FUNERAL HOME

Duggan's Serra Mortuary

500 Westlake Avenue

Daly City, California

Francis Syme Obituary

Passed away peacefully, July 12, 2014, at the age of 96.

Beloved son of the late John F. and Barbara J. Syme; loving brother of Barbara Grupico, William Syme and the late John Syme and Charles Syme; loving brother-in-law of Phyllis Syme and the late Dorothy Syme; dear uncle of Kathleen Sires, Bud Syme, Brian Grupico, John Gary Syme, Barbara Ann Cinque, Denise Cannistra, John F. Syme, Walter Syme, Carol Walsh, and numerous great nieces and nephews; dear first cousin of Betty Castagnola, Charles Syme and the late Kathryn Tripaldi, Walter Syme, Benjamin Syme and Peggy Merrill.

Graduate of Sacred Heart High School, Class of 1936. Served in the US Army from Nov. 1941 to Oct. 1945 in the Aleutian Islands, achieving the rank of Sergeant, earning the Bronze Star and Silver Star. Retired from the San Francisco Police Department after serving for 37 years from 1947-1984, where he rose to the rank of Captain; he was stationed at Potrero Station, Southern Station, Taraval Station and the Hall of Justice.

Friends may visit Monday, July 22, 2014 from 4:00 - 9:00pm and are invited to attend the Vigil Service Monday 7:00pm at DUGGAN'S SERRA MORTUARY, 500 Westlake Ave., Daly City. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday 10:00am at St. Teresa Church, 19th and Connecticut Sts., SF. Committal Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma. Donations may be made to the San Francisco Police Widows' and Orphans' Aid Assoc., P. O. Box 88034, SF, CA 94188-0034.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jul. 17 to Jul. 21, 2014.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Francis Syme

Not sure what to say?





4 Entries

Johnny, and family, I was sorry to read of your family loss. I remember stopping to talk to the Captain on his dog walks in the Potrero district, he would always end with "if you need anything just call me"

George Fogarty

July 20, 2014

A man of honor and true gentleman, who exemplified the kind of old-time American values that are, sadly, harder to find these days. Frank Syme was part of a generation of Americans — and San Franciscans — who made our country and our City what it is today. Through his work in the San Francisco Police Department, he no doubt influenced many younger officers under his leadership. Frank was a straight shooter, who never forgot his Potrero neighborhood roots, who liked a good cup of tea, and who would not hesitate to tell you how he felt. In my 20+ years of knowing him through renting space in the waterfront property where he grew up, I found that he was always extremely fair in his dealings. His word was his bond. He was humble, trust-worthy, and put the needs of others before himself. He was wise and well read and spoke with a linguistic elegance that I always appreciated. Frank didn't need a lot of attention, but he always had mine. I am honored to have known Frank Syme, and appreciate what he did for me in my life. My condolences to the Syme family. May Frank rest in peace.

John Borg

July 19, 2014

A gentleman, a leader, a man of honor. I remember Francis Syme as the citywide Night Supervising Captain. At the beginning of my shift, at the old Southeast Station, he could be found waiting for the 22 Filmore to take him to the Hall of Justice. An offer to give him a ride to The Hall was always met with a refusal "you boys have police work to do". You had to make up a story to get him in the radio-car and bring him to 850 Bryant St. He was always the best friend of the working cop. Rest in Peace Captain, my condolences to your family.

Larry Gray

July 18, 2014

I was lucky to serve under Francis Syme while I was assigned to Potrero Station from 1971 to 1981. He was my Lieetenant. He was a true gentleman who always put his troops first. I remember on one ocassion when I asked for a day off to go to a family funtion that happened to be on the weekend and we were short handed he said to me "That's fine officer if I have to I'll handle the runs myself". He was a no nonsense gentleman.
My condolences to his family. He will surely be missed.We need more supervisors like him.He was one of a kind.

Bob Faenzi

July 17, 2014

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

Make a Donation
in Francis Syme's name

Memorial Events
for Francis Syme

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Duggan's Serra Mortuary

500 Westlake Avenue, Daly City, CA 94014

How to support Francis's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Francis Syme's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more