OBITUARIES OF MEMBERS OF SIR

for 2009

The following are obituaries of members of Branch Number 1 of Sons in Retirement who have passed away in 2009. The obituaries have been obtained from the Obituary Column of either the San Francisco Chronicle or the San Mateo County Times. Please click on the names for additional details.

The following is a list of those who passed away in 2009:

Alioto, Harry U.

Archbold, Bernard H.

Campbell, John H.

Gates, Richard W.

Kenny, Michael

Jensen, James

McMills, Lawrence

Nelson, Norman K.

Passinisi, Vincent

For Obituaries of SIR's Branch Number 1 members in the past years, click on the following years:

2008 Obituaries

2007 Obituaries

2006 Obituaries

2005 Obituaries

2004 Obituaries

Obituary Details of Deceased Members

Vincent August Passanisi

March 14, 2009

Passanisi, Vincent August

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Vincent August Passanisi February 3, 1914 - March 14, 2009 Vincent Passanisi was born in Augusta, Sicily, to Domenico and Carmela Passanisi. After arriving in America in 1920, his family eventually settled in San Francisco. He spent much of his childhood growing up in North Beach with his sisters Grace and Mary and his brother Joseph. He graduated from Galileo High School and attended the University of San Francisco. In 1941, he married Ada Elia Martini, with whom he spent 67 happy years. Together they had three children: Margaret, Carmel, and Dominic (wife Suzann). A master lithographer, Vincent was a dedicated advocate for laborer's rights and often held union shop positions. Toward the end of his working career, he was elected as a union local official in the Graphic Artist's Union and traveled up and down California, organizing the workers at local printing shops. After retirement, Vincent stayed active as a member of the Seniors In Retirement (SIRs) organization, enjoying golf and travel with Ada, and spending time with his two grandchildren, Sebastian Passanisi (wife Jacqueline) and Maura Passanisi. A devoted father, Vincent worked ceaselessly to provide for his family, who will be forever grateful for his dedication and noble heart. A viewing will be held at Sneider & Sullivan & O'Connell's Funeral Home, 977 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo, on Tuesday evening, March 17, 2009, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at 10:30 a.m., at Saint Bartholomew's Church, 600 Columbia Dr., San Mateo, CA 94402. Donations to the Pathways organization are encouraged in lieu of flowers.

Published in the San Francisco Chronicle on 3/17/2009

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James Jenson

March 26, 2009

Michael Kenny

April 3, 2009

Kenny, Michael P.

Michael P. Kenny Beloved husband, father and grandfather; loving brother; devoted uncle and cousin; passed away in his sleep on Fri., April 3, 2009 at his home in Belmont. Michael was born in Oakland, the son of Michael Joseph Kenny and Helen O'Keeffe Kenny on May 29, 1917. In his youth he worked at an early age to help support his family of four sisters and a brother climbing the hills of Eureka Valley making sure the newspaper was always on the top step. He graduated from Mission High School in San Francisco and subsequently worked at the Alameda Naval Air Station before joining the U.S. Navy in 1945. After the war, he met the love of his life, LaVerne Nelson, and they were married in 1947 at Mission Dolores Church. They started a family in the Sunset district and were members of St. Anne's parish. He joined the San Francisco Fire Department and spent the better part of his career with Truck One, the "Alley Cats" of Jessie Street, where he made many life-long friends and received numerous awards and citations for public service. In 1968, Mike and his family moved down the road to Belmont. He retired from the Fire Department in 1974 but remained active as a member of IHM parish, the SIRS of San Mateo, and the Knights of Columbus. He served as a district deputy, a member of the 4th Degree and a past grand knight of the Archbishop Alemany Assembly 76 of the Knights of Columbus. In spite of his active social life, Mike always had time to spend with his grandkids and loved sharing his hobbies with them. Even well into his 80s, Mike was an avid stamp collector, golfer, member of the SIRS bowling league, skilled gardener and expert fisherman. His nieces and nephews affectionately knew him as 'Uncle Pete', an easygoing guy who loved spending time at the family's shared house in Tahoe-skiing, fishing, waterskiing, or just having a highball with his sisters. Family and friends will also remember him as a true handyman and jack of all trades, unfailingly generous and always available to help with repairs. Mike is predeceased by his brother James Kenny; his sister Mary Tomlinson; and beloved daughter Elaine Simmons. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, LaVerne Kenny; son Peter Kenny (wife Victoria) of Newark, CA; son John Kenny (wife Barbara) of San Francisco; his sisters Florence Dixon, Helen Jones, and Winifred Kenny; his five grandchildren-Peter, Jennifer (husband Richard), Angela, Erica, and Andrea; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Friends and family are invited to Crippen & Flynn Carlmont Chapel, 1111 Alameda de las Pulgas in Belmont on Monday, April 13th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm (Rosary at 7:00pm). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 14th at 11:00am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Belmont. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma. www.crippenflynn.com

