San Jose, California – The American football community, especially the players and fans of the San Francisco 49ers, is mourning a profound and sudden loss with the passing of Chris Bertucelli, the beloved co-owner and living legend behind Bertucelli's La Villa Deli (also known as La Villa Gourmet) in San Jose’s Willow Glen neighborhood. Chris, only 47 years old, passed away unexpectedly at the end of February 2026, leaving an irreplaceable void in the hearts of everyone who knew him through his iconic sandwiches and genuine warmth.
The Bertucelli family shared the heartbreaking news in an official statement: “With profound sadness, we announce the sudden passing of our beloved son, father, husband, and great friend, Chris Bertucelli. Words cannot express the depth of sorrow our entire family is feeling.” La Villa Deli has temporarily closed in mourning, and the storefront has quickly been covered with flowers and heartfelt messages from the community.
For the San Francisco 49ers, Chris was far more than a local deli owner – he was a familiar source of energy and comfort for the team. For many seasons, La Villa, under Chris’s hands-on leadership, prepared and delivered his famous signature Chris Combo sandwiches – a secret recipe he created as a teenager, featuring the perfect blend of Italian cold cuts, cheeses, and special seasonings – to players and staff, especially during long road trips. Many 49ers members have spoken fondly of the sandwich, considering it an essential part of their game-day routine.
A former colleague who worked with Chris at Levi’s Stadium (the 49ers’ home field) posted a touching tribute: “Anyone who ever worked with Chris at Levi’s and the 49ers didn’t just look forward to great food – they looked forward to seeing him. His smile, kindness, and sense of humor were unmatched, and he is truly irreplaceable. Getting to know him over the past four seasons was an absolute honor.”
Although there has been no official statement yet from the 49ers’ front office or current players (as the news is still fresh and the team is in offseason), grief has spread rapidly across social media and Bay Area fan forums. Numerous 49ers fans have shared memories of “eating a Chris Combo before games” or how La Villa consistently supported the team during special occasions. One longtime supporter wrote: “The Bay Area just lost a piece of its soul. Chris didn’t just feed the players – he brought joy to thousands of fans.”
Chris Bertucelli grew up immersed in the family business, starting as a boy helping his father and eventually becoming co-owner and primary operator. He was known for his friendly, energetic style – always bustling from the counter to the kitchen, chatting and joking with customers – even during the COVID pandemic when the shop shifted to outdoor service. In addition to the 49ers, La Villa was a longtime supplier for the San Jose Sharks (NHL), but the connection with “The Niners” has always been highlighted as a special testament to Chris’s deep ties to professional sports.
Chris’s sudden departure is a tremendous loss for the Willow Glen community and the entire San Francisco Bay Area. While the family has not yet released details about funeral arrangements or the cause of death, their plea to “hold your loved ones tight tonight” has deeply resonated. Chris Bertucelli – the man with the warm smile and the “secret” sandwiches – will forever be remembered as a symbol of kindness, passion, and local pride, especially in the hearts of anyone who has ever worn the red and gold of the 49ers.
Rest in peace, Chris Bertucelli. Thank you for every delicious meal and every unforgettable moment.
