The Widows’ and Orphans’ Aid Association of the San Francisco Police Department met on Tuesday June 12, 2018 at the Hall of Justice in San Francisco. The meeting was held at 850 Bryant Street in room #125 at 1230 hours.
Roll Call: President Leroy Lindo, Vice President Ray Kane, Secretary Mark McDonough, Treasurer Dean Taylor, Trustees James O’Meara, Al Luenow, Rob Forneris, Ryan Walsh were present. Trustee Lou Barberini and Bookkeeper Sally Foster were excused.
Approval of the Minutes: Trustee Al Luenow made a motion to accept the minutes from the May 2018 meeting. Vice President Ray Kane seconded the motion. The motion passed without objection.
Receiving Applications, Suspensions, and Reinstatements: Vice President Ray Kane responded to the San Francisco Police Academy on Monday May 21, 2018 and presented our membership to the 259th Recruit Class. Ray successfully signed-up twenty-nine out of the thirty-six class members. Suspended members were presented to the board for reinstatement after receiving their dues and late fees. Trustee Jim O’Meara made a motion to remove the suspension and reinstate the below listed members. The board unanimously approved by vote, to reinstate the following 2018 suspended members: Jesse Byrd, Luis Casteneda, Kevin Cleary, Joey Coggan, Kevin Conroy, Amy Cole, Catherine Daly, Leeana Dawydiak, Lewis Fong, Edward Fowlie, Ava Garrick, Belinda Kerr, John Minoli, Reggie Scott, Patrick Sullivan and John Troche. The following suspended members were sent a letter of separation having been dropped from our roll for non-payment of dues: Michael Coffey, Albert Fernandez, and Eugene Messerschmidt.
We apologize for listing Joseph Cordes , Michael S. Becker, and Mitch Holohan in our member suspensions. Joseph Cordes is not a member of the WOAA. Michael S. Becker’s dues were paid by the SFPCU who does not use middle initials. They credited the incorrect Michael Becker. Suspended member Mitch Holohan paid his dues through the SFPCU and the payment did not make it to us. Our apologies to Mitch.
Communications and Bills: Treasurer Dean Taylor presented our regular monthly bills and death benefits to be paid. Trustee Jim O’Meara made a motion to pay the bills and member death benefits. Trustee Ryan Walsh seconded the motion. The motion passed without objection.
Report of Visiting Committee: No report this month.
Report of Trustees: The WOAA Board received the sad news of the passing of our following members:
Nick Marota, age 95: Nick Marota was born on January 19, 1923 in the heart of North Beach at Kearney and Green Streets to Fernando and Theresa Marota. Nick graduated from Galileo High School in 1941 and then served proudly in the U.S. Coast Guard aboard the USS Cambria. Nick was employed as a “bottler” prior to entering the San Francisco Police Department. Nick started his career with the S.F.P.D. on April 16, 1956 at age 32. Nick was assigned to wear star #1841. Nick worked the following assignments during his 25 year career: Richmond Police Station (July 9, 1956), Southern Police Station (January 2, 1957), Park Police Station (October 16, 1957), Southern Police Station (November 17, 1958). Nick retired with a service pension on July 14, 1981. Nick was awarded a 3rd Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on August 7, 1963 for arresting an armed suspect who was threatening citizens with a knife. Nick and his partner Vincent Senatore engaged in a physical confrontation with the suspect who had brandished the knife when confronted by the Police. Nick, Vincent, and the suspect fell to the pavement as Nick and Vincent were able to overpower the armed suspect. They disarmed the suspect and placed him in custody. Police Officers Michael Conway, William E. Kwarte, David Roccaforte, Raymond Shaffer and James B. Hall were awarded a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered in December of 1977. The named Officers placed an Arsonist in custody after the suspect has set 374 5th Street on fire, shot a fireman, and then barricaded himself inside. No further information. Nick with Lieutenant Art O’Keefe, Sergeants Edward Epting and David Connell were awarded a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on Tuesday April 11, 1978. Nick, with Sgt. Ed Fowlie, and Officers George Cima, and Robert F. Colman chased and apprehended a fleeing bank robber. Nick was preceded in death by Dody his loving and devoted wife of 58 years. Nick was the adored and proud father to Barbara Rommel (deceased), Valerie Marota, Nicole Walker (Jerry), loving grandfather to Nicholas Nicolini (Kristy), Giovanna Imbimbo (Dante), Jennifer Maxwell (Jeff), Natalie Sapeta, Joey Rommel, and most cherished “Pa” to Mario Nicolini, 5 great grandchildren, Plus 1 more in July. Nick was a loving brother to Cecilia Cadelago, Sal Marota, and Fred Marota (Liz).
