Ronald Gaggero
October 28, 1935 - January 9, 2022
Ronald Gordon Gaggero passed away peacefully with his family by his side at his home in San Francisco on January 9, 2022 at the age of 86.
Ron was a proud third generation San Franciscan born on October 28, 1935 to Joseph and Jeanette Gaggero, the younger brother of the late Joe Gaggero Jr. He was the devoted husband of Jacqueline (Havira) Gaggero, married in 1963 after "nurse Jackie" took care of his mother.
He was a loving father to Michelle (Mike) O'Driscoll, Chris (Valerie) Gaggero and Phil (Kris) Gaggero, and beloved "Poppy" to Matt and Connor O'Driscoll and Parker and Zoey Gaggero. Special friend to Lorraine and the late Al Vidal, Joe Gualco, Loren Wilson, Kenny Lee, Rob Fung, and countless others.
Ron grew up in the Portola District across from a baseball field later named for his father. After attending Sacred Heart High School (playing on four championship baseball teams, MVP of the East-West All-Star Game), he graduated from UC Berkeley, co-captaining the Bears' 1957 College World Series baseball championship team. A talented third baseman, he played for several years with the St. Louis Cardinals' minor league team. Ron excelled at baseball, and was later inducted into the Sacred Heart Athletics Hall of Fame in 1983 and the San Francisco Prep Hall of Fame in 2001.
After baseball, he began working as a teacher at Marina Middle School, where he taught physical education and coached for 38 years, winning city championships in baseball, basketball, track and volleyball. In 1999, Marina's East gymnasium was renamed the "Ron Gaggero Gym", where a plaque notes that "his inspiration and support brought out the very best in students." Voted "Favorite Teacher" numerous times, he delighted in running into his former students all over town.
An avid San Francisco sports fan, he loved watching and analyzing the Giants, Warriors and Niners. He greatly enjoyed fishing with "the Captain", catching striped bass in the Bay. Every Friday since his retirement in 1998, he joined his buddies including Steve Zolezzi, Dick Muzio and Don Troya for golf in the North Bay. Ron also travelled extensively with his wife, from visiting Cooperstown and U.S. ballparks, to cruising to Italy and Australia, to relaxing in Calistoga and Tahoe.
A caring friend to many neighbors, Ron could always be counted on as the "Mayor of 33rd Avenue." He was an honest, caring, upstanding San Franciscan who will be greatly missed. The family thanks the many doctors, nurses and caregivers who helped Ron with his illness over the last few months.
Friends may visit after 10:30 am with rosary preceding the Funeral Mass at 11:30 am at Holy Name of Jesus Church at 1555 39th Ave. in San Francisco on Thursday, January 20, 2022.
Private interment at the Italian Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep Athletics or UC Berkeley's baseball program.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jan. 13 to Jan. 17, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Gaggero

Sponsored by Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City.

13 Entries

Tom McGee

January 7, 2023

Again -Knew the Gaggeros family .Both boys playing ball and Father behind the plate. I am 81 and jplayed for Dick Murrays teams and loved Playing against Ron and Joe Jr when he umpired. True SF baseball family . You are missed. Friend Tom McGee

Gerald Fleming

February 24, 2022

To Ron's Family,
I just now heard of this, and am saddened. Ron was a great guy, great laugh--I can still hear it-- a wonderful, wonderful teacher beloved by the kids at Marina and a man deeply respected by colleagues at Marina. He was an institution there, a backbone of the school. May he rest in peace.

Friend

January 26, 2022

Mrs. Gaggero and Family,
"When we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. May you take comfort in knowing that you have an angel to watch over you now. We extend our most sincere condolences to you and your family. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace." Amen.

Neighbor

January 26, 2022

Mr. Gaggero, You were a wonderful man. You touched the lives of many people in a positive way, thank you. May you RIP.

Michelle ODriscoll

January 25, 2022

Michelle ODriscoll

January 25, 2022

Michelle O'Driscoll

January 20, 2022

Thank you to all that attended my father´s services. He was widely respected and loved well. Some photos from the services.

The BD and Marketing Team

Planted Trees

Lori Perry

January 17, 2022

I´m sincerely saddened to hear about Ron´ passing. May he rest in peace and may your family memories with him bring a smile to your faces over time. I know he was very loved.

K.C. and Tonya Mattox

January 17, 2022

My husband and I attended Marina Middle School in the early 80's. We have fond memories of Mr. Gaggero and have referenced him many times over the years. He was always smiling, fun and funny. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. RIP.

Pati Murray Boyd

January 16, 2022

My dad was Ron´s coach at Sacred Heart. Many wonderful memories of watching all those games. Heartfelt sympathy to Ron´s family.

Mark Weinberger

January 15, 2022

I had Coach Ron for sixth and seventh grade P.E. at Marina Junior High School in the late 1970s. I was not athletic, competitive nor coordinated, but he was always there to support my efforts, and was a wonderful teacher.

Tom McGee

January 14, 2022

I knew the Gaggero boys and their Dad. Umpires all in the city league. Great family --Many of the old tymers have passed on. All good players and good umpires they loved baseball. God Bless you ,brother Joe and your Dad Joe Sr.

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