Sir John Atno joined SIR in March 2009 and was member #456 until his membership was terminated in April 2016.

The following is scheduled to be published in the San Francisco Chronicle October 16, 2016:

John P. Atno
April 16, 1928 - October 4, 2016
On October 4, 2016, God called home a very kind and gentle man, John P. Atno. He was the beloved husband of Jeanne Atno, father of Michelle Atno-Hall (John Hall), grandfather to Elizabeth and Emily Hall of Redwood Shores, California. Also survived by his son John D. Atno of San Mateo, brother Bud Atno of Manasquan, New Jersey and many nieces and nephews.

John was the beloved son of Anna Cummins Atno and Dr. Winfield J. Atno, he was born to them on April 16, 1928 in East Orange, New Jersey.

John attended Our Lady Help of Christians School, and graduated June 19, 1942. On February 7, 1945 John was proud to achiever the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts. On June 20, 1946 he graduated from East Orange High School in New Jersey. On June 4, 1950 John graduated from Seton Hall University in New Jersey. Not losing any time, on July 23, 1950 John was hired by Merck & Company and was employed as a chemist in quality control. Several years later John was transferred to their plant in So. San Francisco as quality control manager. When John retired from Merck & Company he worked for a while for Marine Magnesium. After Marin Magnesium he worked for 18 years for H & R Block as a tax preparer, became an Enrolled Agent, office manager, and instructor. In 2006 he retired from H & R Block and for ten years he and Jeanne shared everything life has to offer: love, laughter, friendship and traveling the world.

For 24 years John was a member of the San Mateo Elks Lodge and served as the Exalted Ruler of the Lodge twice. For 60 years, John was a member of the American Chemical Society.

On October 22, 2016 at 10 a.m. there will be a mass for John at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Belmont, followed by an Elks service at the San Mateo Elks Lodge with a reception to follow at the Lodge.

Anyone wanting to make donations in John's name can donate to the San Mateo Elks Lodge (650) 354-4886 for the "Purple Pig" program.

Published in San Francisco Chronicle October 16, 2016

Sir Ken Beatty joined SIR Branch 90 in 2004, transferring to Branch 1 with the rest of the Carlmonteers in Fall 2013. Ken was member 313 and First Tenor in the Carlmonteers.

Arrangements are pending as of 8/25/2016. An update will be posted if/when more information is known.

Super Senior Sir Ralph Behling joined SIR Branch One in September 2000 and was member 386. Ralph had been Secretary of the Economic Research group 2002-2006 and was Chair of the Domino group.

The following obituary is from the Crosby N. Gray website:

Ralph T. Behling M.D., 98, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2016 in Burlingame, CA. He was born on June 19, 1918 in Buffalo, NY to Howard Grobe Behling and Grace Mary Black Behling, both born in Buffalo.

Ralph grew up in Buffalo, NY and West Palm Beach, FL where he attended schools in both cities. He was an only child whose parents had two family businesses: a drug store in Buffalo, New York and a summer resort owned by the town of Hamburg, NY on Lake Erie offering swimming, dancing with local bands and snacks. He grew up as a little adult who worked with customers in the drug store and resort--experiences that helped him develop the friendly personality that made him such a popular doctor. Living in both Florida and New York was tricky for his schooling. He spent most of the school year in Florida, but returned to Buffalo, NY just in time to take the rigorous Regents Exams. He was forced to develop good study habits which served him well in medical school. He also developed a life-long love of learning and was a voracious reader of medical journals and non-fiction.

Ralph attended the University of Buffalo (UB) where he received a BS in pharmacy in 1940 while he worked part-time at his father's pharmacy, Behling Drug Store on Lovejoy Street in Buffalo, NY and played tennis for the UB men's tennis team from 1936-1940. He earned an MD in dermatology in 1943.

Ralph's medical career spanned 40 years. He was the first physician in the Buffalo area to use injected penicillin to fight infection. After his residency, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Public Health Service (PHS) for four years. While serving in the PHS he was awarded a $1 million grant to help introduce the Pap smear test to medical schools and hospitals west of the Mississippi. He also started trauma clinics in hospitals in five western states.

His work for the PHS took him to San Francisco where he quickly determined he wanted to establish his private dermatology practice and did so in San Mateo in 1947. He also taught dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine and felt this helped keep his medical skills current.

