The Widows’ and Orphans’ Aid Association of the San Francisco Police Department held their monthly meeting on Tuesday June 14, 2022 via Zoom Technology.
Roll Call: President Rob Forneris, Secretary Mark McDonough, Trustees Ryan Walsh, Leroy Lindo, Ray Kane, Jim O’Meara, and Maureen Leonard, and Administrative Assistant Sally Foster were present. Vice President Louis Barberini was excused.
Approval of the Minutes: Trustee Ray Kane made a motion to approve the May 2022 minutes. President Rob Forneris seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Applications and Suspensions; and Reinstatements: Trustee Ray Kane responded to the San Francisco Regional Police Academy and presented our membership to 15 members of the 275th Recruit Class. Ray signed up 10 new temporary members into the WOAA. President Rob Forneris made a motion to accept the new temporary members. Trustee Ryan Walsh seconded the motion. The motion passed. The new members will be temporary until the pass their probation phase in the San Francisco Police Department. The new members are as follows: There are no new suspensions. Suspended members who have recently paid their back dues and fines are reinstated by the WOAA Board: Joel Ayelworth, Jeff Barry, John Cagney, Tecia Clifford, Christopher Creed, James Drilon, Anthony Damato, Mike Dempsey, Brandon Erwin, Geroe Ferraez, Russ Gordon, Peter Hamilton, Patrice Heath, Cornelius Johnson, Julia Little, Susan Manheimer, Sean McEllistrim, Irene Michaud, Mark Monpas, Elmer Najarro, Micah Norris, Christopher Sabella, Taylor Sherman, Christopher Smith, Kenneth Syring, Mykael Thompson, Elisha Turner, and Wesley Villareal. Those members are in good standing. The following members remain suspended. We have been unable to contact several of the following members. If there is any member, or reader that can assist us in contacting any of the following members, please contact me at 415 681-3660: Michael Cattaneo, Adam Eatia,
John Fergus, Stepanie Fujihara, Ron Liberta, Mark Macias, Brandon Martin, Lloyd Martin,
Dan McAuliffe, Viola M Christina McCall, Roger Morse, Duc Nguyen, Adrian Osorio, Christopher Salazar, Rebecca Schiff, Carson Schilling, Anthony Srinivas, Henry Tam,
Herschel Ticzon, Joshua Tupper, Rich Wise, and Alicia Worthington Castillo.
Communications and Bills: Treasurer Dean Taylor read aloud the monthly bills. Treasurer Taylor stated the WOAA paid out beneficiary claims for deceased members Robert Alberigi, James Deignan, and Warren Yee. Treasurer Taylor paid a bill of $1,057 to the IRS, and reimbursed Vice President Louis Barberini in the amount of $1800.00 for the Jim O’Meara Presidents Dinner. Secretary Mark McDonough made a motion to pay all the bills and beneficiary claims. Trustee Ray Kane seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Report of Visiting Committee: No report this month.
Report of Trustees: We received the sad news of the passing of the following three WOAA members:
Robert Alberigi, age 85: Robert Craig Alberigi was born in San Francisco. Robert was a San Anselmo Police Officer prior to joining the San Francisco Police Department. Robert joined the San Francisco Police Department on Monday March 16, 1970. Robert was assigned to Star #49 and worked the following units during his 24-year career: Richmond Police Station (July 19, 1970), Robert was promoted to Asst. Inspector on January 1, 1972, BSS (March 2, 1976), Inspector’s Bureau/Auto (October 9, 1977). Robert was transferred to Medical Laison on January 16, 1993, and separated from the San Francisco Police Department on August 31, 1994.
Larry Barbieri, age 69: Larry was born in San Francisco, California on August 8, 1952, to Bruno and Mary Barbieri. Larry lived most of his formative years in the Portola District of San Francisco, and at age 14, met the love of his life- Patty Kallas. Larry attended Woodrow Wilson High School and graduated from Mills High School (Millbrae) in 1970. Larry and Patty married in 1973 and inseparable for the next 49 years. Larry and Patty shopped weekly at the Farmer’s Market, and frequented Mary’s Pizza Shack for Spaghetti and Meat Balls, Larry’s favorite dish. Larry prided himself with his incredible knowledge of San Francisco city streets and locations. One of Larry’s greatest joys in life was being a father. From the day his two sons were born- Mike and Steve- to the day he passed, Larry instilled a love of family and appreciation of life that will continue. Larry and his sons spent time watching Golden State Warrior games and debriefing after every game. Larry was predeceased by his father Bruno, his mother Mary, his sister Lara, and his two Golden Retrievers Kobe and Rocket. He is survived by his wife Patty, and his two sons Mike and Steve, his daughter-in-law Lisa and by his niece and nephews and many cousins. Larry joined the San Francisco Police Department on December 27, 1976 and was assigned to Star #960. Larry worked the following assignments during his 7 plus years with the S.F.P.D.: Property Clerk (July 5, 1978) Police Garage (August 15, 1979), Police Academy (February 1, 1981), (July 1, 1981), Property Clerk (July 20, 1981). Larry made a career decision as he separated from the San Francisco Police Department on July 25, 1981 and began a 35-year career with the San Francisco Unified School District.
