement, he fancied trips to the beach and lounging in the sun, just as he did back in Rome when he was often found on the coast in Fregene. Daniele didn’t allow his chef skills to become rusty, often rolling out pizza dough for friends and family until he couldn’t stand any longer. For those who experienced a raucous evening with him at the kitchen helm, it was unforgettable.

Daniele is survived by wife Amy, three children Christina, Francesca, and Nicolas, grandchild Luciano, brother Claudio and sisters Mariateresa and Bruna.

In lieu of flowers, please give a donation to St. Judes Children's Hospital in Daniele's name.