Ralph was a generous benefactor of the UB School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and the School of Nursing including the creation of the Behling Simulation Center. He endowed the Rita M. and Ralph T. Behling, M.D., Chair in Dermatology at the medical school in memory of his first wife, who died in 1998.

Real estate was one of Ralph's passions. He invested individually and with partners in many projects including building single family homes, owning apartment buildings, a shopping center, a pistachio farm, and the Calistoga Spa Hot Springs.

His volunteer work included leadership roles in many organizations: San Mateo Medical Board, Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce, West Coast Federal Savings Board, San Mateo Library Board, and the Salvation Army where one of his duties included ringing that familiar bell next to the red kettles at Christmas time. He was a member of the Burlingame Methodist Church for almost 70 years where he was an active usher, member of the choir and Stephen Minister. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite, Shriners, Masons, and Sirs.

After retiring from his medical practice in 1983, Ralph re-enlisted in the California State Military Reserves where he attained the rank of full-bird colonel and served as the physician at a number of military bases in California. He also worked on disaster simulations and triage training.

Ralph loved music and was often heard whistling or singing. This passion led him to join his church choir and a barbershop quartet and attend Barbershop Harmony College in Nashville. He was also an avid tennis player and one of the first members of the Peninsula Tennis Club where he enjoyed playing tennis at least twice a week. He taught all of his children to play tennis. (He also taught them to snow and water ski, though he did not ski himself.)

Ralph was outgoing, keenly interested in learning and being productive. His tenacious work ethic and positive attitude enabled him to accomplish much, help many and serve as an aspirational role model. He often said it was challenging to raise five active children because he had been an obedient only child. He was a stern father, probably out of necessity given the chaos in the house. Praise and acceptance were not the norm.

Ralph's eye sight and ability to walk failed him later in life yet he found ways to continue his passion for learning, researching ideas, staying engaged and serving others. He enjoyed listening to books on tape and speaking on the phone to family and friends. He accepted his disabilities with dignity and without much complaint.

Ralph is survived by his second wife, Eileen King Murray Behling; his five children James Behling of Medina, TX; David Behling of Hillsborough, CA; Linda Behling Russell of Stockbridge, MA; Marshall Behling of Sebastopol, CA; Jenifer Behling, of Daly City, CA; and ten grandchildren, and six great grandchildren He was predeceased by his first wife of 55 years and the mother of his children, Rita Marie Clancy Behling.

Ralph's message to his surviving family and friends; "I know I am going to miss you." He added that if he had his life to live over again, "I would probably do the same."

A memorial Service will be at 2:00 p.m. on January 15, 2017 at the Burlingame United Methodist Church, 1443 Howard Ave, Burlingame. Should friends desire, memorial donations may be sent to the Salvation Army or to Burlingame United Methodist Church (for their Grace Notes Music School Scholarship Program).

The following shortened obituary will appear in the San Francisco Chronicle and the Mercury News on 1/8/2017:




Ralph T. Behling
Jun. 19, 1918 - Dec. 17, 2016
Resident of San Mateo

Ralph T. Behling M.D., 98, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2016 in Burlingame, CA. He was born on June 19, 1918 in Buffalo, NY to Howard Grobe Behling and Grace Black Behling. He grew up in Buffalo and Lake Worth, FL. He graduated from University of Buffalo where he played on the tennis team and received a BS in pharmacy in 1940 and an MD in dermatology in 1943.

Ralph served in the Public Health Service where he helped introduce the Pap smear test in Western USA and later established a private dermatology practice for 35 years in San Mateo. He had leadership roles in San Mateo Medical Board, Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce, and the Salvation Army. He was an usher and choir member at the Burlingame Methodist Church.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Eileen King Murray Behling; his five children: James Behling, David Behling, Linda Behling Russell, Marshall Behling, and Jenifer Behling; ten grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife in 1998, Rita Marie Clancy Behling.

Memorial Service: 2:00pm on January 15, 2017 at Burlingame United Methodist Church.

Sir Leo Cummins joined SIR Branch 1 in March 2011 and was member 247 until he became inactive February 2013. Branch 1 was notified of Leo's passing 8/2/2016.

