Charles A. Fracchia
Aug 10, 1937-Jul 21, 2021
Charles Fracchia died peacefully early Wednesday morning. One of San Francisco's most respected historians, Charles gave countless gifts to the city he loved. He founded the San Francisco Historical Society in 1988; led 17 historical walking tours for two generations of San Franciscans; taught history courses at USF, the Fromm Institute, San Francisco State, and City College; and lectured at venues throughout the city.

Charles was a true Renaissance man. After a successful career in investment banking, he turned his attention to writing and teaching. He was the author of 17 books and, for more than 25 years, served as Publisher of the historical journal The Argonaut and quarterly newsletter Panorama. Charles loved clubs. He was an active member of the Book Club of California, the University Club, the Lotus Club of New York, E Clampus Vitus, and Association Internationale de bibliophilie. He was also Fellow of the California Historical Society and one of the founders of Rolling Stone magazine.

Charles was a wise mentor, a faithful friend, and a trustworthy confidant. His intelligence, compassion, and quick wit will be dearly missed by the many, many people who love him. He and his wife Liz were generous hosts; a dinner party in San Francisco or a weekend at their home in Sutter Creek was an experience long cherished.

Charles is survived by Liz, his brother Gareth, four children from his first marriage, four grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, and hundreds of friends. A requiem mass will be held on Tuesday, July 27, at 10:30 a.m. at Star of the Sea Church in San Francisco. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the San Francisco Historical Society.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jul. 23 to Jul. 25, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Fracchia

11 Entries

Margaret

January 18, 2024

Thank you for the enlightening lectures about our City. I will never forget you, Mr. Fracchia

Paul M. Finnegan

November 18, 2023

Happy memories of Charles. He was very fond of my late father J.F. Finnegan and a dear friend of my late brother Peter M. Finnegan. Just learned of his passing today. With much appreciation, Paul M. Finnegan

C.J.

October 25, 2022

does he have a son that went to Milwaukee County Hospital to become a doctor ?? I lost tract of him and would very much like to get in touch with him !
Thank you

Verna Shaheen

August 1, 2021

My sympathies to Charles´ family and close friends. Having attended a number of his talks and walking tours, I am left with pleasant memories. One of those is from the early `80s when participating on a walking tour that included the dwelling where I lived at the time. I invited the entire group to tour the place on Union Street on Telegraph Hill. That was a kick for us all. May his memory be eternal.

Carol Williamson

July 31, 2021

Have know Charles when he was engaged to his first wife Ann Escobosa. I am Godmother to his first daughter Laura. Missed the notice in the Chronicle or I would have gone to the Mass at Star of the Sea. Glad he died peacefully

Lori maurer

July 28, 2021

Robert and I send you our deepest condolences. Charles was a lovely man. May he Rest In Peace

Dawn Humphrey

July 28, 2021

Blessings to Charles´ family.
May you feel his love for years to come.

Deanna Paoli Gumina and Peter Gumina

July 26, 2021

Charles mentored me as I began my writings about San Francisco history. I appreciated his kind counsel and meaningful insights. His formation of the San Francisco Museum and Historical Society was visionary, and genius, as he focused on the preseveration of the City's past with an eye to the future. I will miss him but know that his legacy lives on. Condoglianze sentitissime

Kyle Graham

July 25, 2021

I was lucky enough to attend several of Mr. Fracchia's lectures and to visit with him a few times. He was a wonderful storyteller and an irreplaceable resource and envoy regarding San Francisco history.

Karen Hanning

July 25, 2021

I knew of Charles in connection with the SF History Society and I am sure he is enjoying his 'bithday in heaven' and finding out a lot of things he wanted to know about from the experiencers first hand. We will all look forward to this also!

Joanne Maher

July 25, 2021

Charles was the most beloved and quintessential San Franciscan. He was an intellectual who could share San Francisco history through his gift of storytelling, history walks, and beautiful books - all with an endless dedication and enthusiasm for the San Francisco Historical Society.

It was truly an honor and privilege to know Charles. He was simply a San Francisco treasure.

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