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Frank Firpo Obituary
Resident of San Bruno
Frank Bert Firpo, Jr., 73, of San Bruno, died peacefully on Friday surrounded by his family. He was born to the late Frank and Marie Firpo on December 9th, 1940 in San Francisco. He attended St. Cecilia School ('55), St Ignatius College Preparatory ('59) and Santa Clara University ('63). While at Santa Clara, he met the love of his life, Sharon Marie (McHugh) Firpo, and they married on December 26, 1964.
Frank was a teacher at Burlingame High School for 39 years. In addition to teaching, he coached the school's boys and girls basketball, girls volleyball and girls softball teams. He was a devoted Giants and Santa Clara basketball fan, and used his season tickets to attend every game possible. In retirement he developed a love of cooking, world travel, gardening and cheering on his grandsons in their own sports. Throughout it all, he also served at St. Robert's as lector and Eucharistic minister.
Frank is survived by his wife Sharon, brother George (Patricia - deceased), son Tony and his wife Chrissy and children Jason, Ryan and Connor, daughter Julie and her husband Karl Bohn and children Brendan and Kevin, son TJ and his husband Ben Bowler, and daughter Janet and her husband Dave Baird and children JT and Tommy.
Family and friends may visit after 5:00 PM, Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at St. Robert's Church, 1380 Crystal Springs Ave. in San Bruno where the Vigil service will begin at 7:00 PM. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, January 16, 2014 10:30 AM also at St. Robert's Church. Private committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the San Francisco Giants Junior Giants Foundation(http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/sf/community/gcf/juniorgiants.jsp, Giants Community Fund, AT&T Park, 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94107, 1-877-JR-GIANT).
Chapel of the Highlands, Millbrae
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Memories and Condolences
for Frank Firpo
February 13, 2014
Oh my gosh Sharon, I am so very sorry that you have lost your "Firp." I can't imagine. I wish you well and please know many people are thinking of you. I heard through Michelle. God bless you and the family my dear.
Paula McGivern Person
Phil Caulfield
January 29, 2014
I have great memories of Coach Firpo. He made me feel like part of the BHS basketball family starting with his summer school basketball class I attended after eighth grade, to the last basketball game as a Senior. He was always there for me - whether it was for a ride to a game or talking about which college to attend. He was a great influence on me!
Evamor Tara Palacio
January 19, 2014
To the Firpo Family,
My deepest condolences to the family during this time. I remember seeing Mr. Firpo around BHS and was always smiling! I know that Mrs. Firpo loved him so much from the stories she told at SR.
January 18, 2014
I played basketball for Mr. Firpo at Mills in the late 60's and was a student in his U.S. History class. Although it was thirty or so years after the fact, I'm glad I wrote him a letter telling him how he inspired me to pursue a career in education. It is a measure of the man that when my mother passed away a few years ago, there was Mr. Firpo totally out of the blue at her memorial service. My prayers are with the Firpo family.
Dave Richardson
Rick Lundgren
January 18, 2014
Mrs. Firpo and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I attended Burlingame High School from 1973-1977. I was blessed to have known Mr. Firpo as my World Geography teacher and as my Varsity Basketball Coach. He always had a positive, enthusiastic and happy outlook on life, never allowing any negatives from the previous day to carry forward. He was an excellent teacher in the classroom and could teach by example on the court. I remember one practice during Christmas break when only 9 players showed up because of the flu. When coach Firpo decided to play in our scrimmage, myself and my teammates exchanged doubtful glances all thinking the same thing, "He can't play." A short time later I was driving to the basket attempting to "posterize" my coach. With a few quick steps, in a Steve Nash-like way,
Coach Firpo positioned himself in perfect position to draw an offensive foul. I awkwardly crashed into him sending him sprawling. At first I was worried that I may have hurt him. But he popped right back up...that big smile on his face... no harm done... lesson learned!
Rest In Peace, Coach
Thank you for always giving your students and your athletes 100%
January 17, 2014
Janet and Dave,
I'm so sorry about your loss. Hate to see a great coach and teacher leave us at such a young age. Sounds like he influenced MANY lives and will always be remembered by his students and friends
Jeff Hartwick
January 17, 2014
Sharon and Family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Frank was a great person. Take care, Jeff, Velvet, Hunter, and Payton Hartwick
Myrna Fernandez
January 16, 2014
All my prayers are with his family at this time.
Rest in peace Mr. Firpo
Katrina Boldt
January 15, 2014
Sending my love and condolences to Sharon and the family. Rest in peace, Frank.
