Celso V. Brida

1951 - 2015

Celso V. Brida obituary, 1951-2015, Sacramento, CA

FUNERAL HOME

Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home

5401 Folsom Blvd

Sacramento, California

Celso Brida Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 24, 2015.

Celso V. Brida passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 22, 2015. He was born on January 30, 1951 in Cles, Italy to parents Dario and Paola Brida.
The family immigrated to Sacramento in 1959. Celso attended Christian Brothers High School and graduated from Sacramento State University with a BA in Business. The family purchased Luigi's Pizza Parlor in 1965 when Celso was 14 years old. This was the beginning of the Celso "Luigi's Pizza" Brida relationship. Celso started out at the bottom and worked his way up to become owner and manager from 1979 and served pizza until December of 2014. During his long tenure at Luigi's he made many friends. He was proud to say he served pizza to 4 generations.
Celso leaves behind his wife Sun, sister Amelia(Lia) Puccinelli, brother Sergio Frank, sister Franca Lingren (Ron), sister Ines Brida, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins in Sacramento and Italy.
A Mass will be celebrated Friday April 10th at 10:00 a.m. at All Hallows Church, 5501 14th Ave, Sacramento.
In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to Missionary of Charity (Mother Theresa's Order) 3971 39th Ave. Sacramento, 95824 or to a charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
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May 12, 2015

Janelle&Arthur Meastas

My husband and I moved to Sacramento in 2008, living near Luigi's Pizza. What a fantastic restaurant and Celso's charm and kindness brought us back again and again. His mannerism and kind spirit added light to the neighborhood! Janelle and Arthur Meastas

April 22, 2015

Lorraine Rios

I would like to say thanks, Celso, for the best pizza EVER. It's a bummer that my little boy will not be able to bask in the Luigis experience. I will tell him all about you. Celso, you are sorely missed!

April 17, 2015

Eric Gribble

My mother, brother and I lived just down the street on 12th avenue from 1970-1984. Walking down the street to pick up a large, thick crust combination was one of the few highlights of a pretty funky youth. I never even knew Celso's name but he always knew me...and always had a smile for me... I will never forget him for that alone. I am now in Arkansas and have been to MANY pizza places but have yet to find one that comes close to the pizzas I had there. Love and condolences to all who knew and will miss "Luigi". I am crying, but not for you...but because I will miss you. Rest in Peace, and in the knowledge that you made life better for soooooo many people, for so long!

April 12, 2015

Louis Lasell Jr

Condolences to the Family and to all the Pizza Lover's who had gone to Luigi's Pizza Parlor. We will all miss the great food that was serve up. After we move to Missouri, nothing could come close to Luigi's Pizza, we would visit now and than while visiting family in Sacramento. The Great Thing was Celso, never forgot us he would always call us by our names, and it might be 2-3 years before he would see us again. Rest In Peace Celso, I know you have a line waiting for you to make Pizza's in Heaven now for those who have gone before you. Keep one warm for us. Mr. and Mrs Louis Lasell Jr.

April 11, 2015

Sergio: My deepest condolences to your family in the loss of your brother. He was much too young.
Kathleen O'Leary (Sacramento, California)

April 10, 2015

Pepperoni and Sausage with Extra Sauce

My family has gone to Luigis since it opened in 56. I knew you well Celso and you are sorely missed. Pepperoni and Sausage with extra sauce.

April 9, 2015

Ken blakley

R.I.P Sir. My family and friends have enjoyed many great pies, made by you over the years. You will be missed.

Posted by Ken blakley

April 9, 2015

David Pinelli

R.I.P celso you will be greatly missed .he made great pizza for almost 50 years and i knew him all my life 49 years

April 9, 2015

Much love and respect. The Rios family.

April 9, 2015

Renise Perez

RIP Celso Brida. My family and many friends were customer's for 40+ years. Every time I would go in Celso always made sure he spoke to me. He was a very gracious and sweet man. He really made you feel welcome and seen. He always respected his customer's and was so good at customer service. We will all miss him. I hope Luigi's never ever closes and is always kept in the family. My condolences to his entire family.

