Peter was born in San Francisco on February 12, 1932 to Irene and Francis Ashe. The youngest of eight, he was preceded in death by his siblings Mary Jane, Francis, Cyril, Barbara, Joan, Joseph and Michael. He is survived by Helen, his loving wife of over 60 years; daughters Cynthia (Jed), Michelle (Bill) and Lisa; granddaughters Cassandra (Andrew) and Devan; and many nieces and nephews.

A lifelong San Franciscan, Peter attended St. Monica's, followed by St. Ignatius HS ('49). He graduated from USF with a BA in English, where he later completed his JD. He was admitted to the California State Bar in 1969 and earned a Masters from SF State in the 1980s.

A First Lieutenant in the US Army, Peter served as a guided missile officer in England during the Korea conflict. In his 43-year career with the SF Recreation and Parks Department, he rose from playground director (McKinley, St. Mary's Park) to assistant superintendent of recreation. He was a member and chair of the Board of Trustees of the SF Employees' Retirement System. He maintained a private law practice, focusing on pension and retirement law. He was Regent Emeritus with Hanna Boys Center and a longtime parishioner and choir member at Holy Name of Jesus Church.

Peter hated ties and dress shirts. He was a voracious reader, strong swimmer and terrible golfer. A lifelong Democrat, he avidly followed and debated politics. He loved music and found comfort in singing. He proudly nurtured his eccentricities, much to his daughters' chagrin. He loved his wife (AKA "Big Red"), daughters, and granddaughters more than life itself, cherishing summer vacations at Russian River and Lake Tahoe. Upon retirement, he and Helen traveled abroad extensively. A man of great integrity and the highest principles, he was a knowledgeable resource and reassuring sounding board to family and friends; a diligent mentor to those starting their careers; and a fierce advocate for his colleagues and clients. Above all, he was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.

Visitation: Thursday, December 26, beginning at 4pm, and rosary at 7pm, at Duggan's Serra Mortuary, 500 Westlake Avenue, Daly City. Memorial Mass: Friday, December 27, 11am, Holy Name of Jesus Church, 1555 39th Avenue, San Francisco. Donations may be made in Peter's name to Hanna Boys Center (www.hannacenter.org/how-to-give/donate/) or charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Dec. 18 to Dec. 26, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Ashe

Sponsored by Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City.

11 Entries

December 26, 2019

Helen,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Keep the faith. We wish all the best for you.
Our best to you and your family,
Deb and John Strebel

December 26, 2019

I was one of the lucky kids in the 50s and 60s who had Pete as "our playground director" at Mckinley school yard. He ran a fairly tight ship and I'm sure kept a lot of us out of trouble. Although we often gave him a lot of flack (as teenagers are wont to do) he was loved by all of us and I'm sure he knew it. More recently for the past several years some of us and Pete had lunches together at the Boulevard Restaurant in Daly City where we mostly discussed the "good old days". He was a good man and will be missed.

December 25, 2019

Above all, Peter was a kind man. I spent many hours in his office in meetings or just chatting. My vocabulary greatly improved.

John LeTourneau
Burlingame, CA

Armando Mayorga

December 24, 2019

Peter coached our team to a City Kickball Championship in 1956 via McKinley Grammar School. I still have the medal-I was eleven years old at that time. I am very moved to learn of his passing.

December 23, 2019

So Sorry to hear about his death.Knew of him through Daniel Murphy the past sheriff. He struggle with health issues for a long time. His wife was devoted to him. She has lost her best friend, Carol Williamson

December 21, 2019

If I could attempt in describing Peter Ashe - let me give U one example. Many years ago, I was the shop steward for the awesome tree toppers. At the time, I was working diligently requesting a salary adjustment for my class. However after two years, my efforts were at a complete stalemate between the City & the Union.

When Peter became informed of the situation- he generously volunteered his time & expertise. Very soon (with Peter's involvement), the Tree Toppers MIRACULOUSLY were successful for our salary adjustment!!! All because one man cared enough & - HIS actions benefited many (a WHOLE CLASS!!!). That's the kind of guy Peter was!!! He truly cared about people - & IT SHOWED!

Thank U dear Peter - your compassion, professionalism & love for the working class of San Francisco always shined so brightly!, God Bless & R.I.P. Tree Girl Mary

Sean McGrew

December 21, 2019

RIP Mr. Ashe. You were a ray of sunshine on gloomy days.

Janice Gloe

December 19, 2019

Heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Peter. I am so sorry to learn of his passing. Peter was such a wonderful and caring man. I was grateful to work with him at San Francisco Recreation and Park Department for many years. I always had great respect for and appreciation of him. He was always supportive, kind and helpful to me. I will always remember him.
Rest in Peace Dear Peter.

sharon hicks

December 18, 2019

Your McKinley Schoolyard "kids"-circa mid to late 1950s-will never forget the playground director who, in teaching them the rules of various games, also managed to instill more than a few "life lessons"at no extra charge. We were so pleased that you were able and willing to attend many of our Schoolyard reunions. Rest in Peace, Pete, and thanks for the memories.

Jim Delfino

December 18, 2019

Your compassion for people and your love for family and friends will be always remembered.
Rest In Peace Peter

Shawna McGrew

December 18, 2019

Peter was not only a good friend but a wonderful supervisor in the RPD and a wonderful husband and father

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