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BORN
1924
DIED
2022
Al Gentile Obituary
September 18, 1924 - March 6, 2022
Al Gentile, son of Italian immigrants Arcangelo Gentile and Anna Germone Piana, passed away peacefully at his home in San Mateo, CA at age 97 on March 6, 2022. Al was the beloved husband of the late Betty May Swenson and loving companion of Arline Thomas; devoted father of Roxanne Gentile and the late John (Jack) Gentile. Al is survived by relatives from the Corsi, Oswald, Piana, Puccinelli and Swenson families along with cousins in Calabria and Piemonte, Italy.
Born at home on Hyde Street in San Francisco, Al attended Galileo High and was on the Galileo whale boat rowing team. Al (also known as "Splint") loved to play football on the Marina Green, and basketball at the old Funston playground. He stayed in touch with guys from memorable Galileo Lions baseball teams of the early 1940s.
A World War II Marine Corps veteran, Al served 27 months in the South Pacific, in the battles for the Marianas and Iwo Jima. In 1982, members of his platoon reunited and enjoyed annual reunions in cities across the US for 25 years.
A New York Life Insurance agent for 73 years, Al built his business from his network of friends and family businesses throughout San Francisco's North Beach.
Al loved fishing. As a kid he fished the Muni and Fort Point piers and boat camped Molone's with his brother. Later on he went to Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, and loved bass fishing at Clear Lake.
Al was a Geneva-Excelsior Lion for 65 years, making lifelong friends among the members while supporting fundraisers for the Lions Eye Foundation and local students. As the longest-serving member in district C4C, he was a charter supporter of the annual GE Lions Club Marinated Crab Feed, an event celebrated by many in the community since the early 1980s.
After his wife Betty passed in 1976, Al raised their 2 young kids. "Uncle Al" was devoted to family and friends. A true gentleman who was always early to the party, he enjoyed serving his Marina-style cioppino (Cook your fresh crab in the sauce, as the star ingredient!) - with a glass of wine of course, and his favorite toast: "Cent'anni!"
In keeping with his wishes, Al is interred at the Golden Gate National Cemetery. Donations should go to the Lion's Eye Foundation and the Marines Memorial Club in San Francisco.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Al Gentile
Don Bellendier
July 11, 2022
I am so sorry to learn of Al's passing. Al served in the same Marine Corps Unit as my dad and it was through those reunions that I got to know Al and we became friends. God Speed Al and I hope my dad and the rest of your buddies were there to meet you.
Marie Pavini Martin
April 14, 2022
I remember my late dad, Galdo Pavini, often speaking about his friend and fellow Lion Al Gentile. They were both very involved with the Lion's Eye Foundation. I'm sure they are catching up in Heaven.
Randall Homan and Al Barna
April 12, 2022
This is a wonderful tribute to a great friend and father from his daughter. Our hearts are with you, Roxanne! Your father and the Lions Club crab feed are part of our cherished memories.
Bob Kearn
April 11, 2022
Al, was a one of my father's best friends. He was also a wonderful friend to our entire family. I knew Al for over 60 years and will miss his warmth, kindness, and crab cioppino. Al was the embodiment of the greatest generation. RIP, Uncle Al.
Michael & Susan DiPilla
April 11, 2022
Not only was Al, "Uncle Al", but he was also my godfather! This meant a lot to him and to me growing up. His commitment to me through continuous contact through the years meant everything to me. His gentle consul and thoughtful insights were enlightening and heartfelt. I have never known anyone with such a positive expression on life. His dedication to his friends, family and acquaintances far exceeds normal human beings. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing him will miss this man dearly.
Tommy LOFFARELLI
April 10, 2022
Al Gentile, affectionately called "Uncle Al" meant so much to so many. Al was the roommate of my late uncle De. Charley DiPilla, when uncle Charley was studying podiatry in San Francisco.
They were life long friends. I met Al at my grandparents house in Studio City, Ca.,when I was a young kid. He was the consummate gentleman. Al loved spirts and his SF GIANTS. He was as good looking as Joe DiMaggio, And even more charming.
I remember uncle Al as a genuine and caring human being. He was classy, polite, intelligent, good communicator with a great sense of humor, always in great physical condition, and always willing to help out.
Uncle Al´s life story is the American Dream: In the sense that he was a son of Italian immigrants, who fought for his country in WWII, played sports, was actively involved in a major charitable foundation, kept in touch with his friends for life, and lived a long and meaningful life.
God Bless you and all your family.
We miss you UNCLE AL
REST IN PEACE
"C´ent Anni".
Ken Heyman & Kimber Patterson
April 10, 2022
What a magnificent man, and what a legacy of love and life and memories he leaves. I will never look at a crab without thinking of him laughing and hobnobbing at the Lion´s Club Crab Feed; he was on full display with his sharp mind, keen wit, and unabashed joy of being with his friends and beloved family. But it is his smile I remember best right now. His smile lit up a room, and the memory of it makes me so grateful to have known him. May angels lead you to paradise, Al Gentile.
Marcia Giusti
April 9, 2022
I was introduced to Al by Paula and Eric Bennett. I had the honor of dining with him and his daughter Roxanne at our family owned and operated restaurant Firenze by Night. I was very impressed with Al´s zest for life and how eloquent and entertaining he was at his ripe old age of 94 when we met. I also attended one of his Crab Cioppino dinners. I hoped to meet up with him to continue our short lived friendship but he started to decline shortly after we met. Every time I spoke to Paula after I met Al I would ask about him because although I barely knew him he touched my heart. He will be remembered and missed by many.
Paula Kearn Bennett
April 9, 2022
Dear Roxanne and Arline
My fondest childhood memory is of Uncle Al making cioppino at our San Francisco house. And more recently, going to the Lions Club crab feeds in SF and staying at the great Marines Memorial Hotel. He was always so kind and thoughtful and handsome, a true gentleman. Much LOVE and sympathy.
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