Walter Nassi

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Walter Nassi

1946 ~ 2022

Walter Nassi died at his home on September 20, 2022 at age 76, with his loved ones, wife Phyllis Pettit Nassi and son Enrico Nassi, by his side. Walter was born to Enrichetta and Coraggio Nassi in 1946 in the Tuscan village of Monte san Savino, Italy. At an early age he had a zest for cuisine that would be the catalyst for a culinary career extraordinaire that would last a lifetime.

His love for food took him to such prominent places as London, Porto Cervo, Gstaad, Nairobi, New York City and others. After nearly 50 years of learning the food service industry in clubs and restaurants internationally, he found a new home in Salt Lake City, where he moved in 1996 with his family to open Il Sansovino in the American Stores building. It was a few years later in “his city,” Salt Lake City, that his international distinction as a renowned restaurateur took hold. His signature restaurant, Valter’s Osteria, opening on November 13, 2012, became a magical landmark for anyone interested in personalized Tuscan cuisine and the most hospitable welcome anywhere in the world. Valter’s was a place where his grand passion for entertaining locals and travelers alike brought them back endlessly.

He loved and cherished family and lived a life devoted to his church. He will be missed by wife and partner of more than 42 years, Phyllis, and son Enrico. He is survived by niece Patrizia Nassi of San Giuliano; nephew Emiliano Nassi of Fontegoro; the Valter’s Osteria family; family and friends in Italia, New York, Connecticut, Kansas and Israel, and of course, Salt Lake City.

Walter was preceded in death by his mother, father and brother (Carlo). He was commended to God September 22, 2022 and his Rite of Committal was September 23, 2022.

The Nassi family extends our profound thanks to the Carmelite nuns of Carmel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Salt Lake City; the doctors, nurses and staff at Huntsman at Home; the Huntsman Cancer Hospital; Huntsman Cancer Institute; Drs. Christopher Dechet, Weldon Gilcrease, Benjamin Maughan, Shane Lloyd; Trisha, RN and Angi, RN; and the Greater Salt Lake community for your kindness and support in this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, a gift may be made in memory of Walter to benefit the ongoing work and mission of Huntsman Cancer Institute.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated on November 10, 2022 at 6 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City, where all are welcome to attend. Arrangements are entrusted to Starks Funeral Parlor. Share memories and offer condolences at www.starksfuneral.com