April 7, 2015

That Family Man ~

Sacramento will be a little less better now that this man isn't cooking inside that corner Pizza Place called Luigi's. This family man started going to Luigis when I was 6 yrs old with My Aunts. Growing up I couldnt wait untill I got older and would be able to take MY Family to luigis. When I was 20 I used to have to wear this Uniform that I hated because none of my friends had to do it ..they didnt even have to work. I got off work one day stopped at luigis still in my uniform and Celso knew what that uniform was.. I remeber he said that was a good thing ....to do that work ...it will pay off it will one day pay off. that uniform didnt pay much and he knew it.. We began conversations from that point on. I've taken my Wife and Kids there for 20 something years. Over the time it became normal for us to always order 2 pizzas and I would get 2 rolls of quaters for my kids, being that uniform didnt pay much Celso would ALWAYS cut my bill so I got a roll of quaters for my kids! And that is a kind of man who rarely exists today. Celso was cut from a diffrent cloth. He treated EVERYBODY how you should treat everybody!!!!! Goodbye Bro

April 5, 2015

Alfred Guajardo

Yes Celso, you'll be greatly missed from the Guajardo family Joe, Bertha, Danny, Alfred, Yolanda, Eleanor, Louie and Mick, we all enjoyed your special Luigi's pizza, you will now take your talent, and secret ingredients, to heaven, to serve the lord and the many Angels, how lucky can they be ! and no doubt you'll be missed by Family , Friends, and Foe, not to mention, Luigi's, will never be the same without CELSO BRIDA, Amen

Posted by Alfred Guajardo

April 2, 2015

yvonne

To the family, What a wonderful friend he was to me. Mr. Luigi always remember me when I came in he would be business but he always took the time and make sure I was taking care of. I'm going to miss Mr. Luigi

April 2, 2015

Cedric Ellis

We moved near Luigi's two years ago and my family and friends fell in love instantly. I wish his family the best. Thank you Celso for the great memories.
Cedric Ellis-Oak Park, CA

March 30, 2015

Debra blakley

our hearts and prayers go out to his family.... celso was a good hearted person and he will be greatly missed R.I.P my friend

March 29, 2015

jim rose

My name is Jim Rose. Luigi's was the first pizza parlor I had ever gone to when I was growing up. I remember the big guy behind the counter named Sam and I actually met a future girlfriend who used to work there as a waitress. Her name was Lucy.(Miss the girl). I went to Luigi's off and on for many years where I then met Celso. He was an extremely great guy to talk to etc. I worked in law enforcement for several several years and Mr Brida never forgot who I was. Years and years later I happened to stop by and low and behold Mr Brida was still there and I was floored he remembered who I was. I was very impressed. I send my deepest condolences to ALL his family and just know he is in a better place. God speed.

March 29, 2015

Robert Murrieta

Celso was a kind hearted and caring person who enriched the Sacramento community. I knew Celso for many years as I've frequented Luigi's since I was 10 years old. Even though I moved away from Sacramento to the Pacific Northwest Celso always remembered me and always had a kind word for me during my infrequent visits home. Celso was like extended family. My nephew even worked for him. My heartfelt condolences to the Brida family on your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

March 28, 2015

Dolores mensik

Our family has gone to Luigi's for as long as I can remember. Our dad would get pizza every other Tuesday and Celso would answer the phone, know immediately and ask, the usual Mr. Sanchez? Fast forward 34 years, my nephew celebrated his 21st birthday at Luigi's and Celso served him his first beer, Budweiser, in memory of his grandfather. Celso will always be remembered fondly in our families. The Sanchez, Mensik and Perez Families

March 28, 2015

Tina Marie Chittenden Gonzalez

Hard to believe. Never seemed to be a time in which Celso wasnt around. Im truely going to miss my Godfather, my pops. My condolences tothe Brida and Chittenden families.