Denis Moody, age 72: Dennis Eugene Moody was born on April 27, 1946, in Sacramento, California. Dennis served his country as a member of the California National Guard. Dennis was a food clerk prior to entering the San Francisco Police Department. Dennis joined the S.F.P.D. on May 17, 1971. Dennis was assigned to star #316 and worked the following assignments during his career: Ingleside Police Station (August 1, 1971), Central Police Station (July 15, 1973), Ingleside Police Station (October 14, 1973),Northern Police Station (March 9, 1974), Richmond Police Station (March 30, 1991), Traffic Solo (December 5, 1998), FOB (May 10, 2001). Dennis retired with a service pension on July 4, 2001. During the 1980’s, Dennis served a unincorporated area in Sonoma County as a volunteer firefighter. His hobbies included model trains. Dennis was an official Lionel dealer representative for several years. Dennis’ other hobbies included fishing, antiquing, and shooting black-powder firearms. Dennis is survived by his loving wife Donna.
Donald Ostrem, age 87: Donald J. Ostrem was born on February 25, 1931, in San Francisco, California. Don was born to Jenny and Severen Ostrem who had emigrated from Norway .Don graduated from Balboa High School and City College of San Francisco. Don married his High School sweetheart Doris Tozi in 1953. Prior to his Law Enforcement career, Donald was a Warehouseman. Donald entered the San Francisco Police Department on September 1, 1956 and was assigned to star #1481. Donald left the Police Academy on November 27, 1956 and worked the following assignments during his career: Mission Police Station (November 27, 1956), I.D. Bureau (May 3, 1957), Crime Lab (June 1, 1975). Donald was promoted to the rank of Q-50 Sergeant on September 10, 1980. Donald retired with a service pension on January 1, 1986. In the late 1970’s Don and Doris moved to Sebastopol. Don commuted to work from Sebastopol. In 1982, Don was living alone and had a next door neighbor named Susan who was also alone. Their friendship eventually led to marriage in December of 1984. Don and Susan found an acre of land in Auburn, California where they have lived since their retirement. They traveled about the United States in their RV, and traveled on nine cruises. Donald Ostrem passed away on May 19, 2018 and is survived by his wife Susan, his three children Donna, Diane, and David ((Sara), and by his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
James Sullivan, age 90: James J. Sullivan Jr. was born on June 17, 1927 in San Francisco, California. He attended St. Cecilia School (the finest, the greatest, and the best- St. Cecilia Motto), Lowell High School, and San Francisco City College. On August 16, 1952 Jim and Jean were married at Mission San Carlos Borromeo in Carmel, CA. Jim was a veteran of the United States Army having served in El Paso, TX. Jim was a salesman prior to his Law Enforcement career. Jim entered the San Francisco Police Department on August 16, 1954. Jim was assigned to star #1613. Jim worked the following assignments during his career: Ingleside Police Station (September 27, 1954), Headquarters Communications (February 16, 1956), Court Liaison (May 30, 1977), Potrero Police Station (August 23, 1978). Jim was promoted to the rank of Q-50 Sergeant on February 7, 1973. Jim retired on September 23, 1980. Jim will always be remembered for his smiling Irish eyes, quick wit, warm personality, and for being a true gentleman. Jim is survived by his wife Jean of San Rafael, his son’s Mark (Barabara) of Dallas, Texas, James (Janet) of Palm Desert, Patrick (Kelly) of Carmichael, CA, daughters Jeannie Platt (Cary) of Plano, Texas, and Maryanne Ralston (Jerry) of Templeton, CA. “Papa Jim” will also be missed by his grandchildren Mia, August, Joseph and Jeanette Sullivan, Ryan and Emma Platt and James, Lauren and Grace Ralston. James Joseph Sullivan Jr. passed away peacefully on May 1, 2018 at the age of 90, with his wife Jean of 65 years by his side.