The following was published in the San Francisco Chronicle June 19, 2016:




Leo Arthur Cummins, 83, of Burlingame, California, passed at his home after a long battle with cancer on May 22, 2016. Leo was born in the town of Branson, Colorado on January 6, 1933. He was the second son of James and Mabel Cummins. Survivors include his loving wife Pat, sons Rob and Shawn, daughter Leanne, brothers Donald and James, brother-in-law Roy, granddaughters Kylie, Makena, Samantha and Maddie, many loving nieces, nephews and extended family. Leo was preceded in death by his parents, sisters-in-law Dorothy and Sandy. Leo was a loving and kind husband, father, grandfather and friend to all. He served our country as a Marine and spent 60 years as an Operating Engineer. He enjoyed traveling, gardening, tinkering around the house and entertaining company. He was a happy man and was always ready to help others. A special thank you to Mission Hospice for their loving care and support. Also, thank you to all his family and friends who visited regularly. A private service was held earlier this month. Memorial donations may be made in Leo's name to Mission Hospice and Home Care, 1670 S. Amphlett Blvd. #300, San Mateo, CA 94402 or the , 25 San Fernando Way, Daly City, CA 94015.

Published in The San Francisco Chronicle on June 19, 2016

Sir John Damonte joined SIR Branch 1 in May 1996 and was member 280 until he became inactive April 2013. In addition to Little Sir in 2000 and Big Sir in 2001, John had been Secretary of the Speakers Committee May 1997 - 2004, Secretary of the Trip and Tours Group July 1997 - 2001, Assistant Chair of the Fishing Group in 1998 and 2001 - 2002, Chair of the Bulletin Committee 1999 - 2001, Chair of the Computer Group 2001 - 2006, Assistant Chair of the Holiday Lunch Committee 2001, Assistant Chair of the Stock Study Group 2001 - 2004, Secretary and Photographer of the Registrar Committee 2002 - August 2004, Assistant Chair of the Golf Group 2004 - 2006, and Secretary of the Nominating Committee 2005 - 2006.

The following was published in the San Francisco Chronicle May 25 - 29, 2016:

John Damonte

John Damonte was the loving husband of Cleone Damonte and father of Andrew, deceased in 2007.

John leaves his brother Henry "Ed", sister-in-law Bobbi Damonte, plus three Freeman sisters-in-law, three brothers-in-law, several nieces and nephews, and cousins in Italy.

Born and raised in San Francisco, John attended Balboa High School. He earned a BS and MS degree in Electrical Engineering from UC Berkeley and a Professional Engineers License from the State of California.

He worked for the Dalmo Victor Co. for 16 years as a Research Engineer, Assistant Director of Research and Manager of Microwave Engineering.

After 26 years he retired from Lockheed Space Systems Division as Manager of Antenna and Microwave Engineering.

As a volunteer for the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) he served on various boards and committees. He was elected to the grade of Fellow.

Longtime a member of the San Mateo Elks Lodge No. 1112 he served as the Exalted Ruler, Bay Area District Leader and on CHEA Board of Trustees.

John became a Big Sir of Branch #1 and also served as Bulletin Editor and on several committees. He was also a member of the Peninsula Italian American Social Club.

John was a wonderful person and friend and will be truly missed.

Please join us for a Visitation Service at 5:30 PM on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (1040 Alameda De Las Pulgas, Belmont, CA 94002) and a 6:00 PM Vigil Service to follow.

There will be a Burial Service on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Skylawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park (100 Lifemark Rd, San Mateo, CA 94062 – Hwy 92 at Skyline Blvd). Reception to immediately follow.

Published in The San Francisco Chronicle on May 25 - 29, 2016

The same obituary was also published in the Marcury News May 25, 2016 with this photo:

Sir Al Edel joined SIR Branch 1 in March 1999 and was member 433. Al had been a member of the Golf Group.

The following was published in the San Francisco Chronicle July 6, 2016:

Alfred Carl Edel




Alfred Carl Edel, Al, passed away on July 4, 2016. He was 91 years old, born on August 25, 1924 in San Francisco, CA. When he passed, he was surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and friends at his home in Castro Valley, CA.

