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Don Figone Obituary
1927 - 2014
Don Figone, a youthful 86, died May 26, 2014 at home with the sun streaming in the windows and the flags on Nob Hill flying at half-staff for Memorial Day.A San Francisco native, Don loved the sea and joined the Merchant Marines at 17. After serving in Korea, he became a fixture in Union Square as the owner of Lefty O'Doul's.
Don retired in 1998 to focus on his sterling short game at Lake Merced Golf Club where he was a member for 38 years. The only thing more important to him than breaking 90 was making everyone laugh.
Don is survived by his wife of 17 years, Rebecca Robbins Figone; his children Paul Figone, Angie Cocchi (Nick), Linda Dell'Era and Katie Wigington; his grandchildren, Tony, Francesca and Cameron Hicks, Kelly Johnston (Tony), Marni Taylor (Charly), Nick Nakamoto, Grayson Gold and Joanna Gonzales (Ben). Mourning his death too are his sister Vivian Gennai, his nieces Carole Taormina, Janet Rizzi (Leno) and Vicki Gennai (Steve Salyer), as well as his brothers-in-law Lindsey Robbins (Vicki) and Trevor Robbins (Sue), and his mother-in-law Sidney Robbins. Don will be missed by his grand nieces and nephews and most of all by his devoted four-legged companion, Puff.
A celebration of Don's life is being planned by his family. Please contact them for details. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to either St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or The Olympic Club Foundation [www.OlympicClubFoundation.org](524 Post Street, SF, CA 94102).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Don Figone
Linda Giudice
May 28, 2023
Hi Dad,
I can't believe it's been this long already.
I still and always will miss you so much.
I think about how silly you were and you're funny sense of humor.
Of course you loved your jokes more than anyone else but that's part of what we loved about you.
I miss our phone calls and you helping me through different traumas in my life.
In short...I just miss you!!
I Love You...
Linda
Sabrina Arnold
May 28, 2022
It's so hard to believe it's been this long, since I've heard your voice, seen your smile and felt the peace and love that you always shared so freely. I know you're loving all the beautiful golf courses in heaven, and I'm happy for that, but, I sure miss you my friend. You always knew just what to say to make me smile, or feel better when things were tough. Sail on, in peace, and enjoy your golf games, my friend. I will always love you.
Mike Giannini
May 31, 2021
I miss you my friend
Sabrina
May 28, 2021
Don was such a strong, loving influence in my life. I actually told him once, I don't know if I could breathe if I didn't know you were there. Well, time has shown that I can, but with each breath that I am eternally grateful to have had such an amazing man as my dear friend. I will always love and remember you Don.
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Carolyn Carter
March 19, 2018
I worked for Don in the mid 90's. He was always wise, hugely kind to all and sundry, open minded and embodied all that was special about San Francisco.
Donna Duncan
January 14, 2017
You passed on my B-Day Don & did not wave goodbye, or maybe I was just tooo busy taking wine inventory. You made me laugh & always made my day....you are loved & missed, Bon voyage Don....see you beyond the sea....or a last toast at Lefty's.....
Sabrina Arnold
July 2, 2014
God Bless you Don, you left the world a better place thanks to your love, humor and kindness. You will be missed!
Sabrina Arnold
July 2, 2014
My Dear Friend Don, You made the world a better place, every single day. You always made people smile, laugh and just feel good. You had an amazing gift of showing people they mattered. A true friend no matter where you'd been, or when you'd spoken last. I can't thank you enough for teaching me what the unconditional love of a true friend is. I was very blessed to call you my friend and I will never forget you.
Enjoy the golf games in heaven, with warm sunshine on your shoulders, a low score on your score card and a smile on your face.
Rebecca, you are an amazing, kind and generous woman, who brought so much light, love and happiness to Dons life, Thank you! I am so grateful you had each other to enjoy life together, he truly loved you, and said so often.
God Bless all the Figone family as you mourn the loss of this wonderful man who touched us all so deeply. He will truly be missed, but we are all better for having known him. He loved you all very much.