Bob Thompson
January 15, 2014
Coach had such great passion as a coach and for our young lives. I am so thankful to have known him in my high school years. His spirit for life will be with all who we're fortunate enough to call him coach.
Sam Florio
January 15, 2014
Mr. Firpo was a great teacher and coach. I really enjoyed playing basketball for him. He was just a darn good man who had a darn good effect on me and many others. Sending my prayers to the Firpo family.
Walt Saito
January 15, 2014
Dear Sharon and family,
It was a pleasure knowing and working with Frank at B.H.S. I not only have fond memories of Frank but also of Tony and Julie. Great kids and I am glad I shared those sentiments with Frank. May you God comfort and encourage you during this time of loss.
Sincerely,
Walt Saito
Mark Molumphy
January 15, 2014
Mrs. Firpo and family,
My thoughts are with you and your family. Like so many others, Coach Firpo (I still can't call him Frank) touched my family in many ways. He taught and coached my brother and I, and his pure passion was contagious. I also had the fortune of playing at BHS with Tony, and can now appreciate the pride and joy he must have had coaching his son. He was someone who, years later, would remember you by your first name. A great man who will be missed.
Debra Mao
January 15, 2014
It has been 17 years since I sat in Mr. Firpo's freshman honors history class and to this day think of his lessons -- about apartheid, the Indian caste system, China's Cultural Revolution -- all the time. What a shock to learn that this man, who inspired a love for "Modern World History" is gone. I am so grateful to have received his gifts as his student.
TerryStubo Kemmitt
January 15, 2014
The Firpo family was always so special and always seemed so joyous. I thank Frank for all his kindnesses and interest in my children, Shannon and Jason Stubo. Frank was such a very fine man and friend.
January 15, 2014
January 14, 2014
I played basketball for Mr. Firpo at Mills High in 1971. We were 6-18 and he never gave up on us. My teammates voted me the most inspirational and most improved player on that team. It is an award that I am most proud of. I would like to share it with Mr. Firpo. Without his inspiration, constant motivation, and wisdom I would not have been voted these honors. Mr Firpo you were one of the good ones. I'm honored you were part of my life.
Joe Mc Clain
Bryan Ackley
January 14, 2014
Dear Sharon and Family, I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Frank. As you know I spent many spring afternoons coaching BHS softball with Frank. He had the greatest smile and quickest wit of anyone I know and I am proud to call him my friend.
Eileen, Gail. &Rene
January 14, 2014
Sharon please know we were all very sorry to hear of your loss. Your neighbor walking girlfriends all send there sincere condolences to u and your family.
Addie Martin (Bonilla)
January 14, 2014
Mr Firpo was one of the first coaches @ BHS who welcomed me when I joined the Panther family in 1996. I enjoyed talking about the Giants and our shared passion for all the student athletes & all the sports teams. I cherish the memory of winning CCS in softball and he included me in the celebration. Thank you for your friendship Mr Firpo, I will miss you.
Dan Lundgren
January 14, 2014
I was fortunate to play basketball for Coach Firpo at BHS. Always enthusiastic and positive. One of the images I always have in my mind is him cleaning the floor in the gym for us all by himself if I arrived at practice a little early on Saturday morning.
Marty Mulcahy
January 14, 2014
Sharon, our sincere condolences to you and your family in the loss of Firp. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Marty & Kay Mulcahy
Pierre Le Compte
January 14, 2014
Dear Sharon and Family,
I am sorry for your loss. I am happy that both of you were positive influences on my daughters and their classes, first at St. Robert's and then BHS. Frank was an inspiration to so many, in the classroom and in the gym and ball field. Pierre Le Compte father of Shannon, Kacie and Colleen.
Kris,Michael,Sean,Ryan,and Sara Peterson
January 14, 2014
Dear Sharon and Family, Our prayers and thoughts are with you. He was a very special man, who touched many lives.
January 14, 2014
Dear Sharon and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Frank was a gentleman on the softball field and off. I enjoyed coaching against him. He instilled good sportsmanship and fair play in his players.
Naomi Patridge
HMB High School
Mickey Walker
January 14, 2014
My dear Sharon,
I have always been so very grateful to share with you and Firp as grandparents to our precious Jason, Ryan and Connor. Firp was a loving grandfather and you a loving grandmother. He will be missed. Love and prayers, Mickey
January 14, 2014
Our condolences to the Firpo family. We've lost a good friend, great teacher, and compassionate man. Our hearts are with you, and he's always in our prayers.
