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BORN
1926
DIED
2023
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Donald Beck Obituary
March 8, 1926 - December 27, 2023
Born in San Francisco on March 8, 1926 to Carl and Helen Beck. Donald Beck has passed away at the age of 97. Don played baseball as the star catcher for three years at Mission High School and was signed by the Cleveland Indians. However, upon graduation in 1944, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp serving as a B-17 radioman/navigator at Clark Field in Manila, Philippines until the end of the war. Don retired after 30 years as an Asst. Fire Chief with the SFFD in 1977. He was predeceased by his parents, Carl and Helen Beck; sister, Lois Harames; brother, Carl 'Buddy' Beck; and beloved wife of 59 years, Gloria Gaviglio Beck. He is survived by his three children, Janis Billings (Tex), Michael Beck (Cecilia), and Donna Borges; grandchildren, Katherine Kindle, Andrew Parsons (Dyana), Anthony Borges (Tyrie) and Ryan Borges; great-grandchildren, Victoria and Liliana Parsons and Ayden Borges. Donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Private services to be held.
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Memories and Condolences
for Donald Beck
Sponsored by Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City.
Tom Murray
January 6, 2024
Chief Donald Beck, Unfortunately I did not know Chief Beck personally, but knew him from my experiences on the fire ground. Always chewing gum, calm, precise in his orders/instructions and a fire command leader firefighters would follow without hesitation. In my 36 years in the fire service between San Francisco and the City of San Mateo I experienced few command officers that had the command leadership skills of Chief Beck.
A true leader
James Mullane
January 2, 2024
Dear Mike and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I remember him fondly from when we were kids growing up around the corner from each other. I have memories of when he took you and me on the fire boat and shot the water up in the air, and of all the times he took us to Lake Merced with your dog, Bimbo. He was a great, kind man. Your family and he are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim Mullane
Katie
January 1, 2024
Grandpa, this hasn´t sunk in just yet. I am proud to be your granddaughter and will miss you terribly. You are the best Grandpa ever. Always there for the family and anyone who needed help. I will remember the stories and jokes you told. Please give everyone our love in heaven and avoid the pitfalls. Love, Katie
Julie Poelstra
December 31, 2023
I was a friend of his daughter Donna growing up. He taught me how to sail. I always enjoyed being around him, he was so much fun. RIP Mr. Beck.
Karl Baeck
December 29, 2023
Chief Baeck, was a real gentleman I´m good chief.
I worked with him for a short time at station 13. my condolences to the family
Karl Baeck
Bill Moe
December 29, 2023
What a class act!! Had the privilege of working with Chief Beck at old station 13 on Drum Street for several years. Exceptional leader and accomplished fire fighting Assistant Chief. The Chief and I would play catch in front of the fire house on multiple occasions. What a great human being. GOD BLESS!!
Fred Postel
December 29, 2023
Don was a very good Chief and a real gentleman and very helpful to all he worked with! He was a class act! I'm proud to have worked with him and to have known him.
Ron Morehen
December 29, 2023
I was a young fireman back in 1974 and was lucky to have worked with Don. He was calm, cool, and a real gentleman...God Bless him and may he, Rest in Peace.
Tom Lovely
December 29, 2023
Don Beck: One of the finest gentleman and Chief's in the SFFD. RIP Chief.
Tom Lovely. Retired: 2 Truck
Mike Chapman
December 29, 2023
Don Beck lived on the same block on 41st Avenue, S. F. we grew up on. Always friendly.
RIP
Mike Chapman, SFFD Ret.
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