Dad and his beloved "Puff"!!!
Linda Dellera
June 26, 2014
I would like to express what wonderful and heartfelt expressions of love I saw at our dads celebration. It so warmed my heart to not only have so many of his friends attend but those who got up and spoke were so very sincere. Dad was truly loved by so many and it seemed like it was his calling in life to make people laugh, especially sometimes only himself, and that in it's self was something we all loved to laugh about! He was very often his own best audience.Keep playing golf cause I don't know what else there is to do up there! I just wanted to say this for all of your children. You will forever be in our hearts. Pauli, Angie, Linda and Katie.
Vicki, Lindsey, Patrick, Paris Robbins
June 22, 2014
Beautiful celebration of our fabulous Don! Don was smiling down on everyone and enjoying the delightful stories told. A room filled with love for both
Don and Rebecca. Loving you both!
Terry Ratto
June 19, 2014
Angie, Katie, Paul & Rebecca-
I feel blessed to have known your Husband & Dad. We all have so many great memories-
Vince Repetto
June 18, 2014
Don was one of my most favorite San Franciscans. He was always the funniest guy in the room and the classiest at the same time. A true gentleman with a great smile and warm heart. I will miss you Don. Thanks for letting me into your world for the last 35 years.
Judy Rigas
June 11, 2014
Don, for many years, was a good friend of my husband, Nick Rigas, who passed away on April 20th. They both put up a good fight against cancer. Now they are together in heaven visiting and discussing sports.
Rebecca, my deepest sympathy to you and the family. May all your happy memories bring you comfort. I know it will take time. God bless you.Judy
Nancy Foley
June 9, 2014
Dearest Rebecca,
My sincere condolences to you and the entire family.
Don McDowell
June 9, 2014
I have only fun memories for over forty years. On and off the course.On either side of the bar. A truly wonderful friend. My thoughts go out to Rebecca, Angie, Katie and the whole family.
Don & Horace, Easter at Vicki's 2010
Horace & Patty Giannini
June 9, 2014
We will always remember, and never forget our love for a great guy and boater friend, as well as family. The Giannini's
Don & Horace, Easter 2010
Horace Giannini
June 9, 2014
Oracio, Don & Angelo, Easter 2010
Horace Giannini
June 9, 2014
Lefty O'Doul's opening-4/1/58
Jeffrey Pollack
June 6, 2014
A great loss of a good friend and great neighbor. We had many laughs over the years. My profound condolences to Don's family.
Bobo Faulkner
June 6, 2014
How will we ever forget our Don? For his wit, sartorial flair, ever-positive attitude, master of cuisine, warmth and sense of fun. We never will. Much love to Rebecca and my condolences to all Don's family - Bobo
Don, your silliness, generous and kind spirit will always be with us.
Vicki, Lindsey, Patrick and Paris Robbins
June 5, 2014
Katie Wigington
June 4, 2014
Dear Dad,
Thank you for teaching me the following things:
Read Books
The sun will come out tomorrow
If you cry lying down you will get tears in your ears
No one promised me a rose garden
Read Books
You gotta laugh
The man with no shoes/man with no feet thing
I see, said the blind man
Read More Books
Don't get mad –get even
Moderation – except in the following
Forgive and forget
Be kind
Be generous
There is so much more
I love you and miss you already
Bon Voyage
Rebecca Robertson
June 4, 2014
Sending heartfelt condolences to wife Rebecca, family and loved ones.
Debbie and Arthur Romaine
June 4, 2014
Bec, were Herb Caen alive, you know he would have written a column full of stories of Don's life in San Francisco as it affected so many people. Such stories would fill a room with laughter as Don did whenever friends or family gathered. Your loss is shared by so many.
Ginnie & Leo Koulos
June 3, 2014
The world has changed & San Francisco as well, losing Don only makes it more difficult to laugh which he always made us do. He was so full of life, a kind man who personified class as it once meant. We will miss him.
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