Al served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and loved to tell stories of those days. When he married Ruth Cecelia Boyle on July 21, 1951 he was an auto mechanic. Ruth preceded him in death on March 9, 2015. Early in their marriage, Al and Ruth became Tupperware dealers and quickly rose to become Tupperware Distributors. Their first Distributorship opportunity was located in Philadelphia, PA and they moved the family there in 1959. After seven years in PA an opportunity came up for a Distributorship in San Bruno, CA and the family moved back home to California in 1967. They continued raising their children in Belmont, CA and were surrogate parents to many kids their children brought home with them. After Al and Ruth retired from Tupperware, they bought the Casino Royale in San Bruno, Ca in 1985. Al and Ruth always worked, played and traveled the world together.

Al and Ruth raised a big family and are survived by their children Tara, Judy, Lorraine, Valerie, John, Margaret and Sandy. Al is also survived by his two grandchildren, Sarah and Elizabeth.

Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass Thursday, July 7, 2016 at 11:00 am at Transfiguration Church, 4000 E Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley. A vigil service will be held Wednesday, July 6, 2016 @ 7:30 pm at Jess C. Spencer Mortuary, 21228 Redwood Road, Castro Valley.

Published in The San Francisco Chronicle July 6, 2016

Sir Karl Erwig joined SIR Branch 90 in April 2011 and transferred to Branch One in February 2014 becoming member 323. Karl had been active in Branch 90's Golf group.

Sir Luke Lucchetti joined SIR Branch 1 in July 1998 and was member 304 until he bacame inactive July 2005. Luke had been Secretary of the Economic Research Group July 1998 - October 1999, Secretary of the Computer Group August 1998 - November 2003, and Chair of Flyer Preparation in 2000. Branch One learned of Luke's passing 4/28/2016.

The following was published in the San Francisco Chronicle October 19, 2014:

Francis Lelio Lucchetti, D.D.S.

Born: September 25, 1918 St. Francis Hospital, San Francisco, California. A third generation San Franciscan. Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at Mills Penninsula hospital, Burlingame on September 1, 2014, three weeks before his 96th birthday.

Survived by his wife of 39 years, Juanita L. Capaul Lucchetti and his daughters; Mary Alice, Lauretta, Leona, Catherine and Lelia; his sons-in-law James and Dave; his daughter-in-law Barbara; his grand-children Claudia, Craig, Jacob, Louis, Evan and Alena; his great-grandchildren Jake and Lauren; his sister Alberta, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, send contributions to On Lok of San Francisco.

Published in The San Francisco Chronicle on October 19, 2014

Sir Jack Prost joined SIR Branch One in January 2013 becoming member 277. Per his wishes, no funeral or memorial services are scheduled.

Sir Len Stabb joined SIR Branch 1 in September 1982 and was member 348. Len had been Bowling Asst. Chair 1997-2000, Historian 1997-2002, Secretary Ladies' Day Luncheon 2002, Chair Holiday Luncheon 2003, and longtime member and leader of the SIR-Enaders band.

The following was published in the Mercury News August 2, 2016:

Leonard C. Stabb
Belmont
94 year old Leonard C. Stabb died in his Belmont home on Tuesday, July 26th. He had been enduring congestive heart failure and debilitating stenosis at the time.

Leonard is the father of Leonard J. Stabb of Belmont, Suzanne Heckman of Half Moon Bay, Jayme Cabral of Grass Valley, and the late Lea Wise. He had been married to the late Marcella M. Stabb for 64 years, has seven grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. One of six siblings, Leonard is survived by his 99 year old sister, Irene Fee, of Indiana.

A Belmont resident for 53 years, Leonard was a member of San Mateo Elks Lodge 1112, SIRS, and Immaculate Heart of Mary parish. He had retired from Lucent Technologies, formerly Western Electric, as an electrical engineer.

Leonard was known, by many, as a talented piano player and entertainer. Until recent years, he was a bowler in the local Elks and SIRS leagues, and played golf weekly.

A Memorial Mass is scheduled for 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, August 10th at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Belmont.

Published in The Mercury News August 2, 2016

Sir Bill Weinberg joined SIR in September 2011 and was member #283 until his membership was terminated in April 2016. Branch One learned of Dr. Bill’s passing 9/21/2016. A service has already been held.