A massive wreath of white-and-blue flowers stands outside La Villa Delicatessen, just under the ravioli sign — a tribute to Chris Bertucelli, whose sudden death last week at 47 has rocked San Jose’s Willow Glen neighborhood.
He was a vibrant presence on the Lincoln Avenue business strip, at local car club shows, at community events — and at San Jose Sharks and San Francisco 49ers games, where La Villa often supplied meals for the NHL and NFL players.
To many in Bertucelli’s sphere, he was Chris Combo, or simply Combo, after his signature creation, a secret-ingredient sandwich (two meats, two cheeses, Italian oregano, warmed up on a soft roll) that went from being an off-menu selection to the South Bay’s most popular sandwich.
Chris Bertucelli shows off his Chris Combo sandwich, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, at La Villa Delicatessen in San Jose, Calif. The sandwich, made from ingredients Bertucelli refuses to disclose, is a big hit with members of the Sharks and 49er organizations. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
And that’s what many grieving and sentimental customers came to order this week when the deli quietly reopened.
“I’ve been ordering Chris’ combo from him and his family for over 20 years, so I had to go in and check in with the family and enjoy one of Chris’ sandwiches,” said Jason McClelland, eating at a patio table. “Bertucelli’s is like those delis you see on the East Coast — a heart of the neighborhood where you run into friends and neighbors, where you see people’s kids and their parents.”
The full La Villa crew had cooked to supply the hot counter and deli case with ravioli, cannelloni, sausage and peppers, stuffed shells and salads while matriarch Patty Bertucelli filled the dessert case.
Chris Bertucelli died of a heart attack on Feb. 25. Customers have set up a GoFundMe to support his wife, Jenelle, and their two young children, Matteo and Liliana.
Organizers said, “Chris was known for his generosity and kindness, and his wife and children are facing a challenging future without him. Many have asked how they can help, and this GoFundMe campaign is a way to provide that support. The funds raised will go directly to his family to assist with immediate expenses and ongoing needs.”
As of March 6, more than $157,000 had been raised, with sizeable contributions coming from Sharks players and their families.
A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, March 13, at St. Frances Cabrini Church, 15333 Woodard Road, San Jose.
“Feel free to bring a written memory of Chris to share with his family,” the Bertucellis said. “These memories will be collected and made into a book so that his children will always remember their amazing father and the impact he had on those around him.”
La Villa will be closed that day.
Besides his wife and children, Bertucelli is survived by his parents, Dave and Patty; his sister, Trisha, and his brother-in-law, Michael; nephew Jack; and nieces Ella and Olivia.