Michael Lewis Ohleyer

1938 - 2022

Michael L. Ohleyer

Michael (Mike) Lewis Ohleyer passed away at home in San Rafael the evening of January 6, 2022. Born March 15, 1938, to Lewis and Helen Ohleyer, and raised in the Sunset, he lived a full, satisfying life. His accomplishments are many, but if he were asked how he would want to be remembered, he would talk about his love for family. Never has there been a person so strong and focused with such a gentle, quiet manner…unless you were his Pedro partner, had the lead and were short on trump, but then didn't know enough to go off suit.
Mike first met Teresa (Terry) Rollo on a high school double date. The daughter of Italian immigrants, Fortunata and Longino, Terry didn't agree with the evening's plans. Mike flipped her a quarter and said she should take the streetcar home. She did. He showed up at her high school shortly thereafter (resulting in Terry getting suspended) and then at her job at Kress' Five & Dime to ask her on a date. She again turned him down, not believing she had yet been asked out properly. This began a 66-year love story. Together they raised three children, daughter Tracy Bettles (David), sons Mark (Gabrielle) and Brian (Eleanor, now Harrington) who preceded him in death in 1996. Mike is also survived by his sister, Carol Ricci (Tom) and predeceased by his youngest sister, Donna Coffey (Richard). Along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews, he is survived by his brother-in-law, Frank Rollo (Christine). He was "Papa" to Bettles grandchildren, Cole (Meg), Sean and Elliot, as well as Tera, Brian and Daisy Ohleyer. If not having dinner with Terry, his favorite routine included an afternoon workout at the Olympic Club, a conversation in the bar about sports or politics, and then a full evening with friends around the corner at the Bohemian Club.
A San Franciscan at heart, Mike graduated from St. Cecilia's, St. Ignatius, and USF, before receiving his law degree from Columbia University, New York. He worked and practiced law in The City for over 50 years, first at Thacher, Albrecht & Ratcliff while concurrently serving on the County Board of Tax Appeal in 1967. In the evenings he taught U.S. History at San Quentin. His longest tenure, starting in 1969, was at law firm Titchell, Maltzman, Mark, Bass, Ohleyer and Mishel. Mike was keenly interested in politics, especially San Francisco's. Most notably, he served as George Moscone's advisor and treasurer during his successful 1976 mayoral campaign and as a key advisor and elected officials liaison to the Honorable Barbara Boxer when a county supervisor, member of the House and U.S. Senate.
An avid, competitive handball player, Mike served as president of the Olympic Club in 1991, taking silent pride in his role opening the club to women members. Always one to boil any issue down to a few words, he said, "Women are as much a part of amateur sports as men, and that's what the club is about." Equally important to him, he played an integral role in establishing the non-profit Olympic Club Foundation (formerly Winged O) providing athletic opportunities to Bay Area kids. He gave to others continually and quietly, receiving the Pomeroy Recreation & Rehabilitation Center's "Man of the Year" award in 1999.
An A student in academics and life, it can't be left out that every time he and our mother went out, upon returning home, we kids would ask her his grade for the night. Because he didn't socialize much, she pointed her finger at him and proclaimed, "D minus!" Awards and grades were never his goal.
His grandchildren say his words carried tremendous weight. When Papa spoke, they listened. Michael Ohleyer was happiest around the dinner table listening to Louis Prima and celebrating family.
A memorial service followed by a reception will be held at the Olympic Club, Lakeside from 4p. - 8p. on February 24, 2022. Proof of vaccination will be required.
Please consider a donation to:
Brian Longino Ohleyer Scholarship Fund at Brown University
Pomeroy Recreation & Rehabilitation Center
St. Ignatius High School