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Martin Kilgariff Obituary
02/27/1935 - 12/18/2024
Martin Joseph Kilgariff passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family.
Born to Annie and Martin Kilgariff and raised on Faxon Ave. in the Ingleside, he was the second of nine children. Martin attended St. Emydius and Lincoln HS. He served in the US Army and was stationed in Germany. Martin received his BA in PE from SF State, MA in Public Admin. from Golden Gate University and a JD from Lincoln Law School. He was employed by the SFPD, SFFD and CCSF where he touched many lives over his 40 year teaching career. He loved golf and was a timekeeper for CCSF football. Martin was involved in: the Serra Club, St. Stephen's, Hibernian Newman, Sons of the Shake, Holy Cross Mission Center, Pomeroy Center, Riordan HS, St. Brendan's, Holy Sepulchre, SF Youth Court, HICAP, SF Civil Grand Jury and Star of The Valley Church.
His Irish heritage and Catholic faith were core to his identity and he believed in giving back to his community. Martin was a man of intense curiosity, who liked to tinker, travel and was a gracious host to all. He loved ice cream and we will fondly recall the times we shared a cone or bowl of his favorite treat.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years Carole (Peixotto); 4 children; Martin (Eileen), Stephen (Yvonne), Aileen Catanzarita (Michael), and Mary Kate Weese (Ken); 11 grandchildren; Martin (Lauren), Kathleen (Mike), Kevin (Tatiana), Rebecca (Nate), Sarah, Colette, Thomas, John, Ryan, Anna, and Claire and his great-grandchildren; Sammy, MJ, Dean and Will; his siblings and in-laws; John Cloherty, Michelle, Michael (Liza), Jim, Rich Castro, Sister Mary RSM, Kevin, Josephine Brown and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his siblings and in-laws; Teresa, John, Kathleen, Pat, Dan, Dan Peixotto, and Fr. Joe Peixotto CSC.
Friends are invited to attend a memorial Mass on Saturday, January 4, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Star of the Valley Church, 495 White Oak Drive, Santa Rosa. In lieu of flowers, donations are gratefully accepted at Catholic Charities of Santa Rosa.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Martin Kilgariff
Sponsored by Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City.
Bryan Gould
February 6, 2025
Carole, You'll remember me from City College ceramics (Roy Walker, 1961), when we were good friends. I was sorry to see the obit for Martin. I live in San Rafael with my wife of many years. I'd be delighted to hear from you (415) 455-0605 Best wishes to you and your family, Bryan Gould
Jason Amezcua
January 21, 2025
On behalf of the students, faculty, and administration of Lincoln Law School of San Jose, we wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Martin Kilgariff (Class of 1976). Martin's commitment to both his family and community is a great example to us all. We are proud that he will forever be a part of our school's history and legacy.
Jason Amezcua - Dean, Lincoln Law School of San Jose
Ron Morehen
January 1, 2025
I remember the City College days and Marty teaching Fire Science classes. Great guy and a real gentleman. Enjoyed seeing him at the SFFD retirement lunches.
God Bless you brother and forever Rest in Peace.
Cynthia and Jack Major
December 31, 2024
Martin´s in-laws lived next door to us and we shared the same neighborhood. Martin was a good man. Jack and I send condolences to his wonderful wife, Carol, and beautiful children. RIP Martin.
Dennis O´Neill
December 30, 2024
Always known as Mr. Kilgariff to me. Kind man and fantastic instructor at CCSF. Legendary San Francisco civil service family. RIP Mr. Kilgariff.
Marlyn Burns Smith
December 30, 2024
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
George Fogarty
December 30, 2024
Marty and family, I´m sorry to read of your loss. I will keep our dad and family in my prayers.
John Beckerley
December 28, 2024
Always so friendly to New Firemen, a great Irish Fireman from a great loving Irish family. So we say goodbye to a great fireman and person. RIP
Condolences to all his family.
George Alboff
December 28, 2024
Marty was my instructor at City College back in the day when many of us were preparing to enter the fire service. Always most amiable & helpful towards that objective. When the hiring list came out he reached out to congratulate me for doing well. A person I always respected & admired.
George Alboff
Gary Peixoto
December 27, 2024
Martin was a guy who was larger than life and never seemed to age! He brought a lot of joy, love and great stories to our family reunions. He loved his family deeply and will be dearly missed.
Don Scheppler
December 27, 2024
To the entire Kilgariff family, my sincere condolences, just 2 doors down on Faxon avenue in the 50s and SFFD 60s 70s 80s 90s fond memories! God Bless. Shep
Elmer Carr
December 27, 2024
I met Marty at CCSF Fire Technology Class in 1969. He and his sidekick, Fire Captain Al Potter were the instructors. Both exceptional teachers and fantastic men. Marty always gave an interesting lecture. I got in the SFFD in 1974, but I frequently called Marty for advice for friends who wanted to become firefighters. He never let me down and personally met with the applicants and gave them tips to take the test. I worked with his brothers, Jim and Mike.
Great fireman and really quality people.
RIP, Brother
Elmer Carr
Ruben Nunez
December 27, 2024
Our condolences to the Kilgariff Family at this difficult time, may he Rest In Peace.
Ruben Nunez `82
Pat Martinez
December 27, 2024
Marty was our fire science instructor at CCSF. He was a great communicator and fun to be around. He encouraged many students to pursue a career in firefighting and many did ,myself included. After all he was a Kilgariff ,all legends, great people. May he rest in peace. In admiration, Pat Martinez, SFFD Ret.
Kathy Lollock
December 27, 2024
My deepest sympathy for your loss of such a fine man. Sister Mary, please know I am thinking of you, your family, and Martin's wife and family during this sad time.
Sincerely,
Kathy Maniscalco Lollock
John Wyman
December 27, 2024
Marty and Family, my deepest condolences to you all. Although it´s been years since I´ve seen your dad, I remember him well with a great smile. It warms my heart to see that he was loved and surrounded by your family, and was able to live a long and fulfilling life
Dan Dunnigan
December 27, 2024
To the Kilgariff Family, I am so sorry for your loss, prayers and condolences to you. Mr. Kilgariff was a great San Franciscan, one of the best! May he Rest In Peace
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