South San Francisco, CA March 12, 2021 Submitted by Garden Chapel Funeral Directors
Rudy Bertolozzi, a beloved husband, father, Nonno and friend passed away on March 6, 2021 peacefully with his family by his side. Rudy was born in San Francisco, California on Valentines Day 1929 to Rudolf A. and Juliette Giubbini Bertolozzi .
Rudy leaves behind his wife Suzanne Blakiston Bertolozzi, the light of his life, married since May 1958; three children, Teri Loeffler (Kevin), Steve Bertolozzi (Valerie), Susie Bertolozzi Valencia (Rob); six grandchildren, Kellie Gianini (Jon), Tony Loeffler (Alyssa), Gino Bertolozzi (Natasha), Tyler Bertolozzi (Amanda), Shelby Bertolozzi and Joey Valencia; one great grandson, Dominic Gianini; and two great granddaughters, Sophia Gianini and Collins Bertolozzi; his former assistant and devoted friend, Sue Wong and his beloved dog Gia Mia.
Rudy graduated from Balboa High School, City College of San Francisco and the University of Southern California Pharmacy School, the first class in the United States to receive a PharmD degree (Doctor of Pharmacy). Rudy served our country in the military for two years. He spent most of his career as a pharmacist in San Francisco and 22 years as owner and manager of The Union Plaza Pharmacy. He hired and trained many pharmacy students and enjoyed seeing them become outstanding pharmacists. He was a preceptor for the University of California Pharmacy School Volunteer Faculty.
Rudy was a past President of the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club, Opus of San Mateo and the Peninsula Social Club Scholarship Foundation. Other organizations that Rudy was proud to be a part of included the Italian American Citizens Club, San Francisco Baseball Old Timers, Balboa’s Old Geezer Club, The Peninsula Italian American Social Club and the San Mateo County Columbus Day Heritage Committee.
Rudy loved following all of the local sports teams and, of course, his beloved USC Trojans. Rudy and Sue enjoyed playing Bocce Ball and had the opportunity to compete against some very good players.
Friends may visit between 3-6PM, Friday, March 12, 2021, Garden Chapel, 885 El Camino Real, So. SF where a Vigil Service will be held at 5PM. Mass of Resurrection will be on Saturday, March 13th at 1PM at St. Veronica’s Church, 434 Alida Way, So. SF. Committal Private.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the charity of your choice, the Peninsula Social Club Scholarship Foundation 100 N. B. St., San Mateo, CA 94401 or Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory 1005 Ellis St. San Francisco, CA 94109.