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Harry U. Alioto

May 28, 2009

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Harry H. Underwood Alioto

Harry H. Underwood Alioto Harry Underwood Alioto, born January 11, 1914, passed away May 28, 2009 with his daughter by his side. The son of the late John T. Underwood and Natalie Koss Underwood and stepson of the late Edith Hedenberg, he was born in San Diego, but lived in Marin and in San Francisco from the age of 5 and was a resident of Millbrae for the last 22 years. Harry worked at numerous jobs and retired after more than 20 years as a mechanical engineer for the United States Postal Service in 1984. He was a member of many fraternal organizations including: Marin Blue Lodge #191, F. & A.M.; Past President of the Marin Shrine Club; Past Worthy Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star; Past Director of the Marin Shrine Club Greeters; member of Asiya Shriners and a member of Scottish Rite. Harry was the cherished husband of the late Aileen Alioto; proud and loving father of Darlene Alioto White; beloved father-in-law of the late Austin White; loving grandfather of Allison White; treasured uncle of Felix Castagnola (Jaci) and David Castagnola (Pamela) and devoted great uncle of Nicole, Jovanna, Anthony, and Jacob Castagnola. Harry loved playing golf, playing bridge, reading, and being with his family - and he had a passion for life and for living and for giving. Harry was a good, kind, and gentle man and will be greatly missed. Memorial donations may be made to the Austin White Merit Scholarship (City College of San Francisco, 50 Phelan Ave, SF 94112); the UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center; or the California Pacific Medical Center Cardiovascular Unit. Private services and interment in respect for his wishes.

John H. Campbell

June 22, 2009

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John H. Campbell Resident of San Carlos Age: 90 years John Campbell died peacefully with his daughter Katherine Ann Campbell Del Curto of Petaluma, by his side on June 22, 2009. Survived by his grand-daughter; Kelly Nicole Del Curto, his nephews, who were more like his sons; Denny, Steve and Pat Mulvany and their wives, Lori, Maud and Silvia, their children; Dana Mulvany, Stephanie Mulvany-Martinez, Lindsey Mulvany, Shannon Mulvany, Kellie Mulvany, Melanie Mulvany, Ryan Mulvany and their children. Also, to be remembered is their brother Larry Mulvany and his family. He was a stepfather to Christy Harper, Nancy Nelson, Eric Nelson, and Ray Nelson of Arizona. John was born in Denver, Colorado but was raised primarily in Sacramento by his mother, Agnes "Birdie" Campbell Krull. His sister, Marjorie Campbell-Lipinski preceded him in death. John's passion and love was aviation. His first flying experience was in a crop duster that his Aunt Katherine paid for when he was 10. In 1941, United Airlines hired him as the first group of men trained by the company. Due to the location of the training and because they were rookies they were jokingly referred to as "The Tracy Aces". Though these men were teased by the Air Force aviators who were flying for the airlines at the time, they went on to become an elite Charter group of aviators. John flew small plane and biplanes. He was a Captain on DC 3's, DC 6's Convairs, DC 8's, and finally 747's. He also flew MAC trips overseas for United. He retired at the age of 60 after 38 years of service "without so much as a scratch" When John was 18 years old, he fell in love with and later married Velva Jean Egan of Sacramento. They moved to the SF Bay area shortly after he was hired by United Airlines. They were married 51 years until Velva's passing in 1994. He was married once again to a dear friend's widow; Dorothy Nelson until her passing in Arizona. A special acknowledgement also goes to Beverley Kenny of San Jose and Michael Del Curto of Petaluma for their support and friendship. A private Graveside Committal was held at Skylawn Memorial Park, San Mateo, CA. Memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity. PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, PETALUMA, CA 707-763-4131

Richard W. Gates

June 25, 2009

Richard Gates "Dick" ( - )

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Richard "Dick" Gates Resident of Foster City Born on January 6th, 1934 in San Mateo, CA to Stan and Doris Gates, passed away at the Menlo Park VA facility on June 25th. Dick was a long-time businessman and fixture in downtown Burlingame, where he helped his Uncle Robert and Cousin Jack Gates manage the family clothing business, 'Robert W. Gates of Burlingame'. He was the proud founder of the 'Interact Club' for the Burlingame Rotary and supported his alma mater as co-chairman of the committee to 'Save Burlingame High School' in 1978. His absence will be missed by his loving wife of 20 years, Filiz and her children Ayhan and Sibel, son and his wife John and Michelle, and daughter and her husband Sara and Robert Griffin from his first marriage to Joanne Gates. He will also be missed by his brother Peter and wife Ann, nine grandchildren - Alexa, Amanda, Ashley, Aydin, Erkan, Jason, Jenna, Josef, and Sofiya and his many fishing and hunting buddies. Dick's love of the outdoors dates back to his early teens when he fished the local lakes in Burlingame and Hillsborough, and walked down Broadway, shotgun in-hand, to hunt ducks on the Bay. His second home was the Newman Gun Club, where he hunted ducks, pheasants and doves with his brother as a teenager until February of this year. He spent his summers fishing in the California Sierras, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, and Canada; autumns hunting doves in Mexico; and every Memorial Day weekend for the past 46 years fishing with his friends on the Feather River. Private Services were held in Newman, CA.

