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Andrew Pilara Obituary
Passed away peacefully at home January 26, 2014. Age 95.
He is survived by his children, Pat and Andy (his wife Mary); his grandchildren, Annamarie, David, Scott, Stephen and Katharine; and his great grandchildren, Angelique, Derrick, D.J., Nick and Brett.
Andy was born in San Francisco, raised in North Beach, and went on to Galileo High School. He had a job in high school to help support the family. During his high school years his main sport was basketball, playing center on the Salesian Boys Club team. At nineteen he became a printer and worked at Garrett Press for 43 years. He met Melba in his teens. As 21 year olds, they married and immediately moved into their one and only home in the Sunset district. He was devoted to his wife, family (Andy Jr. and Patsy), and had a life long passion for baseball, and in particular the New York Yankees. He began coaching his son in youth baseball. He named that first team the Sunset Yankees. He coached at Sacred Heart High School, with the San Francisco American Legion team, on the weekends he managed Sarto AC and later Riordan High School. He coached for more than 30 years instilling his love of the game, discipline, tenacity, practice and work ethic on his very successful teams. Coach Pilara will long be remembered by those who played for him.
Friends may visit Thursday after 6:30 pm at St Cecilia's Church, 17th and Vicente, where the vigil will be in Our Lady's Chapel at 7:30 pm. The Funeral Mass will be Friday at 10:00 am also at St Cecilia's Church. Committal to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Pilara
Tom McGee
January 22, 2023
Again another year has passed for Mr.Pilara. I played for Mr Pilara in the mid 50s. I totally trusted him. My life in those days were in a kind of shambles but some how he was kind to me. Again Mr.Pilara-- he was kind and understanding to me. I will NEVER forget his kindness to me in those days who I had no one . Thanks Mr Pilara. Tom McGee.
Tom McGee
January 22, 2022
Again visiting this announcement.Andy Jr. Your Dad was a very nice man.I will always remember him being kind to me during those terrible years after my Mom died at her age of 37. I remember seeing your Dad and you at Mr Murray's retirement of his SH uniform at a resturante. Then I hadn't seen you and the SH guys for over 40 years. I had brought my wife who has alzeimers terrible but was happy to introduce her to you and your Dad. Andy -he was a wonderful friend. Tom McGee.
Tom McGee
January 22, 2020
Andy Jr-- I knew your Dad during the Sunset Yankee days --playing for len Park Midgets. We always played you guys tough. Anyway did Play for Mr Pilara at Sarto's Athletic Club . He knew about my life situation especially when I found my Mom passed away when Iwas 13 , and He was always very nice to me. Those were difficult days then for me---BUT--he really was a nice man to me. Feel proud Andy jr--- what a nice man he was. God bless you Mr. Pilara. Tom McGee
Tom McGee
January 31, 2014
O My --What a sad day .I played baseball for Mr Pilara with Sartos Baseball club in the 50s. I have to say I have never met a wonderful gentilman during my years in baseball. So thoughtful and kind. Andy Jr -your Dad was so nice to me during those years. I will miss him . Tom McGee Arizona.
Sharon Ghilardi Udovich
January 30, 2014
Dear Pat and Andy,
So sorry to read of "MISTER" Pilara's passing. His smile brightened up the room. I will always remember him with Melba at my wedding - sitting in the back pew and laughing as I walked down the aisle. My prayers are with you.
Dennis Russell
January 30, 2014
I was saddened by the news of Coach Pilara's death. My memories of coach remain to this day. Remembering the numerous hours he gave of his time to help develop the boys he coached, not to mentioned the 'Taxi" service he offered when he would drive us home after practices [ Funston playground to the sunset.]-- My wife and I are in Florida and we regretfully will be ubable to attend today's service. God bless you coach. Thank you for the time you gave to the youth of San Francisco. You and your family are held up in our prayers snd our thoughts. May you rest in peace.
kaaren alvaraod
January 28, 2014
Oh Pat, please accept my sincere sympathy on the passing of your Dad. My love and prayers to you and yours. 0x, kaaren
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Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City500 Westlake Avenue, Daly City, CA 94014
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