David Louis Peri
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of David Louis Peri on May 15, 2024.
Born Oct. 3, 1944, David was a native son and life-long resident of Santa Barbara.
After graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo he worked as an accountant, and started his own CPA firm in the early 1970s.
Over 20 years ago, along with his wife, sister and brother-in-law, he added a second local business as the operator of Arnoldi’s Cafe on Olive Street in Santa Barbara.
David and his wife of 59 years, Catherine (Kitty), were passionate about and committed to giving back to the community and residents of Santa Barbara.
He was an integral part of several organizations that worked to aid the less fortunate; keep Santa Barbara’s culture alive; protect the area’s natural beauty; and preserve the city’s rich history.
Dave and Kitty’s house was a second home for many people. In good times and hard times he was a beloved Papa, offering a place to feel welcome, a home cooked meal, or shelter for someone facing difficulties.
David loved his family, his garden, his community, helping other people, and “La Dolce Vita.” He had boundless energy to make every family event a celebration. He loved tending to the vegetables grown near the house — baskets in the kitchen filled with the garden’s bounty.
He was never happier than at a table surrounded by friends, good food, good wine, and a convivial atmosphere.
The back of the house was a veritable jungle of plants, a perfect place to enjoy some pasta, Tri-Tip and Papas’s chicken off the grill and slowly feel the heat and light of the day fade into evening.
Dave’s superpower was being a connector. He connected and stay connected with people all over the world. Exchange students in the Peri house in the 1970s and ’80s became lifelong friends, and cousins generations removed in Italy and Ireland were close family.
He was endlessly energetic in getting people together, organizing large groups on trips both near and far, especially his beloved family homelands of Italy and Ireland.
David is survived by his wife of 59 years Catherine (Becchio); children Joseph Peri, Francesca Wermlinger (Rob), Gabriel Peri (Karen), and Sara Skrinski (Bryan); and was the beloved Papa of 10 grandchildren Lucas, Samuel, Christopher, Dominic, Laila, Wyatt, Giana, Brody, Hunter and Delfina; and sister Marina (Dede) Nonn (Jim).
He was preceded in death by his father Marino, his mother Mary Margaret (Peggy), and sister Linda Williams (Alan).
Donations in David’s memory can be sent to Transition House or the California Missions Foundation.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday May 31 at the Old Mission.