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BORN
1937
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
John McCloskey Obituary
September 26, 1937 - April 26, 2023
As a US Marine Sergeant and SFFD Captain, Jack McCloskey was trained to heroically storm beaches and run into burning buildings, but needed only the vigilant, loving presence of his beloved wife, Jan, to achieve a soft landing in the arms of God.
A second generation native San Franciscan and proud Irishman, Jack met Janice Vogel of Ann Arbor in 1958 and fell in love forever. Married in 1960, they settled in Colma, raising five lively, loyal, hardworking boys. They camped their way around the US and Canada, wearing out several tent trailers in the process; in retirement, they traveled in Europe. A graduate of St. Cecilia's, Riordan (1955), and CCSF, Jack led an accomplished life: Sgt., 1st Marine Division; Judge Advocate, Breckinridge Marine Corps League; SFFD firefighter (co-founder, St. Francis Hook & Ladder Society); Riordan HS Board of Directors and recipient of Chaminade Award; realtor for 60 years: two-term Broadmoor Police Commissioner; two-time Hibernian Newman Club President; State Dir., SF Jr. Chamber of Commerce; a Holy Angels Parish volunteer, home chef, model train impresario, great storyteller, and true family man.
Jack's loss is deeply felt by Jan, John III (Dawn), Joseph (Kathy), Matthew (Roni), Daniel, and Michael (Kacey) and grandchildren Adam, Rick, Mark, Moriah, Mattea, Allison and Aubrey. Preceded in death by parents, John Sr. and Margaret, and sister Patricia Millard; Jack will be missed by his sister Peggy Mosko, sister-in-law Sue Schneider, and many nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to visit on Thursday, May 18, from 4 to 8 pm at Duggan's Serra Mortuary, 500 Westlake Ave. in Daly City where a Rosary will begin at 6 pm. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Friday, May 19, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Angels Church, 107 San Pedro Road in Colma. Jack will be laid to rest in a Christian Burial at Holy Cross Cemetery immediately following Mass.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Riordan Class of '55 Endowment Fund at Riordan High School.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John McCloskey
Sponsored by Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City.
isabel Gutierrez
May 3, 2024
I recently found out that John passed away. I would of loved to have gone to his services. He was such a great guy! I miss seeing him around the neighborhood. Rest in Peace John.
Ron Morehen
June 5, 2023
Ron Morehen
June 5, 2023
Future San Francisco firemen
Isabel Gutierrez
June 3, 2023
I literally just heard of Jack´s passing. I wish I would of known earlier I would of loved to have been at his service to pay my respects. I am so sorry to hear this. All my love to the family.
Daniel Fulmer
May 19, 2023
Jack & I worked many watches together at St 14. He the Lt. on the Truck and me the Cpt. of the Engine. Through the years it was always a pleasure to have Jack around with all the colorful stories and humor attached to them. Never a dull moment with a 1st class person and his excellence at his job. He will be thought of many times in the future. RIP Jack
Dan Fulmer
Joshua O´Hara
May 19, 2023
I always knew Jack as `Big Jack´ when I was a little boy. His wife Jan has been a friend to my family for many years.
My favorite memory of Jack was when I was in high school at Archbishop Riordan and he was teaching a lot of us how to pump the water on an old fire truck. He was a man of kindness, blunt humor and loving personality.
Rest in peace, my friend. You will be missed.
Anthony G. (Tony) Acosta
May 18, 2023
I attended Holy Angels from 1969-1975, and for three years I was part of Mr. McCloskey´s Cub Scout Pack 261. Thoroughly enjoyed my experience there, thanks to Mr. McCloskey´s leadership and good humor. My condolences to his family, especially my classmate Joey McCloskey.
Best regards from Stockton, CA
The Duffy Family
May 18, 2023
We are all so sorry for your loss. So many great memories from our days at Holy Angeles and throughout the years. RIP, Mr. McCloskey -
All our Love, The Duffy Family
Anna and Bernie O'Hara
May 18, 2023
Dear Jan,
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Jack will always be remembered as a wonderful role model and mentor to our son Josh.
Frank Treanor
May 18, 2023
Jan and Family
I am saddened at Jack's passing. We had many fun and productive times together. When you were with him you just had to laugh. There was always joy and the job always got done. He is missed.
Blessings and prayers
Kevin and Nancy Reidy
May 17, 2023
Jack, you've been a long-time classmate and friend. Thank you for your friendship over the years and many fine memories. We will miss you.
Dear Jan and Family,
Our sincere sympathies to you. May your many wonderful memories give you comfort.
Sincerely,
Kevin and Nancy Reidy
Fr. Tim Kenney, S.M.
May 17, 2023
I remember fondly working with Jack when I was principal of ARHS (Riordan). Jack had such a love for the school, for the Marianists, and he was so very supportive to me. He knew when to challenge and when to offer encouragement. He knew when to party and enjoy life and when to be serious. Jack had many opinions and was colorful in his speech and descriptions. He was so well deserving of the Chaminade Award when we honored him and gave a fantastic speech to the student body. I am grateful for his friendship. What an Irishman he was. May you rest in the peace of our loving God and we will have a Jamieson together in heaven!!
Terry Leanio
May 17, 2023
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rip John
Terry Leanio
Joe Mazeau
May 16, 2023
So very sad to learn of Jack's passing. We worked many watches together as members of Station One in the 1970's. He loved our job and he was very, very good at it. Post retirement we would see each other at Station One luncheons and it was always great to see Jack. He was a wonderful storyteller and an all-around good guy. I will miss him. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Mike Belmessieri
May 16, 2023
I was honored to have spent quite a bit of time with "Jack" and as many of us know he always had a story to share about his family, life's experience as a fire fighter other public service and service in our Corps.
