A massive wreath of white-and-blue flowers stands outside La Villa Delicatessen, just under the ravioli sign — a tribute to Chris Bertucelli, whose sudden death last week at 47 has rocked San Jose’s Willow Glen neighborhood. To many in Bertucelli’s sphere, he was Chris Combo, or simply Combo, after his signature creation, a secret-ingredient sandwich (two meats, two cheeses, Italian oregano, warmed up on a soft roll) that went from being an off-menu selection to the South Bay’s most popular sandwich. And that’s what many grieving and sentimental customers came to order this week when the deli quietly reopened. Chris Bertucelli died of a heart attack on Feb. 25. Besides his wife and children, Bertucelli is survived by his parents, Dave and Patty; his sister, Trisha, and his brother-in-law, Michael; nephew Jack; and nieces Ella and Olivia.

Source: Ethiopian News March 07, 2026 07:30 UTC