Gerald Shaughnessy

Gerald Joseph Shaughnessy Jerry passed away peacefully on December 27, 2009 at his home in Napa surrounded by his family. He was born in San Francisco on May 11, 1927 as one of seven children to Irish immigrant parents. Jerry was loved and admired by his devoted wife, Pat, his daughters, Kathy and Colleen, his sons-in-law Gary Negri and Stu Fretz, and his five grandsons, Tony, Andrew, Danny, Bobby, and Brendan. He is also survived by his brother Bill (wife Joan) Shaughnessy, his sister Geraldine Arneson, and numerous nieces and nephews. Those who knew him knew he lived a life of honor, integrity and tremendous faith. He graduated from Balboa High School and then earned a degree in accounting from USF. He loved baseball, playing for the Dons and also in the semi-pro league in San Francisco. After serving in the Navy during WWII he then, on 7/1/49, became an officer in the SFPD. He was very proud of his police career where he started as a Patrol Officer, then rose through the ranks serving as Investigator, Platoon Commander, Director of Personnel, Director of Special Services (Vice), and finally in 1970, Captain of Police. He attended the prestigious FBI Academy in Quantico, VA where he received the J. Edgar Hoover Award for Academic Excellence. He often was the subject of articles in the Chronicle regarding police issues, usually with mention of his tough, no-nonsense approach to enforcement. In 1975, he moved his family to Napa where he became a successful real estate broker. His love of police work and desire to serve his community led him to run for County Sheriff in 1981, losing a very close election. He continued in his real estate business from then on, gradually settling into retirement where he often could be seen at the Kennedy golf course working on his already low handicap, visiting friends at the Butter Cream Bakery, or rooting for one of his grandsons at one of many sporting events. He loved to hunt and fish, and seldom missed an A's or Giants game on TV. Most of all, he loved to be with his family (including his faithful companion dachshund, Darcie), especially at special occasions and holiday gatherings, and he is undoubtedly watching over them today. All are welcome to attend a memorial mass celebrating Jerry's life, on Saturday, January 2, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Apollinaris Catholic Church, 3700 Lassen St., Napa. A reception will follow in the church Hall. Donations are suggested to the American Lung Association, the American Diabetes Association or to a charity of the donor's choice. Please share condolences at www.treadwayandwiggerfuneralchapel.com.