I have heard many but the ones I enjoyed the most were the ones about meeting Jan who without question was his :"soul mate" the love of his life, best friend and by his own admission better half. The other storys were about the pride he had in his sons, their accomplishments and the enjoyments his grand children brought him.
The stories were about family often were about camping trips which included long trips in a Ford Station Wagon that may have apparently brough some level of discomfort to his sons. That reminds me, Jack once asked me an interesting question, Does Duggan's own a Ford Country Squire?
Of course there was also the stories we shared with each other about our service in our Corps and SF Fire Fighters we both knew. There were also the times that we would after having participated in Marine Corps funeral honors visit Molloy's. As Jack put it the consumption of a bit of "Irish Holly Water" was the final requirement in completing the mission.
I will miss those times and can not help but understand the pain of loss that Jan and Jacks family must be experiencing. He was 1in a million.
No matter how much we wish it were nothing is forever so time is important. One of my regrets is that I did not get to know Jack when he was the police commissioner for Broadmoore and I was working for Colma PD we shared so many common views, friends and associates. But I am so thankful that we finally met and I especially appreciated his service and support as a detachment officer when I was a detachment commandant and officer for the Marine Corps League Department of California, He often provided great advise and good leadership examples especially at events where he would lead us in proudly singing the Marine's Hymn.
If the Army and the Navy ever looked on Heaven's scene they will find the streets are guarded by Sgt. Jack Mc Closkey an other United States Marines.
Semper Fi brother your tour is complete may you rest in peace.
Belmo
George W. Smith
May 14, 2023
Jack, you were my Marine Corps mentor and friend. I will miss your smile, stories (all true) and friendship. Keep the street of heaven safe until we meet again, I'm buying the first round. Semper Fi Brother, George
Kris Smith
May 13, 2023
We are sorry for your loss Dan and family. Sending hugs, loves and prayers.
Mike & Kris Smith
Dan Gracia
May 12, 2023
Our condolences to the McCloskey family. RIP Jack. Dan and Annette Gracia
Lori White Rolovich
May 12, 2023
Heartfelt condolences to all the McCloskey family. I am so sorry, I am just seeing this news now. Our God has welcomed Jack into His loving embrace. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the McCloskeys...losing a loved one is one of life's heartaches.
God Bless,
Bill and Nancy Koenig
May 12, 2023
Dear Jan and family,
Our hearts are saddened to learn of Jack's passing. Jack was an incredible guy, as everyone knows, and it was a privilege to be his close friend. We had great adventures together, and both Nancy and I will always treasure our memories of the times we spent with Jack and Jan. Rest in Peace, my Brother.
Bill and Nancy Koenig
Patricia Campbell
May 12, 2023
My condolences on your loss. Sending your wonderful family love and keeping you in my prayers.
Worthy Brooks
May 12, 2023
To his Family. He was a good guy. A special man with a good heart. Rest In peace.
Tom Doudiet
May 11, 2023
Dear Jan and Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on Jack's passing. I first had the pleasure of working with him when he was the Deputy Chief's Operator at Station 19. Later, at Station 14, where we shared many happy watches (he the Truck boss - of course - and I on the Engine), one could always be sure to two things when he was working: (1) it was going to be good 24 hours; and (2) if we caught a fire, the building was going to be laddered and the roof opened up in short order. His Sunday truck drills were the ultimate learning experiences for new and old firefighters alike, due to his extensive experience as a Driver of Truck 1, in the days when it was in "The Alley" and when fires occurred on a very regular basis. He was a fine man and a great firefighter, always a gentleman, with tremendous command presence, and ever dependable. They don't make them any better!
Mary Fallah (Campbell)
May 11, 2023
So sorry for your loss. I have such wonderful memories of your dad and your family.
Frank Lagomarsino
May 11, 2023
Dear McCloskey family..Jack McCloskey was a key figure in MY life growing up. Whether it was being our Cub Scoutmaster or the father of my friend Joey. While I have not seen him in a while, my memories are vivid and I can hear his laugh. Rest in peace Mr. McCloskey, you touched many lives. Prayers to all the family
Robert & Marilyn Katzman
May 11, 2023
Our hearts are with you Jan.
We loved our dear friend Jack.
We have so many wonderful memories.
Jim Connors
May 11, 2023
God's speed Jack. You're a good man!
Ron Morehen
May 11, 2023
Jack was a character and always had a smile...
May he forever, Rest in Peace.
Ron G
May 11, 2023
I worked with Jack, a true professional and gentleman. He will be missed.
Fred Walsh
May 10, 2023
Please accept my sincerest condolences on your loss. Jack had a good heart and will be missed
Patrick Murphy
May 9, 2023
Joe and Family. I worked with your Dad and had the pleasure of hearing his amazing story telling. Rest in Peace.
Debbie DeFilippo
May 9, 2023
Dear Joe and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about your Dad, May God bless you and the family and may your hearts always be filled with wonderful memories.
Jerry and Debbie DeFilippo
John Poelstra
May 9, 2023
Joe my condolences to you and your family.
George Fogarty
May 9, 2023
Joe and family, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. I will keep him and your family in my prayers. Rest in peace Capt. Jack
Michael Patt
May 9, 2023
Jack was my Boss my first day in the firehouse. A storyteller indeed!
Many great memories of him, truly one-of-kind. RIP my friend
Sharon Udovich
May 9, 2023
Dear Jan and Family my deepest sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Jack was one of a kind that is for sure. He will always be one of my Boys of `55.
Showing 1 - 36 of 36 results
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May
18
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