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Robert Fennell Obituary
November 5, 1939 - September 9, 2015
Robert Anthony Fennell passed away September 9, 2015 surrounded by his loving family.Bob, a fifth generation San Franciscan, was born on 11/5/1939, and raised in Noe Valley.
He attended Riordan High School where he was an outstanding track star.
He graduated from SF State with a B.A. and M.A. degree in Special Education.
He worked as a lifeguard at both Fleishhacker's Pool and Stinson Beach. He became an SF Firefighter in 1966. He had an illustrious career and was given numerous meritorious awards for outstanding service and bravery; and he was recognized as "Fireman of the Year". He established the Water Rescue Program in the SFFD, which was responsible for saving many lives, and continues to do so.
He was truly a "Renaissance Man" in that he excelled in many areas of life: author, sculptor, poet, athlete, waterman, outdoorsman.
His family was his priority in life. He is survived by his loving wife Joanne, and adoring children Mike (Lia) and Keri (Andres), and four wonderful grandchildren (Lilly, Nico, Meghan, and Avery). He is also survived by his loving sister, Kathy (Joe) and devoted brother Gerry.
The family wishes to thank Kaiser Hospital of Marin for their compassion and professionalism, especially K. Muirhead, M.D. along with Aimy Tanaguchi - Wilbur, M.D. for her devotion to the family.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, 9/16/2015 at 11:00am at Mission Dolores Church, 3321 16th St. @ Dolores, SF., with interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, 1500 Mission Rd Colma immediately after Mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the San Francisco Fire Department Water Rescue Unit and the Marin Humane Society are appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Fennell
Sponsored by Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City.
Ron Morehen
September 22, 2015
I enjoyed working with Bob at Station 14 back in the 70's, a great guy, a gentleman and an artist, he will be missed...God Bless him, may he forever, Rest in Peace
Cathy Quistgard
September 21, 2015
Kathy an Fennel family, So sorry for your loss. Prayers and positive thoughts for all of you.
September 18, 2015
Condolences to the Fennell family. Bob was a class act..I grew up across the street from him. I was two years younger than him.I also was two years behind him at St Philips and Riordan..I always knew him to be a class act. One of those people you know in life to be looked up to. I too was a fireman..This is from my family also..The Jensens...God Bless.....Chick
JoAnne Miller
September 18, 2015
Goodbye Bob, we'll see you again someday. You will surely be missed by many. Here is 1 last hug for you
September 15, 2015
Too soon cousin. We finally meet and you are gone. A short time that we will never forget and will always cherish. I drink an Irish toast to you and will never forget our short time together. Rest in Peace.
Gary McDonald
I will miss our trading of family history. We will miss you.
Arlene McDonald
Mark and Carol
September 15, 2015
Dear Jo,
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. We'll miss seeing Bob near the water ,whether in Hawaii or the coast of California... he was a true gentleman and great friend! Aloha Oe,dear Bob.
love and hugs to you Jo,carol and mark
Mona Muniz
September 14, 2015
Dear Joanne,
Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of Bob. So many memories of the early years.
Ramona
September 14, 2015
I was in the same SFFD class with Bob and always held him in great esteem. Very sorry for the loss of a truly fine firefighter and gentleman. Frank Loughran Petaluma, CA
Erin Cox
September 14, 2015
Joanne and Family,
Needless to say we were shocked and saddened to hear about Bob. If asked to capture who he was it could be summed up as his being a truly honorable and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. What a joy to have known him. We hope and pray time will bring you comfort and peace. With all our love, Erin and Ken
September 14, 2015
Dear Joanne,
I was so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Chuck and I always enjoyed the time we spent with you and Bob. My love and prayers are with you and your family.
Loretta Lee Hartley
September 14, 2015
Joanne, my condolences to you and your family. I think of you often and the positive influence you had on my three children (Zachary, Tyler and Lindsay) and feel your sadness. I remember the love in your voice and how proud you were of your husband, Bob. Best regards, Leslie Blumenthal
September 14, 2015
Joanne and family: My sincerest condolences to you and your family. Bob and I were classmates in grammar school and neighbors. He will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers for you and your family that God will help you through this difficult time. Connie Hooper-Aguilar
September 13, 2015
My Condolences to the Fennell Family. I Grew up on Elizabeth St. They were a Wonderful Family. Great old Days in that Neighborhood. May he rest in peace Joanne (Byrne) Wiggins.
