Beloved San Jose Deli Owner Chris Bertucelli Dies at 47

The 'Chris Combo' sandwich at La Villa Deli was a favorite of sports stars and locals alike.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Chris Bertucelli, the beloved owner of La Villa Deli in San Jose's Willow Glen neighborhood, has died suddenly at the age of 47. Bertucelli was known for his spirited community involvement, signature 'Chris Combo' sandwich that was a hit with local sports teams, and for carrying on his family's legacy at the longstanding Italian deli.

Why it matters

Bertucelli's passing is a major loss for the tight-knit Willow Glen community, where La Villa Deli has been a beloved institution for decades. The deli was a gathering place for locals and visiting sports teams alike, with Bertucelli's warm personality and signature sandwich making it a San Jose institution.

The details

Bertucelli took over operations at La Villa Deli from his father and continued the family's legacy, becoming known for his community involvement and the deli's famous 'Chris Combo' sandwich. The sandwich, with its secret-ingredient blend of meats and cheeses, was a hit with customers and sports teams like the San Jose Sharks and San Francisco 49ers who would often order it in bulk.

  • Bertucelli died this week at the age of 47.
  • La Villa Deli has been a fixture in San Jose's Willow Glen neighborhood for decades.

The players

Chris Bertucelli

The 47-year-old owner of La Villa Deli in San Jose, known for his signature 'Chris Combo' sandwich and spirited community involvement.

Patty Bertucelli

Chris Bertucelli's mother, who oversees the cooking operations at La Villa Deli.

La Villa Deli

A longstanding Italian deli in San Jose's Willow Glen neighborhood, known for its ravioli and the famous 'Chris Combo' sandwich created by Chris Bertucelli.

San Jose Sharks

The NHL hockey team that was a frequent customer of La Villa Deli, ordering the 'Chris Combo' sandwich in bulk.

San Francisco 49ers

The NFL football team that was also a regular customer of La Villa Deli, enjoying the 'Chris Combo' sandwich.

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What they’re saying

“The news broke my heart. I watched Chris grow from a young boy helping his Dad to a man with his own family. He was an entrepreneur who always appreciated the longevity of our family's patronage.”

— Janie Koumoutsakis, Customer (Mercury News)

“La Villa has always been a part of my life, from my mother bringing me there the day it opened, to countless family dinners and celebrations, to shipping ravs and sauce 3,000 miles to our daughter. We are all at a loss for words. He will be truly missed.”

— Pam Caselli Oliverio, Customer (Mercury News)

“What a shock to this entire community. What Chris has done for Willow Glen is obvious in all of these messages. He truly was a celebrity and the star of Lincoln Avenue.”

— Mann's Jewelers staff (Mercury News)

What’s next

Details about Bertucelli's death and memorial plans have not been publicly announced by the family.

The takeaway

Chris Bertucelli's passing is a major loss for the Willow Glen community, where his family's deli had been a beloved institution for decades. His signature 'Chris Combo' sandwich and warm personality made La Villa Deli a gathering place for locals and visiting sports teams alike, cementing his status as a San Jose legend.