Jake Delano

Jake Delano Died in his sleep on March 25, 2010 after a bout with pneumonia complicated by a pre-existing condition of COPD. He was 85. He lived for the last 40 years of his life on the San Francisco peninsula during and following a successful career in the electronics industry that first attracted him to the west coast. Jake was born in Paris France on March 4th 1925, the son of Fredrick M. and Margaret R Delano. As a child Jake was an avid sailor and first navigated the English Channel at the age of 12. He maintained a life-long love of sailing that he pursued on San Francisco Bay and both oceans. While living on the East Coast, he helped form the Mecox Bay Yacht Club in Long Island, NY. After moving to the Bay Area, he served as the Commodore for the Spinnaker Yacht Club in San Leandro, Ca (1971-1972). He was a graduate of Millbrook School in Millbrook, NY and Princeton University, class of 1946 (although his actual graduation occurred in 1948 due to the war). He served in the US Navy during WWII as an aviation cadet from 11/1944 - 6/1947. He attained the "honorary rank of ensign" in recognition of his war-time service. Jake fathered five boys with his first wife Anne Kelsey Delano. He is survived by Rick and Ted Delano, currently living in Long Island, NY. His sons Jeff and Geody live in Alexandria, VA and Bill in Coronado, Ca. He is also survived by two bay area step children, Brad Van Vechten and Vicki Johnston, from a second marriage to Dagmar "Bobbie" Delano. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and his best friend, Timmie Will of San Mateo. He is remembered for an ever-sharp mind, for being able to run technological circles around his grand children, and his willingness to help many in his community. A family memorial service was held on the weekend of March 27th in Palo Alto, CA. On September 10, 2010, family members and friends gathered for a final remembrance and Jakes ashes were spread under the Golden Gate bridge.