Love,
Danny, Cheryl, Michael, Sherlyn, and Justin Sebastian
Laura Tschirgi
January 14, 2014
I was one of Mr. Firpo's students in class and on the softball field. I remember him fondly as he was full of energy, always smiling and seemed to truly enjoy working with high school kids.
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss.
Allan and Chris Stanbridge
January 14, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Frank was one of the finest and most genuine people I have ever known. He was a dedicated teacher and coach who touched countless lives. Our daughters Tracy and Erin were truly fortunate to have him in the classroom and the athletic field. I will always remember and cherish the years I spent coaching girls' basketball and softball with Frank. I will miss seeing and visiting him at future Giants games. He was a loyal fan. The world is a better place because of Frank.
Allan and Chris Stanbridge
Kerry Hansell
January 14, 2014
Dear Sharon and Family-
So sorry for your loss- he was an amazing man who truly made a difference in this world. I hope you find comfort in the fact that he touched so many lives in a positive way.
January 14, 2014
Dear Sharon & family,
So sorry to receive the news of Firp's
passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Sharon & Ed Millan
Sara Tokarchuk
January 14, 2014
Mr. Firpo was my freshman year honors history teacher at BHS. I had his class during first period, and I can tell you I never needed a cup of coffee! Mr. Firpo was so engaging and fun. Students never knew what they were going to walk into every morning. Good teachers are plenty, but great ones are rare. Mr. Firpo was definitely the latter. My deepest sympathy to his family. He was a wonderful teacher, a kind hearted man, and a genuine pleasure to have known. Thank you, Mr. Firpo!
January 14, 2014
I am sorry for your loss,
Art Gates II
January 13, 2014
Dear Sharon & Family:
Please accept our deepest sympathies at this difficult time. Our thoughts & prayers are with you. You had a wonderfull husband.
God Bless.
Bob & Pam brown
January 13, 2014
Sad news. My prayers are for Frank and family. Frank was a classmate and friend. God keep him!
January 13, 2014
We will miss you Grandpa.
Love, Jason, Ryan and Connor
January 13, 2014
Firp - a gift to have the blessing to have known him. The "Patriarch" of a beautiful and wonderful family. We shared the
joy of three priceless grandsons, albeit from the opposite "Coast." God bless him - Love, Ken & Jany Walker
Frank Hunt
January 13, 2014
To the Firpo's, Sorry for your loss. Frank was a good teacher, coach and most of all human being. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with him at BHS. We would always have a lot of fun pulling each others leg regarding S.I., Santa Clara and my schools Riordan and USF. I have missed seeing him the last several years a various BHS sporting events. I am so lucky to have had him touch my life!
Frank Hunt
January 13, 2014
To Firpo Family -
Frank was a teacher and coach of mine in the late 70's. I'll never forget how he supported and encouraged me in my efforts to become better, both academically and as a hoops player.
He was a good man, and I think of him much as I've travelled through life since.
All the best,
Dennis Mulqueeney - '80
January 13, 2014
Sharon, We are so sorry to hear about Frank. Our prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time. Ray & Janet Biagini
Mike Ryan
January 13, 2014
Dewar Sharon,
I am extremely saddened to hear of the loss of you husband! Over the years I've enjoyed seeing you two at the BCHS class reunions. Frank was so friendly and engaging that you just liked being around him. A great loss for you, your family, and all who knew Frank.
You will be in my prayers.
Mike Ryan
Dave & Patty Cunningham
January 13, 2014
Sharon,
We are sorry to hear about the death of Frank.. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.. God bless all of you and may he rest in peace..
Danette & The Hartwick's
January 13, 2014
Dear Sharon and Firpo Clan,
Words escape me to express the loss you are feeling at this time. Our deep faith is such a rock in times like this and I know it will once again move you to the other side of grief.
Firp was such a delight. His smile melted your heart. His love for his family was the map on his face.
Please know we are with you at this time with lots of hugs and prayers.
We Love You.
Ann Holmes
January 13, 2014
Dear Sharon,
How lucky I feel to have seen Frank at the Social Science Department gathering in July. Frank won't be alone in heaven; many other department teachers will be waiting for him to join the team: Bud Harrison, Bob Booker, Marv Jensen, Dave Studebaker and Fred Holmes.
So sorry I will be unable to attend the funeral to deliver my condolences personally.
January 13, 2014
Sharon and Family!!! I am sooo sorry to hear about Frank! It was a great cousin! :) Miss you all!
