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John Drocco Obituary
John was born in San Francisco on April 29, 1928 at Children's Hospital to parents Carlo Drocco and Mary Borini Drocco. One of five children, survived by youngest brother Charlie Drocco, also brother of the late Albert and Joe Drocco and Elvira Crowinshield also survived by many nieces and nephews.
His family moved to Petaluma and lived on 21 acres for 6 years until they returned to S.F. and John never left again. Though he had many fond memories of the country and he loved sharing them. The apples they grew and sold was one. He attended Roosevelt Jr. High School and went onto Poly High where he ran track all-city hurdles junior year and played football. First string in '46. During the summer he was in the Forestry. John worked for the phone company and that's where we met. He was drafted during the Korean War and was stationed at Schofield Barricks on Honolulu. On leave he came home and proposed. We were married on Oahu at Schofield's Church.
John went on to have a life full of achievements of which we are proud. After several jobs to make ends meet, he studied for the SFFD entrance exam and passed. He was an SFFD engineer at Engine 48/37 on Potrero Hill for many years, then retired as Captain of Prevention. He received his Master's in Fire/Science, Physical Education, coaching and teaching and was football head coach at Lick-Wilmerding, coached tennis at Presentation , defensive back coach at USF, coached tennis and cross country running at USF where he served on the USF Hall of Fame board until recently.
John worked hard all of his life and kept his concerns simple and close to home giving to all those around him – family, students, friends and community. He inspired us greatly on many levels and we will try to live by this sentiment he left us with. "Smile, enjoy the moment!" John and dad, we will miss you every day – love you forever.
Friends may visit Friday, April 8th, 2016 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm at DUGGAN'S SERRA MORTUARY, 500 Westlake Avenue, Daly City and after 6:15pm at St. Ignatius Church, 650 Parker Avenue, San Francisco (at Fulton) where a vigil service will be held at 7:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, April 9th at 10:30am at St. Ignatius Church. Reception to follow. Parking available at the Koret Center, Turk and Parker. Private family interment, Monday, Italian Cemetery. Donations to St. Jude Foundation or Wounded Warriors.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Drocco
Sponsored by Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City.
Press Clewe
October 28, 2024
To the Family the of Coach John Drocco,
I am the faithful player at Lick Wilmerding, SF, year 1962, when we won go- champions with CSD.
Coach taught us the original `single wing´ offense which helped us win Bay Cities League co-championship.
I am sad to just now recall this fab coach (though tough himself, we may have not fully met his standard) through going through my personal memorabilia I found this notation : He was willing to send my films to Clemson! I found another opportunity but was sincerely appreciative to Coach for his suggestion to visit SFU WHERE I GREW UP.
My sincere sympathies,
Press Clewe
Lindsey Shebuski
August 30, 2017
Darn, I missed you by a year. John- I was just 20 and I really really wanted to come to USF for college. I sent you tapes. You let me come visit and you gave me a scholarship to switch from Xavier to USF. I didn't win a lot but it changed my life. I opened my eyes to the world. I met new friends. I got a really good education and I played a lot of tennis. Thank you for who you were for me
At that time. I remember your stories and your remarkable personality. You loved your wife.
Thank you
Lindsey shebuski
April 14, 2016
I extend my deepest condolences to John's dear wife and family.
I was privileged to count John as a friend during the last years of his life.
I appreciated his knowledge, wisdom and love of family.
He encouraged my volunteer endeavors in GG Park.
I will miss him very much.
Rob Bakewell,
San Francisco.
Ron Morehen
April 14, 2016
I worked with John in the SFFD BFP in the early 80's.
May he forever, Rest in Peace
Joelle Blume Keller
April 14, 2016
To Mrs. Drocco and the entire Drocco family, I am so saddened by the news of passing of an amazing person and tennis coach. He will be missed dearly. Please accept my deepest condolence and heartfelt prayers.
Laurie Herr
April 8, 2016
To the Drocco family, my sincerest condolences during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Laurie Vincent
April 8, 2016
To The Drocco Family,
May God be with you during this difficult time. Growing up in the neighborhood (Sunset)and knowing and working(S.F.F.D.) with your Dad was a pleasure. Remember "What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we Love deeply becomes part of us" -Helen Keller.
Bert Reyes
Regina Widman
April 8, 2016
Dear family of John Drocco, I am lighting a candle in honor of your beloved husband and father, may his spirit soar with the angels and his soul continue the path of light and love, bless his soul and I am honored to have known him
Judie Johnson
April 8, 2016
I thank you for your dear sentiments. Such a beautiful tribute to a man with so much love for others. Blessings to you and your family.
Amanda and James O'Connor
April 7, 2016
To the Drocco family,
May God be with you during this difficult time. We love you and are praying for you. This man raised a wonderful family, and his legacy will live on through you forever. Sending love and hugs.
Amanda and James
April 7, 2016
My condolences to the Drocco family. John was an admired and revelled man, honest ,friendly and always smiling. I was honored to play for him 3 years as a USF DON,late 60's
Also the many times we got together at USF functions over the past 45 years , most recently last year. He will was be remembered as mentor and good friend.
John G Davi,class of 1970
Julie Fry-Reinwald
April 7, 2016
Many great memories of growing up on 30th Ave across the street from Mr. Drocco & the whole family.
I remember Sunset Playground and tennis lessons..What a great coach. What a great man....and he raised a great family.
Say Hi to my Dad for me.
Julie Fry-Reinwald
David Horowitz
April 6, 2016
He was a GREAT COACH. He made the game fun and took an inexperienced team to a league championship. I remember him well even though it was over 53yrs ago.
Angel & Gary Hession
April 6, 2016
Your family is in our hearts during this difficult time. May you find comfort in each other and from all your friends and family. Remember, God only takes the best and you're so lucky to have had him as a role model. He will be with you forever.
Frank Batmale
April 6, 2016
John and I have been neighbors since our family moved onto his block in 1971. We were good neighbors, friends, coworkers (SFFD). We use to play a lot of tennis together. John got me into a little neighborhood activism every once in awhile. Great wife and children.
Rob Terheyden
April 5, 2016
I remember John as a savvy San Franciscan. We'd sit on his front steps and I'd just listen; listen to him tell me how things really go on in the world. He'd look me straight in the eye (you know that look) and give me his advice which helped me become the man I am today. With a heavy heart, I wish you goodbye, old friend.
Much love,
your neighbor always,
Rob
Sharron Ryan
April 5, 2016
My wonderful Uncle John.I will miss you so much. I can't begin to tell you how grateful I am for your love and support throughout my years. All my love, your niece Sharron.
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
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Memorial Events
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Apr
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Visitation
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City500 Westlake Avenue, Daly City, CA 94014
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