Walter Nassi
July 2, 1946 - September 20, 2022
Walter Nassi died at his home on September 20th, 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 which 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 where he served guests from groups such as the Cypriot High Commission, Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman, United Nations, Sony Music, and many 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 in1996 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 renown 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 gave his gift of love equally to everyone, whether a celebrity or a regular. His passion for “”la vita”” was displayed vividly in his collection of diners' photographs at the restaurant's front entrance, and in the way he lived his life. Valter's Osteria received over a dozen professional awards such as Best Italian, America's Top Restaurants, and Lifetime Achievement Recognition from Salt Lake Magazine, Salt Lake Chamber, Zagat Review, and more.
Colleagues and friends from around the world will remember him as a giving, loving, and passionate soul who cherished every night in the company of diners who were entertained and thought of as family members by the master of hospitality. It was never just about money but about creating cuisine served with love and the wish to give something back. As he said in his book, “”working is not a sacrifice. It is a passion and love.”” He displayed this passion in his art, “”the art of presentation,””at Valter's nightly with intricate meal composition on every plate.
He loved and cherished family and lived a life devoted to his church. He will be missed by wife, Phyllis of more than 42 years 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 22nd, 2022 and his rite of Committal was September 23rd, 2022. Funeral Mass may be viewed by visiting his obituary page at www.starksfuneral.com. A public memorial service to celebrate his life will take place on November 10, 2022 at 6:00pm at the Cathedral of the Madeleine. Services have been entrusted to the care of Starks Funeral Parlor. 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; and as Walter always said “”Salt Lake, my city, TI VOGLIO BENE!!”” In lieu of flowers, a gift may be made in memory of Walter to benefit the ongoing work and mission of Huntsman Cancer Institute.
In Loving Memory
I just wish to be a part of the chorus: he was a force of nature and I will always recall his enthusiasm and the love that exuded from him when he crosses my mind. I am tearful, thinking of such a one being gone from among us. May his memory be eternal.
Having been in the restaurant business, and been fortunate to travel to many countries and eat in fine restaurants, in all my years, I have never come across anyone like Valter. The thing about him that, to me, defined him was his love of life and his love of people---he had a special way of making you feel important. One can go into many restaurants and never be noticed or welcomed, but Valter's effusive charm and boundless smiles always made a guest at his restaurant feel special and that he cared so much that you were there. Valter, you were a great friend, my dear one and we will never see the likes again in this city of someone with your personality and love of creating great food. In Paradisum Deducant Te Angeli
I first met the inimitable, charismatic Valter Nassi when he came to Salt Lake from New York to open his first restaurant. He was (and remained) charismatic, the ultimate host and always genuinely interested in the lives of his clients/friends. My great regret is that I didn't get to see him recently. I know Phyllis and his son were central to his life. May his memory be eternal, Sharon Loya
Everyone that ever came in contact with Walter knew he was their friend! This ability, to truly desire to please you, was from his heart. Having the opportunity to be invited to his home for a feast prepared by Walter and Phyllis and an evening of relaxation, conversation and drinks, will always be one of my most cherished remembrances! Most sincere love and condolences to Phyllis and Enrico!!
Cari Phyllis ed Enrico, Vi preghiamo di accettare le nostre sincere condoglianze per la scomparsa di Valter! Possano le benedizioni confortanti di amore, pace, e conforto del Signore sostenere la tua famiglia durante questo difficile momento di lutto. Dio vi benedica sempre! Cordiali saluti,, Clyde e Amélia Sciammarella Triptow
I knew Walter from his days in New York when he became family to us. Unfortunately, I never got to visit Walter's well known restaurant in Salt Lake City but my son Ronald did. Our most sincere condolences to Phyllis and Enrico! Joseph Nassi and Ronald Krueger
We so enjoyed being a guest at Valter's. Walter was always so very gracious and welcoming and of course, the cuisine was superb. Sister Celine, csc and Sisters
We first met Valter when he was over at Cucina Toscana in Salt Lake during our annual family ski trip to Utah. As others have said, he always greeted us like family - and every meal was memorable. Incredibly, when he opened Valter's he took it up to 11. Out on his own, he could let his passion and peronality flourish - and it was always the highlight of our trip. We will miss him but always cherish our time together. - Ferdinands Ski Group (Dewey, Mark, Paul, Jud, Chris, "Fish", Hugh, Norm, and "Elmo") Atlanta, GA.
In Loving Memory