Published in Inside Bay Area on 7/18/2009

Lawrence McMills

October 21, 2008

Lawrence (Larry) McMills, born Aug. 1, 1925, died Oct. 21, 2008.
McMills was born in South San Francisco and raised on the Peninsula with a family of six boys. He lived most of his life in San Mateo, attended San Mateo High School and San Mateo Junior College before enlisting in the Air Force. He follows his wife of 59 years, Shirlee, who died in March of this year.
He will be sadly missed by his children Randell McMills, Connie McMills Clabaugh and her husband John, his granddaughters Jenny Clabaugh, Jill Clabagh Hackler and her husband Nick, his great grandson Cole Hackler and his sister-in-law Beverly Phillips, his nephews and nieces and his other family and many friends.
Donations in his memory can be made to the Peninsula Humane Society or St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Mateo.
Larry and Shirlee are interred at St. John’s Cemetery in San Mateo. There will be a memorial mass 11 a.m. Nov. 21 at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, 300 Alameda de las Pulgas in San Mateo.

Norman K. Nelson

December 8, 2009

Norm Nelson passed away on Tuesday, December 8. Before he had surgery more than a year ago, he was the leader of the SIR fishing group. During that surgery to replace a heart valve, he developed a blood clot and never recovered from the event. There will be a memorial service on Wednesday, December 16th, at 2:00 P.M. at Sneider & Sullivan.

Norman Knute Nelson (1927 - 2009)

Norman Knute Nelson June 27, 1927-Dec. 8, 2009 Resident of San Mateo passed away peacefully on December 8th after suffering from a stroke in June of 2008. A loving and devoted husband of 55 years to Lil Nelson and dearly loved children Lyn Nelson (daughter), Barry Nelson (son) his wife Karen and granddaughter Mariah Nelson.. He was a consummate family man who enjoyed time spent watching his granddaughter's soccer games or playing golf with his kids. Norman was a native San Franciscan, moved down to the peninsula and graduated from Burlingame High School and attended College of San Mateo, and made a home in San Mateo for the past 50 years. He also served in WWII as a Merchant Marine. The majority of his career was spent with Foremost McKesson Foods as Customer Service Manager for National Accounts. He provided volunteer services for the United Way, was a member of Toastmasters, Sirs, Bay City Golf Association, and served as a community representative at City Council meetings in San Mateo. He was an avid fisherman, loved golf, dancing, card playing and valued his time with friends. Norman will be dearly missed by the many people whose lives he touched. Services will be held at 2:00 on Wednesday, December 16th at the Sneider, Sullivan and O'Connell's Mortuary at 977 South El Camino Real in San Mateo. Donations may be made to the VA Hospice Care Center at 3801 Miranda Ave 100-4A, Palo Alto, CA 94304. Neptune Society 650-592-9880

Published in Inside Bay Area from December 12 to December 15, 2009

Bernard H. Archbold

December 21, 2009

Bernard H. Archbold

Bernard H. Archbold May 21, 1926 - Dec. 21, 2009 Resident of San Mateo Born to John and Helen Archbold in San Francisco on May 21, 1926, Bernie passed away peacefully on December 21, 2009, after a long illness. He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Kay Archbold, his loving children and their spouses, Catherine Archbold (and Lin Murphy), John Archbold (and Hana), Bernard Archbold, and Jenifer Ryan (and Jim), and his grandchildren, Katy, Bernard, Megan, and George, as well as extended family and many friends. He is predeceased by his brothers John, Paul, and Milo. A native San Franciscan, he attended St. Anne's Elementary School, Lowell High School, and University of San Francisco. He served in the U.S. Navy and Army. In 1953 he married Kay Loftus at Mission Dolores. After living in San Francisco and San Bruno they settled in Burlingame to raise their family. He and Kay have lived in San Mateo for the last 20 years. Bernie was a lifelong teacher, first at Sacred Heart High School then Oakland Tech. In 1957, he joined the San Mateo Union High School District where he had a long and dedicated career at Hillsdale, Crestmoor, and Aragon High Schools and the District Office. Bernie retired in 1982 from the District as the Director of Personnel. He returned to the classroom to finish his career at Mercy High School. He was a faithful member of Our Lady of Angels Parish and later St. Bartholomew's Parish. He enjoyed his many volunteer activities with St. Vincent de Paul Society and his activities with SIRS. He was an avid Giants and 49er fan. He enjoyed travel with Kay and their family and loved theatre, music, and time spent with friends. A Memorial Mass will be held Tuesday, December 29, 2009, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Bartholomew's Catholic Church, corner of Alameda and Crystal Springs Road, San Mateo. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bernie's name may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, 50 North B Street, San Mateo, CA 94401.

Published in Inside Bay Area from December 26 to December 28, 2009