Dennis Russell. Age 79: Dennis M. Russell was born on September 6, 1942, in San Francisco, California, where he later met and married his High School Sweetheart Tarel. Tarel preceded Dennis in death in 1999. Dennis was a standout baseball player at then powerhouse Sacred Heart High School in San Francisco. Dennis graduated from Sacred Heart in 1960. Dennis was inducted into the SHCP (Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory) Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016. He played professionally for the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants Minor League system before joining entering into a career in Law Enforcement. Dennis is listed as having been a Janitor prior to his Law Enforcement career in San Francisco. Dennis joined the San Franciso Police Department on June 16, 1965 (Wednesday). Dennis was assigned to Star #1882 (and worked the following assignments during his 36-year career: Park Police Station (September 5, 1965), Potrero Police Station (November 1, 1966), Richmond Police Station (January 2, 1970). Crime Information Detail (April 20, 1970), Richmond Police Station (January 24, 1971), Co. K. (February 1, 1971), Crime Specific Task Force (CSTF) (January 25, 1976), Central Police Station (July 1, 1976), Co. K. Solo (January 18, 1978). Dennis retired with a Service Pension on February 2, 2001. Awards: Dennis Russell was awarded a 3rd Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered on February 11, 1968. Dennis, with Officers William Moe and James Molinari, responded to a call of a man seated in a car and holding a rifle. One Officer was able to rush up to the open car window and grab the rifle from the suspect’s hands. However, the suspect then raised a revolver and pointed it at the Officers. After a violent struggle, the suspect was disarmed and arrested. Dennis was awarded with a Bronze Medal of Valor (formerly called the 3rd Grade Medal of Valor), for services rendered on Tuesday September 27, 1977. Dennis and his partner James B. Taylor, were alerted by citizens at 1800 hours, that a man had just slashed a woman’s face on Maiden Lane, and was threatening other nearby citizens. Russell and Taylor arrived at Maiden Lane and observed the suspect holding the straight razor in his right hand in a threatening manner upon their approach. Russell and Taylor circled the suspect until Taylor lunged at him. Russell also grabbed the suspect and a violent struggle ensured until the Officers disarmed and arrested the suspect with no further injuries to anyone. Dennis was awarded a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on Monday July 21, 1980. Dennis, with Lt. Stan Damas, and Sergeants Roy Hilvert and Gary Epperly, responded to 1018 Mission Street on a call of a man armed with a gun and having a dispute with the Hotel Manager. The above awarded Officers located the suspect on the fourth- floor hallway. Three Officers approached the suspect from the front and one from the rear. The suspect pointed his gun at all the Officers in both directions, then hesitated, and finally placed the gun on the floor. The suspect was taken into custody. During his Police Career, Dennis participated in the Cops for Christ Outreach Program. Dennis served the City for 36 years and almost all as a member of the elite Motorcycle Squad. Dennis was called for duty and served as a medic in the Army National Guard from 1967 to 1970. Dennis was an avid and knowledgeable sports fan. He enjoyed coaching youth and high school baseball, traveling, animals, and riding Harley Davidson Motorcycles. However, he will be remembered for his love and dedication to his family. Tami cherished her time with Dennis and loved driving through San Francisco together. Tami stated that Dennis would tell her that his expert knowledge of San Francisco would enable then to take short-cuts and save time. However, Tami stated that while taking the Dennis Russell routes, he would point out various locations where he had made an arrest and had an interesting story from his life, or in baseball or from his Police career. Tami stated that this always delayed their short-cut trips and resulted in the drive taking longer that expected. However, Tami never minded as she loved hearing Dennis’ accounts from the different locations in San Francisco. Dennis was an excellent Pedro player and also played Rummicub with Tami and would win 9 out of 10 times. Dennis would also watch his grandsons play baseball from an isolated spot out in foul ground in the outfield enjoying his family, the smell of the grass, and the game itself. Dennis was a fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Rams and would have a friendly competition with his 4 brothers-in-law San Francisco fans when the Dodgers played the Giants and the Rams played the 49ers. Dennis’ wit and love of history, and stories will be sorely missed. Dennis is survived by his wife Tamsen, three sons Casey, Ryan, and Jordan, two daughters-in-law (Jaime and Karen), his two step daughters (Tessa and Kjerste), 14 grandchildren, and a large extended family.
Old Business: The WOAA has one last President Appreciation Dinner remaining for this year. Past President Al Luenow is the final Past President to be honored if he so wishes. We will reach New Business: No report this month.
Good of the Order: No report this month.
Adjournment: President Forneris led the WOAA Board in a moment of silence for passed members Robert Alberigi, Larry Barbieri, and Dennis Russell, and for all our members who have passed away. President Forneris scheduled our next meeting for Tuesday July 12, 2022, which will take place via Zoom technology.
To All Members: Members can access a new beneficiary form, for any updates or changes, by using our website at sfwidowsandorphans.org. Click on the Resources box on our face page, follow the link, and print out the form. Please complete all requested information and obtain a signature of a NOTARY or a signature from one of our WOAA Board Members. Send the form to us at WOAA, P.O. BOX 4247, San Rafael, CA 94915-4247. I can be contacted at 416 681-3660. We give our thanks each month to the following people who assist our efforts to give our members the best customer service possible: Retired San Francisco Police Captain and the long-standing Defense Administrator of the San Francisco Police Officers Association(SFPOA), Paul Chignell; Retired San Francisco Police Lieutenant and the host of the Gold Country Reaper Email that reaches thousands of Active and retired Officers, Rene LaPrevotte; Retired San Francisco Police Sergeant and the long-standing editor of the SFPOA Journal, Ray Shine, Risa Tom of the Police Commissioner Office, David Ng of Personel, and Leah Daye of the SFPOA.