Thoughts and prayers
Love Kristie Pacheco
January 13, 2014
Frank was the epitome of a great man. When you think about ALL of the young lives he positively influenced in his over 40 years of teaching and coaching it translates to the fullest life a human can live. He'll be sorely missed by all.
Doc Scheppler
Condolences to his wonderful family
January 13, 2014
My prayers for you all and for Frank, a great person. He will be missed. I attended SI with Frank.
John Mundy
January 13, 2014
To the Firpo family
I attended SI with Frank. He was a wonderful person. Prayers for you all and the soul of Frank. God Bless.
Joan Monaghan
January 13, 2014
RIP Frank Firpo...the epitome of a good guy. So lucky to have known you!!!
Dan Durkin
January 13, 2014
Dear Sharon,
We are so sorry to hear of our loss. Hopefully, you may find peace and comfort in all of your great memories and in your faith that there is an even better life in the hereafter. May God bless you and your family.
Dan & Marilyn Durkin
Dave Kohn
January 13, 2014
I played basketball for Frank at BHS in the late 70s. Frank had a lasting influence on me and many others. He had the characteristics that matter for a teacher and coach: passion, commitment and desire to help kids. His passing is sad, but his legacy is a happy one. Somewhere, Frank will always be teaching kids the Karaoke drill.
Deepest condolences to his family.
Patti Doyle, snjm
January 13, 2014
Dear Sharon and Family,
On behalf of the Sisters of the Holy Names and especially Sr . Michaeline and me, may I express out deepest sympathy to you and your family on the passing of Frank. Both of us remember Frank as lively and FUN!
Count on our prayers for you during this very difficult time. May God bless and support you through the love of family and friends.
With our love and prayers,
Sisters Michaeline and Patti Doyle
January 13, 2014
Dear Sharon and Family
So sorry to hear of Firp's passing. What a wonderful man!Many wonderful memories of ST. Roberts and San Bruno Rec. You re all in my prayers.
Chuck Seymour
Rocklin Ca
January 13, 2014
Dearest Sharon and family.....our condolences on Frank's departure. A good friend from our days at Santa Clara, made firmer by your and Frank's coming together. Frank was one oh the "greats"! Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family....Ed and Helen Dolan
January 13, 2014
Frank was a class act. I enjoyed working with him for many years. I am sorry to hear of his passing. My sincere condolences to his family and all who loved him.
Rick Rodgers
January 13, 2014
On behalf of all the Rodgers family, I want to offer our condolences at the loss of your husband/dad/granddad. I thought the world of your Frank who coached Joanie and Julie in volleyball and softball and taught at least two of them at BHS. To me, Frank exemplified a " life well led." He impacted and nurtured thousands over the years and personified the teacher/coach ideal. What a great guy!I am sorry you lost him at such a relatively young age, but hopefully you'll remember a vital, active, caring man for the rest of your life.
Cheryl Piry
January 13, 2014
Dear Firpo Family-
I was so sorry to learn the new of Mr. Firpo passing. He was such a memorable part of my high school years in Burlingame. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Cheryl (Young) Piry
January 13, 2014
Our deepest condolence to Sharon and the entire Firpo family.
Frank will always be remembered as an uncomplaining man who shouldered others problems with an impassive dignity. He was tolerant, modest, and always had an abundance of buoyant good humor that everyone who encountered him delighted in. Frank's unassuming humility and loyalty to his Catholic faith and friends was an inspiration to all of us. When I was young I used to admire clever people but the older I get I admire kind people. None kinder than Frank Firpo !
May the road rise uo to meet you.
May the wind be ever at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of his hands.
God Bless,
Eileen and Martin Rooney
Fred Cesano
January 13, 2014
Mrs Firpo and Family,
Frank hired me at BHS for the boys soccer position. While I was there, he was always kind and generous to me. Very supportive of the students playing after school sports of all types. It was a pleasure to just spend a few minutes asking advise or just chit chatting about anything. I picked up invaluable advise over those years either talking to Frank or observing him coaching basketball and softball. I will always consider him a friend and I'm so sorry for your loss.
January 13, 2014
Dear Sharon,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this period. It was always so great to see the two of you at our reunions and something I will remember forever.
Butch Dolan
Julie, David, James, Christine Young
January 13, 2014
Rest in peace Mr. Firpo!! Thank you for your many years of educational service.
Emily LoSavio Jonas
January 12, 2014
I'm just one of the many students who had the joy of being in Mr Firpo's class. He brought curriculum to life and showed me what teaching should truly be. I will always remember him with a wide smile on his face! My thoughts are with his family.
