Rev. Anthony P. Sauer, S.J.
Jun. 28, 1934 - Nov. 28, 2021
Father Anthony P. Sauer, S.J, who devoted 40 years of ministry to the students, faculty, and families of St. Ignatius College Preparatory, San Francisco, including 27 years as president, died November 28, 2021 in a San Jose hospital. He had been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis earlier in the year. He was 87 years old and a Jesuit for 61 years.

Anthony Perdue Sauer was born in Los Angeles on June 28, 1934, the second of four sons of Dr. Kearney Sauer and Rita Perdue Sauer. He graduated from Loyola High School, Los Angeles, Santa Clara University, served in the Army, and taught at Loyola High before entering the Jesuit novitiate at Los Gatos in 1960 to begin studies for the priesthood. He was ordained a priest in 1971.

Father Sauer served a total of 40 years at St. Ignatius Prep, as administrator, including 27 years as president, and his favorite role, teacher of English. When SI instituted a full scholarship middle school in 2017, the campus was named the Father Sauer Academy in his honor. Significant years of ministry were spent in Phoenix, Arizona, as rector and president of Brophy College Prep, and as associate pastor of St. Francis Xavier Church (2013-2021). Failing health brought him to the infirmary at Sacred Heart Jesuit Center, Los Gatos, in October.

Father Sauer was the brother of the late Kearney, Michael, and Patrick Sauer. He is survived by his nieces, Anne Marie Hale and Michelle Portes, both of Los Angeles and nephews Brian, of San Francisco, Daniel, of Martha's Vineyard, MA, Matthew, of Portland, Ore, Patrick, of New York, Terry, of Los Angeles, and Timothy of Livermore, and many grandnieces, grandnephews, and extended family members.

Funeral Mass will take place Friday, December 10, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Ignatius Church, 650 Parker Avenue, San Francisco. Due to COVID-19 protocols and capacity limits, seating will be limited. Proof of vaccination required. The service will be livestreamed through the St. Ignatius Church YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/stignatiusparishsf

Donations in memory of Father Sauer may be made to the Jesuits West Province of the Society of Jesus, P.O. Box 68, Los Gatos, CA 95031, to the Fr. Sauer scholarship or Academy at St. Ignatius Prep at https://www.siprep.org/giving/how-to-give/make-a-gift-online or to a charity of your choosing.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Dec. 3 to Dec. 6, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Anthony Sauer

8 Entries

Peter P. Vlautin, III

April 6, 2022

Father Sauer was a "Caesar", Whence comes such another"?

So asked Anthony in Shakespeare´s Julius Caesar upon his death.

There will never be another Father Sauer.

I knew Father Sauer from my father, Paul, an alumnus of SI "24. Paul and Father Sauer were from the golden age of literary expression and appreciation. Father Sauer was known to go off in flowery flights of impassioned purple prose known as "An Hour with Sauer."

If there is any reason for us to be alive it is to love one anther and touch each other with kindness and know that you have made at least one person breath easier becasue you have lived.

Father Sauer passed this test a thousand-fold. He gave back to the world more than he has taken from it. I cannot begin to comprehend the kindness and comforting Father Sauer has passed along to others.

As Father Sauer entered the Kingdom of Heaven the words of Fortinbras in Hamlet are appropriate:
"Bear Father Sauer like a soldier to the stage, ............. and for his passage, the soldier´s music and his good deeds speak loudly for him. Good night sweet Prince. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."

Whence comes such another? Indeed!!!!!!

Barbara Balsham

December 9, 2021

"Father Sauer spoiled us", is what my daughter said after attending an out of town funeral mass for her close friend & college classmate. She said that she wished Father Sauer could have said the mass on that day, as he was the best, and his words were so comforting& endearing.... Rest In Peace, Father Sauer.

Dennis Recio, SJ

December 9, 2021

I recall a memory from having been in Tony Sauer's class as a senior. It was 1989, and the film, Dead Poets' Society had just released and it was clear that Tony had seen it. And during a lesson on Hopkins, he stood on the table suddenly and began shouting lines from the poem. It woke me suddenly as I was busy scribbling notes and he certainly got my attention. Tony had a wry sense of humor but he was also the first to write a thoughtful note when someone needed thanking or congratulating. Tony was to me, as a teenager, always a gentleman.

In the end, Tony was among the exceptional faculty at SI who inspired me to study English. His passion for the subject shone through and he encouraged all of us to widen the imagination by reading solid literary work. When I think of Tony, I think of a consummate teacher. And I owe him for a passion he bequeathed to us that I carried into adult life.

Marty Ruane

December 7, 2021

Father Sauer epitomized the Jesuit order......always of service to men and women...kind, caring, compassionate , and understanding. I attended SI from 73-77 and was truly blessed to be educated/mentored by Tony, and for that matter, all my Jesuit instructors. When I was involved in a horrific car accident in 1976 Father Sauer would come by, after visiting hours, and give me strength and hope ( Father Pallas would show up Around 4am but he walked from 37th ave.). My daughters also developed a special bond with Tony When they attended in approx. 2010-2015, third generation as my father was class of `47. Kkk
But, you could feel the love and compassion from Father Sauer...he was the real deal...spoke from the heart...his heart...not just pragmatic dogma. My life, actually anyone that interacted with Tony, is enriched and better for having been blessed by his presence. He exemplified what it means to be a Jesuit, a man of faith, all to enrich our lives and make us better , not only in the eyes of God, but toand for each other.

Christopher (Kibber) OBalle and family

December 7, 2021

thanks for your guidance throughout the years, presiding at our wedding, and overall just being a good friend.

Martin Rooney

December 6, 2021

Fr. Sauer was indeed a great man. He will be a big loss to his Order and to all the students at SI and beyond. May he Rest In Peace.

Andrea

December 5, 2021

I remember seeing Father Sauer at Saint Stephen's Church for 8:00 AM Mass on Sunday mornings back when I was much much younger. He was a nice man who visited everyone indoors for a special visit. I'll always remember him.

Michael Rev. Quinn

December 4, 2021

May Fr Sauer find the fullness of God´s reward reserved for His faithful servants. Fr Sauer´s priestly service is an exemplar for all!
Rest In Peace good friend!

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