Restelli, Dino Paolo

Published in the San Francisco Chronicle from 8/13/2006 - 8/17/2006.

Dino Paolo Restelli September 23, 1924 - August 8, 2006

Beloved husband, brother, father and grandfather, passed away at his home in San Carlos the morning of Aug. 8, 2006. Dino was born in St. Louis, MO, to Angela and Paolo Restelli who immigrated from Italy.

A graduate of Galileo High School, he attended Santa Clara University and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After the war, he became a pro baseball player with the San Francisco Seals and Pittsburgh Pirates. Dino still holds the rookie record for hitting 8 home runs in his first 10 games at bat, and his photo graces the walls at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.

Up until the time of his passing, he would get requests for autographs, and would sign every one, as he so enjoyed receiving letters, cards, and phone calls from devoted fans. After his baseball career, he was a policeman for the city of San Francisco.

Dino was also an avid tennis player and swing dancer, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame for West Coast Swing Dancing. He was a member of the Major League Baseball Player's Association and the Old Timer's Baseball Association. Dino loved to tap dance and performed in many San Carlos Chickens' Ball and Kiwanis Club variety shows.

He was proud to serve on the San Carlos Parks and Recreation Commission for 14 years, the San Carlos Senior Center Advisory Board, and was a long-time honorary member of the San Carlos Kiwanis Club. Survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Jude Restelli; daughter, Lesley Nemeth Axtell, and son-in-law, Joe Axtell. Loving grandfather to Erika Nemeth Axtell and Hunter Axtell. Brother to Paul Restelli (Barbara). Reunited with his loving sister Josephine Jacklin. Uncle to Carol (Charles) Langer, Paul Restelli, Jr. (Sandy), Dina Jacklin, her son Aaron, Richard Jacklin, Hal Jacklin, and countless other family members, close friends and baseball teammates.

Dino will also be greatly missed by his two faithful 4-legged companions, dogs, Lefty O'Doul and Good Time Charlie. Family and friends are invited to attend a Rosary and Vigil, Thursday, August 17, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. at White Oaks Chapel, 1696 El Camino Real, San Carlos. All are invited to gather for a Celebration of Dino's life Friday, August 18, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church, 880 Tamarack Ave, San Carlos. Interment at Golden Gate National Cemetery will be private. Contributions in Dino's memory may be made to the American Parkinson's Disease Assn.