September 13, 2015
Jo, Mike, Kerri, Cathy and Gerry - my condolences on your loss. Bob was a good friend and good man. I will remember him fondly. Yoli
September 13, 2015
My heart felt condolences to the Fennell family. Bob was a wonderful man who effected many people's lives in a loving and supportive way. He is a hero to those who knew and loved him. He will be missed, but never forgotten. With love and fond memories, Cindy
September 13, 2015
Bob was great friend and supporter of the National Park Service and good friend.
JR Tomasovic
Deputy Chief Ranger Golden Gate NRA (retired)
September 13, 2015
Our love and prayers are for you, Jo, and your family.
We will truly miss our friend and our wonderful conversations.
September 13, 2015
Dear Joanne, it's been a long time for us, but I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Hope you are well. We should try and catch up. My email is [email protected]. Joy Holmes Maguire
carlos harvey
September 13, 2015
Sending love and prayers to the Fennell Family. My heart goes out to you. Lt. Harvey O.F.D.
Will and Megan Arambula
September 12, 2015
We give our condolences to the fennell family.. What a beautiful family and incredible man. We love you
Will and Megan Arambula
September 12, 2015
We give our condolences to the fennell family.. What a beautiful family and incredible man.
al kerr
September 12, 2015
SO SORRY JOANNE. BOB ALWAYS IMPRESSED BY HIS COURAGE AND INTELLECT
Chang Family
September 12, 2015
Our condolences to the family, and we are so very glad to have met Bob this year.
Robert Bergeron
September 12, 2015
Bob was a man whom I always held in very high regard both as a friend and a co worker. I am devastated by the news of his death. Bob Bergeron
Archbishop Riordan High School
September 12, 2015
The faculty,staff and students of Archbishop Riordan High School extend their deepest sympathy to the Fennell Family. Mr.Fennell will be remembered in our daily prayers
September 12, 2015
So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was a very special neighbor and a good friend. Love and prayers, Marge Mahoney
September 12, 2015
fond memories from years past,life guarding,
water rescue, and SFFD...a true friend of all living creatures! Rest in peace...the Pidge family
September 12, 2015
Hugs & Kisses to you all. Bob was a wonderful person and will be missed!
Dan & Debbie Knutson
Marty and Dolly Roberts
September 11, 2015
Bob will always have a special place in our hearts. He did so many wonderful things and touched many lives.
We will always remember the special time we had together at our dinners
He always had a special smile and a good sense of humor
HE will be missed
.His wonderful children will carry on for him
HE will truly be missed
Our love and prayers,
Marty and Dolly
Tim Phipps
September 11, 2015
Bob was a true gentleman and a good friend to all of us who were lucky enough to know him. He was an invaluable help to the GGNRA and Presidio Fire Dept in getting our water rescue program launched. As much as I admired Bob as an instructor, I was fortunate to consider him as a friend and I think I speak for all the lifeguards, Rangers , and especially firefighters when I say God bless and a job well done. Rest now faithful servant.
Isabel (is-e) Hogan
September 11, 2015
So very sorry for your loss. Will keep the family in my prayers
Sharon Andreazzi
September 11, 2015
sending my condolences to the family. Bob will
Always have a special place in my heart. He was always putting others first. I will always be thankful for the special pendant he gave me
When I was very ill. God bless him and all
The family.
Sharon Andreazzi and family
September 11, 2015
.
We have so many fond memories of Bob.WE shared many years getting together with our dinner group
He was truly loved by so manyHe always had a smile and you never heard he complain.
Our prayers are with all your family
Love and prayers.Marty and Dolly
JoAnn Willis
September 11, 2015
I was just remembering how much fun we had with Bob at the party celebrating out 75 years. He had a smile for everyone and was such a gracious host.
Peter Schembri
September 11, 2015
A kind heart and giving soul has left us.
His good deeds live on after him.
September 11, 2015
I love you daddy and promise to make you proud.
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