Name: Visitation for Donald "Don" Brenes
Start: 2025-01-24T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2025-01-24T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City

Donald "Don" Brenes
06/19/1951 - 01/20/2025
Passed away peacefully with his family by his side on January 20, 2025.
Don was a proud native San Franciscan. Born and raised in Eureka Valley to his Nicaraguan immigrant parents, Ranulfo and Natalia Rosalpina Brenes, he attended Most Holy Redeemer grammar school. He retired in 2018 from the San Francisco Chronicle after 41 years of service. He is survived by Margo, his loving wife of 42 years; his children Rosa (Jaime), Connor (Kiah); his granddaughter, Isabella Natalia; and the family fur baby, Coco. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law: Claudia Lafferty, Moya Valdez (Les) and brother-in-law Michael Lafferty (Dara). Lastly, he is survived by his nephew, Neilsen Brenes (Carol); nieces: Megan and Melany Collett and Brigitte Knerr (Nic); along with many family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and his nephew, Donovan Brenes. His best pal and brother-in-law, Pat Lafferty, will be waiting for him, likely wearing a clown nose, excited for the shenanigans to begin. Don, proclaimed by his children as the "Mayor of Pacifica Pier", will be missed by his crabbing buddies. The snares he crafted were the envy of his fellow crabbers. He was also a staple of St. Thomas More's annual Cioppino Fundraiser for years.
Don was a lifelong Giants and 49ers fan and even played his high school football games (DB) for Polytechnic High School in the same stadium (Kezar) on Saturdays as his beloved 49ers did on Sundays. He and Pat always rooted for Connor's alma mater, Gonzaga University. He was enthralled by any sporting event whether as a coach or a spectator. He loved attending the kids' games and was Isabella's biggest fan all the years that she played soccer. His kids and granddaughter were his world. He was immensely proud of them. Don was one of the most generous hosts and greatest cooks. You knew you were in for a great time when invited to the backyard for his barbequed oysters and dinner. Moreover, he even had the ability to make you feel like a guest in your own home.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Kaiser South San Francisco for their excellent and compassionate care of Don.
A Funeral Mass was held on Friday, January 24, at Most Holy Redeemer Church. Please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or your favorite charity.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jan. 20 to Jan. 24, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Brenes

Sponsored by Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City.

7 Entries

Luis Aquino Reyna

February 4, 2025

My condolences to the entire family. I used to visit the Brenes family in 1966-1968 the dad Ranulfo and mother Rosalpina were one of the finest people I have ever met.
I have wonderful memories of the New Year´s Eve on market street and the several trips to Russian River as well as the camaraderie we had with Max, Don their cousin Humberto and their dog Rex.

RON LIPPI

January 27, 2025

MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY. I KNEW DON FROM CABBING ON THE PACIFICA PIER.WE ALWAYS HAD LOTS OF FUN AND JOKE AROUND ALOT. I WILL MISS HIM VERY MUCH. HE WAS A GREAT GUY.

Rashieda Mumin-Jotdan

January 26, 2025

Sending love and condolences to you Margo and family. Don was always so kind when he would stop by our circulation office.

Douglas Musgrove

January 25, 2025

Dear Connor and Family,
I never had the chance to meet Don. But he and Margo raised an amazing son and i know the apple never falls far from the tree. Lean on your Portland friends. We are here for you. To your family, may Don´s memory be a blessing, always.
Much love,
Douglas Musgrove

Elmer Carr

January 24, 2025

I also grew up in Eureka Valley with the Brenes family. We had countless great times in and around the park and in each other´s homes. Don always seemed to have a great smile on his face, but his bellowing laugh was unforgettable. His whole body shook, and you always wanted to laugh along with him! He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.
RIP, Brother

Doraine Couillard

January 21, 2025

Dear Margo, my condolences to you and your family for the loss of your husband. Having lost my husband just three months ago I know the feelings you are experiencing. The loss is so profound that it´s difficult to put into words, but clearly you are not alone. I hope you are able to gain solace from the memories of so many years that you all shared with him. Please reach out if you need anything, or a shoulder. Sending love and warmest thoughts at this very sad time in your lives. Doraine

Janine Laiwa

January 21, 2025

Sending up prayers for his family. You always had a great smile and good energy. RIP DON!!

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