Don Rico Lenzi

At 85 yrs old, Dr. Don Rico Lenzi leaves a robust legacy. His 4 adult sons, Nicholas(Carina), Derek(Lucinda), Christopher(Laura) & Justin have all made him proud to be their Babbo – as well as grandchildren Anita(Brandon), Benjamin, and Madison, and nephews Matteo and Daniel Lovik. Don's legacy is that of a great cook, incredible dentist, and avid runner. Taught by his mother, Nona Theresa Lenzi, Don passed down many family recipes, like the tortelloni made by the extended local Lenzi family every December – for more than 25 years! Don’s professional life as a general dentist began with the US Navy, serving in the Philippines for two years, then practicing in Berkeley for 52 years. He created beautiful smiles for hundreds of Bay Area residents; he learned so much from his diverse patients and cared about their lives. His dental practice gave him so much pleasure and satisfaction, he kept working until he was 79. Don loved running, completing four Marathons, including Boston at age 48, and running on most Saturday’s with his many buddies in the Orinda Road Runners. Don’s motto was, "the body is meant to move!"

Together with Marty MacCurdy Lenzi, his wife of 44 years, they were able to travel to some many wonderful places like Guatemala, Ireland, Israel, Peru, and Eastern Europe. They attended CAL Football tailgate parties in the fall, travelled to Hawaii in the winter, and took 24 summer trips with family to Sunriver, Oregon where they would fish, ride bikes, play cribbage or Rummikub, and cook meals together. Don took the opportunity over the years to connect with his roots in Querciola, Italy, a tiny village in the Apennine mountains west of Bologna. Don visited Querciola many times so he and Marty established long term relationships with his cousins, part of his grandparents' Famiglia.

Together Don & Marty made a great team, navigating life together in Lafayette with their family, neighbors, friends and the community. Don was an excellent Cribbage player, taught as a small boy by his Dad Bruno Lenzi and passed on the love for the game to his whole family. He was still playing and winning right up until the last few weeks of his life. Last, but not least, one of Don’s greatest legacies was his loud, booming laugh; he shared humor often with the people in his life.

We hold a deep appreciation for: Don’s care helpers during the last few years, including Damian & Nannette; Neurologist Dr Salvatore Spina of UCSF Memory & Aging; Palliative & Hospice MD’s Sally Sample & Sonja Kassuba; the Ana & Ron Blaj family, whose support of Sweet Don has meant the world to us; every staff person at Hospice of the East Bay and the Bruns House, who are angels disguised as nurses, nursing assistants, social workers, office staff and volunteers; the Rez Walkers; the Yo Yo Sisterhood book group; son Justin Lenzi; Marty’s sister Bonnie MacCurdy & husband Randy Salzman; the Glenside Circle neighborhood; and many friends who have reached out in support of our family. To honor Don we welcome you to consider making a donation to Hospice of the East Bay & The Bruns House, Cure PSP, JNF-Halutza, the Stephen Wampler Foundation and/or Achieve Tahoe. Remember - We love you Don!

To share memories of Don Rico Lenzi or well wishes, please reach out to The Trident Society. Services will be private.