Charles LaMere

1931 - 2022

Charles LaMere
September 24, 1931 - June 22, 2022
Charles (Chuck) Edward LaMere passed away peacefully on June 22, 2022, at the age of 90. Known as The Mayor of 4th Avenue, Uncle Chuck, or Eddie to the LaMeres. A longtime San Francisco resident who loved the "Washbag," Moose's, Norma Teagarden, Christmas get-togethers at the Irish Cultural Center, a good bottle of wine, and live shows at The Plough and the Stars.
Born in Delaware, Ohio, in 1931, he was the second son of the late William and Gladys Beaty LaMere. He spent his childhood in Youngstown, Ohio and Franklin, Pennsylvania. After serving in the Air Force during the Korean War, he moved west and earned a degree from UCLA. He then spent over 30 years at Crocker Bank and Union Bank in the Trust departments.
In the mid-1960s, Chuck and his brother Bill bought their Victorian house on 4th Ave. They moved their widowed mother from Pennsylvania to live with them. They opened their home to a communal living style, housing a wide variety of people, many of whom became lifelong friends.
In 1972, Chuck met the love of his life, MaryAnn Twomey, at The Buena Vista Cafe. They married in 1979 at St. Philip's Church. Theirs was a love story for the ages. They enjoyed the music and theater scene and danced every chance they had until MaryAnn's death in 2008. Their life together revolved around good food and wine and sharing these passions with everyone they loved.
The LaMeres' hospitality was second to none. From their annual holiday parties to the Twomey Christmas dinners, Thanksgivings, birthdays, and showers, Chuck and MaryAnn loved hosting in their grand Victorian. Their home became a haven for family and friends, especially Irish relatives and traveling jazz musicians. Chuck played official tour guide and took pride in showing off destinations like Muir Woods and Yosemite.
They adored traveling the world and treasured visits to Ireland to see MaryAnn's family in County Cork and Achill Sound. Chuck, along with his late Brother-in-Law Jack Twomey, became the keeper of his Irish in-laws' family tree. After MaryAnn passed away, Chuck continued to strengthen relationships with the relatives in Ireland.
Chuck was well known in the Richmond District. An active member of Star of the Sea parish, he served as the president of the Finance committee for many years. His favorite pastimes included dining out, where Chuck was known to smuggle in his favorite wine in brown paper bags; exploring Clement Street to find cheap knick-knacks; picking up tasty sweets at Schubert's Bakery; and satisfying his thirst… for music… at The Plough and the Stars.
He was a devoted sports fan and longtime season ticketholder for the 49ers at Candlestick Park, often sitting next to Monty Stickles. He loved his World Series Champion Giants and NBA Champion Warriors!
Chuck is survived by: Sisters-in-Law Shirley LaMere (Ron), Rose Twomey; Brother-in-Law Patrick Twomey; Cousins Kim Bogart, Cathy Young, Melinda Timien; Cherished Uncle to: Pat Caselli (Matt), Joanne Van Raam (Bill), Marianne Head (Tim), Diane Stamer (Dennis), Barbie Allen, Linda Interdonato, Ellen Wadell, Dan Twomey (Debbie), Will Twomey (Debra), Terri Murphy (Steve), Kathleen Looney, Tim Looney (Valerie), Bob Twomey, Elizabeth Twomey, Michael Twomey (Joan), Kevin Twomey (Eron), Maureen Twomey; and a myriad of grand nieces and nephews.
He was blessed with countless friends including Hilda Wedel, Eileen Kinkaid, Carla and Mitsu Yoshikawa, Patti Fobair, Bill Milestone, Jimmy and Nancy Daly; and wonderful neighbors like Jake and Anthea McGoldrick. This list barely scratches the surface.
Predeceased by his Brother Bill LaMere, Mother-in-Law Nellie Twomey, Sisters–in-Law Marge Mullen (John), Eileen Looney (Brendan); Brothers-in-Law Tim (Joan), Bill (Gay), Jack (Judy), Dan Twomey; Nieces Nancie Mullen and Jennifer Twomey; Nephews John Mullen, Mark Allen, Blake Interdonato; and dear friends Gene Robinson and Leo Beaulieu.
Special thanks to Shirley LaMere for all her help the past few years in handling Chuck's hospital and medical needs; and to Eileen Kinkaid, who stayed with Chuck when he most needed help, accompanied him to medical visits, and was a dear friend till the end. They both supplied Chuck with abundant love and care as his health declined.
The family also would like to extend their appreciation to the wonderful staff and caregivers at AlmaVia, who lovingly provided great care to Chuck.
Although Chuck and MaryAnn never had children, Chuck, upon marrying, inherited 20 nieces and nephews along with their families. He gladly took in everyone as his own and was loved and cherished by all. You'll never meet someone who adored and embodied the Irish culture more, even though he didn't have a drop of Irish blood in him. He will be incredibly missed by everyone who knew him.
Family and friends may visit Thursday, July 7 starting at 3pm, with Rosary starting at 5pm at Duggan's Serra Mortuary, 500 Westlake Ave, Daly City. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 8 at 10:00am at Star of the Sea Church, 4420 Geary Blvd, San Francisco. Committal will follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 1500 Old Mission Rd, Colma.
Please consider donations to St. Anthony's, the SF-Marin Food Bank, or in Chuck's name to the charity of your choice, since he donated to every organization known to man.