John McArdle

John "Jack" McArdle

On the evening of Wednesday, October 29, 2014, the lights of the City shined less bright; San Francisco had lost one of its native sons.
John ("Jack") Joseph McArdle left this earth and his loving family early Wednesday morning. Remaining to mourn his death is his beloved wife of over 60 years Pauline Zwissig McArdle. Joining her in sorrow are his four adoring daughters Therese Storms, Lauren McArdle, Michelle McArdle, and Suzanne Maloch, his sons-in-law J. Michael Storms and Frederick Maloch, and grandsons Drew Storms and namesake Jack Maloch. Jack also leaves behind his sister and brother-in-law Dolores and Patrick Callagy and nieces and nephews Lynnel, Patrice, Michael and Mark Callagy, each of whom Jack "baptized" as babies with a few drops of Irish whiskey in advance of a priest doing the task officially.
Jack loved his four "girls" and worked hard to ensure they received the best of everything, including a Jesuit education at the University of San Francisco and a home filled with music, love, and laughter. He attended countless father/daughter dances, recitals, graduations, and coached each through hours of harrowing driving lessons. With his oldest daughter he attended the last Beatles concert at Candlestick Park and for his youngest he scoured record shops in Ireland looking for the latest release by the Boomtown Rats. No task was too difficult when it came to his daughters.
Together Jack and Pauline traveled around the world extensively and always returned home with funny stories about their adventures. Not many people can claim to being locked in Notre Dame at closing or losing all the hubcaps on a rental car trying to maneuver the narrow street of Ireland.
Preceded in death by his father, native San Franciscan Joseph McArdle, and mother Mary McCaffrey of County Cavan, Ireland, Jack was born an only child. He lived his entire life in San Francisco, the City that he loved. He was born in the Mission District and prided himself on his knowledge of the City, past and present. He knew every "shortcut" around town but usually ended up lost. His name was mentioned twice in the Herb Caen column; charming anecdotes about his life in the city that he loved.
For many decades, Jack was involved in the St. Elizabeth's parish community. His life was his wife and daughters, his faith and church, and automobiles. Jack's passion and lifelong career was cars. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of every make and model, past, present, and future. He had especially happy memories of his time with Varner Ward Leasing and LeaseMobile, where he made lifelong friends with his co-workers and customers. Known for his personalized service his clients ranged from the elite to the eclectic. In San Francisco's automobile business he was affectionately referred to as "the Monsignor." There wasn't a priest or a nun in the Archdiocese that didn't purchase their vehicle from him. Everyone knew Jack McArdle.
Jack's family would like to thank Maria Collins, owner of the Abelene Care Home, Romel Miranda and Paul Lammatao for their attentive and loving care of "The President" over the last two years of his illness.
Should you wish, donations may be sent to lieu of flowers to St. Anthony's Foundation or the animal charity of your choice.
Friends and family may visit Monday, November 3 beginning at 4pm, and are invited to attend the Rosary at 7pm at Duggan's Serra Mortuary, 500 Westlake Avenue, Daly City. The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 4 beginning at 11am at St. Elizabeth, Corner of Wayland & Somerset streets, San Francisco.