March 27, 2015

Sylvia B

I will miss his smiling face and warm hospitality. He was always so friendly no matter who you were. He treated people that he barely knew like he had known them for years. I've been coming to Luigi's for about 40 years since I was five years old and it won't be the same going back and not being greeted by this wonderful man. This Sacramento icon will truly be missed!

March 27, 2015

PAULA ESCALANTE

To the Brida family, we are very sorry for your loss. Our family has frequented Luigi's for many years, ever since Frank was still there. We had many birthday parties there. Celso was considered a friend of the family. We were shocked and saddened to hear that Celso had passed. He was a good and kind person. The Escalante family offers our heartfelt condolences. PEACE.

March 27, 2015

PAULA ESCALANTE

To the Brida family, we are very sorry for your loss. Our family has frequented Luigi's for many years, even when Frank was still there. We had many birthday parties there. Celso was considered a friend of the family. We were shocked and saddened to hear that Celso had passed. The ESCALANTE family offers our heartfelt condolences. PEACE.

March 26, 2015

Darren Stumpf

Sacramento has truly lost a piece of its heart. Celso was the comforting face at Luigi's since I can remember for 35 plus years coming here since I was 2. It's been great having a part of the community stay the same for so long. Things are always changing in our lives and although I knew this day would come sometime, it was still a huge shock and a sad reminder that change is inevitable and nothing lasts forever. Please take time to hug your loved ones and spend a little extra time loving everyone in your life. Luigi's and Sacramento will never be the same. Thank you for all the great memories and fine care you took of all of us Celso. You will certainly be missed.

March 26, 2015

Stephen Saucedo

Celso and Luigi's were two of the great neighborhood influences in my life growing up in the Fruitridge/Stockton area. The pizza was the best around and Celso kept it so. Anyone who ever bit into one of his Luigi Specials with the thick crust could tell that right away. Eating pizza keeps you young he would say with the warmth and conviction that made visiting Luigi's more than just a dinner-out it was a genuine event that a whole family could treasure.

The night may be dark, but the neon light still beckons and the aromas will long linger like elixir. Farewell, old friend -- you fire the oven now for the masses above.

March 26, 2015

Anamaria L

My heart felt heavy when I heard of Celso's passing.
From the start of us going to Luigi's I knew Celso was a great man. I could spot it from afar.
We noticed he wasn't around for awhile & then we heard the news, so sad to hear:(
Condolences to the family, May you find peace & love from the one above.

March 25, 2015

Michael Bince

I worked for Luigi's off an on for 15 years. Working for Celso was more like working with a friend than working for a boss. And that's how I will always remember him, as a good friend. My prayers go out to all the Brida family.
Celso will truely be missed. RIP

March 25, 2015

Janet and Courtney Lane

There is no better pizza in Sacramento, and Celso always made the experience a hundred times better. Going to miss his smiling face. Rest peacefully and lovingly, Celso. Prayers for the family.

March 25, 2015

Ricbard De Jesus

March 25, 2015

Rebecca Hollis

I have known Celso since 1960 when my parents moved two houses down from the Bridas. Here is a 2013 picture of Celso with my son Anthony Diaz and Alfonso Sanchez. We are so sad for the loss of our dear friend.
Rebecca Hernandez Hollis

Posted by Rebecca Hollis

March 25, 2015

Rebecca Hollis

Our great-grandson Elijah Hollis enjoyed Celso's pizza. Celso will be missed.

Posted by Rebecca Hollis

March 24, 2015

Ray Kemp

Celso was just one of those guys you had to know to appreciate him... Sacramento definitely lost an icon. My large "Meat Lovers" with white Sauce will never be the same... Rest easy man.

March 24, 2015

Eugene Baker

Celso made our community a better place. His warmth, dedication and friendliness made Luigi's a Sacramento landmark. I've been going to Luigi's since high school, and named my youngest daughter after a Sinatra song I first heard on the jukebox at Luigi's...Thirty-three years after I first went there - Luigis's is still my favorite place to watch the 49ers, Giants or Kings...

Rest well, dear friend. Our love and best wishes to the Brida family.

Eugene, Falesau, Eteuati, Mariah and Domani Baker

Posted by Eugene Baker

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