Eveline Coffman
January 12, 2014
My deep condolences to Sharon and family for the passing of your beloved Frank. I'm your neighbor at 134 Lake Dr, and I lost my husband Al Coffman a little over one yr. You are in my prayers.
Eveline
Mary Ann Canty
January 12, 2014
Dear Sharon,
Liz Olsen wrote & told me of your husband's recent death. Please know that you & your family are & will be in our best prayers. I'm sure you told Mary & Bill Burns, who love you so much. A friend told me this saying recently which might be comforting:
"What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Master calls a butterfly." ~~Author Unknown~~
With loving prayers, and sympathy,
Mary Ann (Shugrue) & Marc Canty, Butte
Eveline Coffman
January 12, 2014
My deep condolences to Sharon and family for the passing of your beloved Frank. I'm your neighbor at 134 Lake Drive. I lost my husband Al Coffman on November 1, 2012, and still feel the pain until now.
Eveline Coffman
Michelle Walsh
January 12, 2014
Dear Sharon and Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Frank's passing. I am keeping you all in my thoughts and my prayers during this very sad time. I will always remember what a great influence his positive attitude, great advice, and everlasting smile had on my life growing up. He will be missed. With love,
Michelle (Porrazzo) Walsh
January 12, 2014
Frank was a colleague who made every question asked by a student, the most valuable questions a student could ask. He validated people and in the years I worked with Frank at BHS, I felt his unconditional kindness for students, their parents, the entire BHS faculty and really any person he came in contact with.
There are those who affect our daily actions and Frank Firpo was one of those special people. I and the Buckley men are honored to have known you.
With the utmost respect to Frank and our deepest prayers to the entire Firpo family,
Jean Marie, Tom, Nick and Ryan Buckley
Matthew Kircher
January 12, 2014
To all the Firpos, Frank was a great mentor and coach , and his life an inspiration .. Gods speed Frank.
Matt Kircher. BHS '79
Diane Scattini
January 12, 2014
Frank was the most wonderful colleague at BHS. I was so fortunate to have him as my granddaughter's coach; he always cared so much for his students. I know his legacy will live on through the family that he cherished.
January 12, 2014
My youthful memories of The Firp are priceless and our psoriatic visits were fantastic. RIP. Great Frank
Gordy Esposto
Lawrence Richards
January 12, 2014
Frank was a senior at St. Ignatius when I was a freshmen. He was always generous, kind and affable. To his family, my condolences. We have lost a wonderful human being. May he now rest in God's presence forever. Until we meet again on Heaven's shores, Rest in eternal peace.
Larry and Lily Ugot
January 12, 2014
Our deepest condolence to you Sharon and the entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless.
January 12, 2014
Sharon and family,
So sorry to read of Frank's passing, he will be in my prayers.
Trish Conway Putkey
Lone Mountain 1964
January 12, 2014
Dear Sharon and Family; Tom and I send our sympathy . Frank will be remembered in our Mass intentions at our parish church, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Carmel, IN. Thankfully you were all with him to the end days, the culmination of 49 wonderful years. Our deep sympathies. Tom and Kay Connors.
Bonnie DeLeuw
January 12, 2014
Dear Firpo Family,
I am so saddened by the loss of Frank. What a fantastic person and a great loss to many. May he continue to live through the memories of many.
With love, Bonnie DeLeuw (cardiac rehab nurse and friend)
Joanne and Dave Pino and Family
January 12, 2014
We were so sorry to hear of Frank's passing. Sending our love to you, Sharon and the entire Firpo family. You will be in our prayers.
January 12, 2014
Sincere Condolences to the Firpo Family.
Rest in Peace, Frank.
Rich Andrews '59
Michelle Mammini
January 12, 2014
My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family. He will be missed.
January 12, 2014
Dear Sharon and Family - our deepest sympathy in your terrible loss. What a fantastic man Frank was. We hold, and will always cherish our fond memories of him. God bless you all in this tragic time.
Ron and Marty Butler
Rocklin, Ca.
Orty and Mary Sebastian
January 11, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Frank is such a great person and will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Odessa Garrett
January 11, 2014
To all the Firpos,
Our deepest condolences to all of you. He was so much a part of the Sebastian family as well. We will always cherish our childhood memories that were often shared with him. He is now an angel looking down on us and smiling.
With love,
Odessa Garrett and family
January 11, 2014
Dear Sharon & Family, Mark & I are sadden to hear of
Frank's passing. We go back many years with are
kids attending St. Robert's. We are very sorry for your
loss.
Mark & Betty Lillie
El Dorado Hills, Ca.
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