Nicholas J. Barbarotto

Nicholas J. Barbarotto Passed away peacefully on Feb. 14, 2006 at the age of 82, surrounded by family and friends. Nicholas was born in San Francisco, CA, on Feb. 25, 1923. He attended the University of San Francisco and was called to active duty with the Marines while enrolled in the Navy V-12 program on July 1, 1943, and assigned to the College (now University) of Pacific in Stockton, CA, as an officer candidate. He later completed boot camp at Parris Island and was assigned to the Special Officer Candidates' School at Camp Lejeune in May 1944, from where he graduated on Sept. 30, 1944 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the USMCR. He joined the 4th Marine Div. in November 1944, at Maui, where the division returned following the Saipan-Tinian Operation, and was assigned to B Co., 1st Bn., 24th Regt. He saw action as a platoon leader on Iwo Jima where he was wounded twice. He returned to the U.S. and on July 22, 1945, while on a 30 day recuperative leave, he married his hometown fiancée, the former Tamara Rusanoff, who had followed him into the Marine Corps and was a corporal stationed at Marine Headquarters in Washington, DC. In November 1945, he returned to inactive duty in the reserves and was awarded the Purple Heart with Gold Star. He enrolled in the University of San Francisco School of Law the following year and was graduated and admitted to the California State Bar in June 1949. He then entered private law practice in S.F. He was recalled to active duty in March 1951, during the Korean War and attended Naval Justice School in Newport, RI, after which he served as assistant post legal officer and trial and defense counsel on general courts-martial at Camp Pendleton. He was released to inactive duty and received honorable discharge with the rank of captain in 1952. He remained in South S.F. where he raised a wonderful family that he loved very much. Preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Tamara Rusanoff Barbarotto and son Wayne Barbarotto. Beloved father of Duane A. Barbarotto (Karen), and Vicki Caprio. Cherished grandfather of Brigette Gauthier (Brett), Jason Barbarotto, Brett Caprio, and Joshua Barbarotto (Lori). Adored great-grandfather of Jasmine Caprio, Zayne Gauthier, Gianna Barbarotto, Nicholas Caprio, Justin Gauthier, Joshua Barbarotto, and Kaylee Gauthier. Loving uncle of Jolene Kelly (Dave), Joanne Withers, and Julie Neves. Also survived by numerous great nieces and nephews whom he loved deeply. In his passing, he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Friends may visit Monday 4pm to 9pm with a Vigil Service 7pm followed by a Funeral Service Tuesday, 12noon, all at DUGGAN'S SERRA MORTUARY, 500 Westlake Ave., Daly City. Committal Olivet Memorial Park, Colma. Donations may by made in Nicholas name to the American Cancer Society or Heart Association.