Charles Wettstein, age 87: Charles Wettstein was born on April 23, 1931 in Daly City, California. Charles graduated from St. James High School in 1949. Charles coached the Riordan High School (formerly St. James High School) varsity basketball team for two years. Charles served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Charles was employed as a “Milk Driver” prior to his Law Enforcement career. Charles entered the San Francisco Police Department on June 16, 1957. Charles was assigned to star #1179 and worked the following assignments during his career: Ingleside Police Station (September 23, 1957), detailed to BSS (September 24, 1957), Narcotics Detail (February 6, 1961). Charles was promoted to the rank of Asst. Inspector on November 25, 1966, and to Q-35 full Inspector on July 12, 1972. Charles retired on August 8, 1976 on a disability pension. Charles was awarded with a 2nd Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on January 1, 1962 for the arrest of an armed assailant who had shot a citizen. Charles and Assistant Inspector Douglas Koppang arrested the suspect after the suspect had fired three shots at a Soldier. They responded to the scene and observed the suspect sitting in a vehicle. Charles and Douglas grabbed the suspect, pulled him out of the automobile, and disarmed him. After retirement, Charles served as the Director of Security for Swiss Bank Corp in San Francisco. Charles and Dee retired to Prinveville, Oregon where he loved gardening and spending time with his dog Rosie Girl. Chuck was an avid San Francisco Forty-Niner fan having attended all five Super Bowl Victories. He also enjoyed participating in the Central Oregonian Football Contest and was a six time winner. Charles is survived by his wonderful wife and best friend for more than 66 years, Dee (Holland) Wettstein, his loving daughters Linda Christ (Peter) of Birdsboro, PA, and Susan Markie (Don Litchfield) of Fair Oaks, CA. Charles is also survived by grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Report of Special Committee: No report this month.
Unfinished Business: The Constitutional rewrite was a topic of discussion. It has been a long process. The WOAA Board reviews the proposed changes and occasionally adds or deletes changes. We are hoping to send out the proposed changes for a membership vote this year.
New Business: Dues Payments- Treasurer Dean Taylor proposed a motion that we accept advanced payments for dues. Secretary Mark McDonough seconded the motion. The motion passed without objection. Many members have requested sending dues for more than one year.
Good of the Order: No report this month.
Adjournment: President Lindo led the WOAA Board in a moment of silence for all of our fallen members. President Lindo scheduled our next meeting for Tuesday July 9, 2018. The meeting will be held at 850 Bryant Street room #125 at 1230 hours, in San Francisco, California.
To All Members: Blank beneficiary forms are available on our website at sfwidowsandorphans.org. Locate the Resources box on the upper right side of the face page. Click on Resources and the beneficiary form link will appear. Print out the form. Please mail the completed form with beneficiary information, personal contact information, and your email address, to WOAA, P.O. Box 4247, San Rafael, CA 94913-4247. I can be contacted at 415 681-3660 or by email at markmac825@comcast.net. Our monthly gratitude and thanks go to the following people who assist us and support our efforts: Retired S.F.P.D. Captain and the current POA Defense Administrator Paul Chignell, Risa Tom and Sgt. Rachael Kilshaw of the office of our Police Commissioner, David Ng of Personnel, Retired S.F.P.D. Lieutenant and host of the Gold Country Reaper website Rene LaPrevotte, Retired S.F.P.D. Sergeant and current POA Journal editor Ray Shine, and to the entire Traffic Command Staff and Officers who afford us a room for our monthly meetings, and space for our file cabinets.