Sanford E. DeBow

Sanford E. DeBow, Jr., passed away peacefully on August 18, 2025, with his family by his side.

"Sandy" was born during the Great Depression to Sanford, Sr., and Cecelia DeBow. He was raised in San Carlos, California, attended Sequoia High School in Redwood City and obtained his college degree in San Mateo.

Sandy's love of music was strongly influenced by his father (Sanford, Sr.) who was an avid musician, often hosting jam sessions within the family home. His early exposure to music cultivated a deep passion within Sandy to express himself musically which led to him learning to play the clarinet by the age of 4, then piano, saxophone, vibraphone and synthesizer in subsequent years. He also had a special talent of being able to play any song by ear. He joined the Air Force, being stationed at Fairchild AFB and was assigned to perform regularly at the Officer's Club and other special events. In 1953, while still in the Air Force, he married his high school sweetheart (Margaret "Margie" Clanton). In the late 1950s, he drove weekly from Ukiah to San Francisco to play for the house band on the Del Courtney Show (KPIX, Channel 5) where he had the privilege of meeting/performing with Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie and Johnny Mathis, amongst others. He had the opportunity to become a full-time musician; however, being the devoted father he was, he decided to take a different career path.

While raising his family, Sandy worked as an AAA insurance agent and on the weekends, he shared his musical talents by performing at weddings and other special events. Ultimately, Sandy and his son (Dan) formed a band called "Sufferin' Succotash," playing for many events over a 25-year span. He took great joy in camping, sailing, fishing, cooking and barbequing for family and friends. For Happy Hour, his martinis were always "stirred, not shaken!" Later in life, he generously shared his talent by performing at church and childcare center events going by the stage name of "Professor Prune." Professor Prune was a jaunty character donning a Derby hat and colorful bowtie. No one was immune to his contagious charisma when he was behind the keyboard. Sandy embodied everything that Professor Prune was: Happy, fun, incredibly talented and, most importantly, kind-hearted. He was a devout Catholic and a member of the Knights of Columbus, earning the title of Grand Knight at Queen of All Saints Church.

Sandy provided so much for his family, always putting them first and taking great joy in doing everything together. He made every adventure a happy one and made everyone he encountered feel understood and loved. His wonderfully witty sense of humor and fun-loving attitude made him one of a kind and beloved by all who knew him. His children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were his pride and joy. They adored him tremendously and will forever cherish the time they had with him.

Sandy is survived by his devoted children Daniel DeBow and Theresa Mirabella of Concord; his loving grandchildren Deanna Akau (Jeff) of San Jose, Christina Solis (Felipe) of Martinez, Aaron Mirabella (April) of Fairfield, Veronika Mirabella of Concord, Parker Weishaar (Katrina) of Antioch and Sierra Weishaar of Oakley; his adoring great grandchildren James, Zeiva, Saoirse, Lacey, Ailayna, Rhiannon, Ronan and Lilliana; his sister Yvonne McCord, nieces Renèe Walcolm and Joanne Desmond, nephew Russell Colgate, and many great nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Margaret DeBow, his daughter Michelle Weishaar (Dennis), and his son Michael DeBow.

Funeral services were held on September 10, 2025, at Queen of All Saints Church with burial following at Holy Cross Cemetery.