Richard D. Klapp
08/03/1933 - 11/25/2024
Richard D. Klapp passed away at peace on November 25, 2024 after a long illness. He was born on August 3, 1933 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Clifford and Helen (Barton) Klapp. Richard is survived by his wife, Sue Bessmer, his daughter, Therese Porter (Rydell), his son, Michael Kenny (Karen), and stepson, Kevin from his marriage to Janet.
After high school and some time at Central Michigan University, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served honorably. In 1958 Richard commenced an outstanding career with the San Francisco Police Department. He rose through the ranks to Commander in 1985, retiring in 1988. Richard was one of the officers who established the Hostage Negotiation Unit, and successfully negotiated dozens of hostage situations as well as supervising training of 300 police hostage negotiators from 7 western states. He commanded the San Francisco Police Academy with an outstanding staff, training hundreds of police officers who served San Francisco with excellence, valor and distinction. Richard coordinated and commanded security details for the Democratic National Convention in 1984 and the visits of Queen Elizabeth and Pope John Paul II in 1987. In his distinguished 30-year career, Richard was awarded 10 Medals of Valor, 21 Captain's Commendations, 2 Police Commission Commendations, 3 Mayor's Commendations, 4 Board of Supervisors Certificates of Honor, and certificates of appreciation from the FBI and the U.S. Secret Service. Richard also enjoyed a fine relationship with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, consulting on security for Pope John Paul II's visit to Canada. In 1986, Richard met and married San Francisco State University professor Sue Bessmer. In 38 years of marriage, Richard and Sue were inseparable, happy, and they traveled the world. In recent years, Sue suffered from Alzheimer's Disease, and Richard cared for her as long as he could before his health declined and she moved to a memory care facility.
The family is grateful for the friendship and support of Alex Slippy and her family, Lorilei Griffin, John Galea, Joe and Anabel Sanzeri, Delia Jackson and Leslie Friedman. In addition, we appreciate the conscientious and compassionate care provided to Richard by Kaiser Permanente, the Kaiser Hospice and Palliative Care teams, Always Best Care, Home Care Professionals, Health Flex and the Golden Heights Healthcare skilled nursing facility.
Services will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, it is respectfully requested that a donation be made to the San Francisco Veteran Police Officers Association, the Alzheimer's Association, Kaiser Permanente Hospice, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Nov. 27, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Klapp

Sponsored by Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City.

7 Entries

Yolanda G

February 19, 2025

Richard was a regular customer of mine at his local car wash. He reminded me so much of my late grandfather. Everytime he came in he greeted me with nothing but a smile and a warm hug. I´ve been thinking about him a lot recently and to find this news absolutely broke my heart. I wish i knew our last hug goodbye was our last, i would´ve held on for longer. RIP MR. Klapp, thank you for all the smiles and laughs.

The Jackson Family

February 15, 2025

So sad to hear this. Richard was a constant fixture in the Jackson Family. He was a loyal and lifelong friend to my father Ron and mother Delia. We have fond memories of his visits . Richard was always there with an entertaining police story. He will be missed by the Jackson Family.

Richard Price

December 2, 2024

I knew Richard through his wife, Sue, especially while I helped prepare her book, "How the World Worked: From the Pharaohs to Christopher Columbus" for publication. He was unfailingly supportive of Sue's passion for sharing her understanding of history and economic forces. He was a gentleman and a fine storyteller. The best cop I ever knew.

George Fogarty (sfpd ret.)

November 28, 2024

To the Klapp family, I had the honor to work under the Commander in my first years in the Department. He was a great boss and a truly nice man, but always worried he might see me walking the beat without my hat on. I will keep him and your family in my prayers.

John Wyman

November 28, 2024

A great cop, and a better boss. Such a command presence, and a real gentleman. Don´t make `em like this anymore

Gary Pisciotto

November 28, 2024

Commander Klapp was on my oral board when I entered the Department in 1970. He was a sergeant at that time but had the presence of a much higher rank. I respected him from that time until his retirement. Rest in peace Commander.

kaaren langbehn alvarado

November 28, 2024

RIP.

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results