The Widows’ and Orphans’ Aid Association held their monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 1100 hours. We used Zoom technology for our meeting.
Roll Call: President Ray Kane, Vice President Jim O’Meara, Secretary Mark McDonough, Treasurer Dean Taylor, Trustees Maureen Leonard, Lou Barberini, Rob Forneris, Ryan Walsh and Leroy Lindo, and Administrative Assistance Sally Foster were present.
Approval of Last Month’s Minutes: President Ray Kane made a motion to accept the minutes from our April 2026 meeting. Trustee Ryan Walsh seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Receiving Applications; Suspensions and Reinstatements: No new applications. Administrative Assistant Sally Foster mailed out over 50 suspensions to members who did not pay dues in 2026. The suspended members are suspended from all privileges. Suspended members will be dropped on August 1, 2026 if we do not receive their dues and fines. Suspended members Jim Gratz and Gaylicia Buntin paid their back dues and fines and were reinstated as WOAA members in good standing.
Communications and Bills: Treasurer Dean Taylor read aloud our monthly bills and a beneficiary claim. The yearly audit and our regular monthly bills and a beneficiary claim for the beneficiary of deceased member Jack Nyce. Trustee Maureen Leonard made a motion to pay the bills and beneficiary claim. Trustee Lou Barberini seconded the motion. The motion passed. Treasurer Dean Taylor has provided the following reports to the WOAA Board: Monthly expenditure reports from Wells Fargo, KCM Schwab Investment reports of our portfolio including history and market charts, and our year-to-date expenditures. Secretary McDonough sent our 2025 Summary Annual Report to the WOAA Board in February 2026, and to our Website Manager in March 2026.
Report of Trustees: The WOAA Board received the sad news of our following members who recently passed away:
Dennis M. Costanzo, age 81: Dennis Michael Costanzo was born in San Francisco, California on March 7, 1946. Dennis entered Law Enforcement with the California Highway Patrol but made a career change. Dennis entered the San Francisco Police Department on September 28, 1970 and was assigned to Star #620. Dennis worked the following assignments during his 30-year career: Central Police Station (January 24, 1971), Ingleside Police Station (January 16, 1980), FOB (February 5, 2000. Dennis retired with a Service Pension on June 23, 2000. After retiring from the San Francisco Police Department, Dennis and his wife Linda moved to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and enjoyed the pursuit of Gold until dredging was banned, Dennis also enjoyed his time restoring his 1955 Chevy Bel Air. Linda and Dennis enjoyed bowling, an activity Dennis enjoyed during his career by participating in the Police Olympics. AWARDS: Officer Dennis M. Costanzo was awarded with three Police Commission Commendations, and one Bronze Medal of Valor. Officers Dennis Costanzo, Gregory Cash, and William Wasley, and Sergeant Thomas I. Stack were each awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on Sunday November 28, 1971. Costanzo and the above-named Officers prevented a man from leaping to his death from a sixth-floor fire escape on Mason Street. Officers Dennis Costanzo and Robert J. Geary were each awarded with a Bronze Medal of Valor for services rendered on Tuesday May 18, 1976. Costanzo and Geary responded to a call of a woman attempting suicide by entering the San Francisco Bay. Costanzo and Geary spotted the woman floating approximately 100 feet from shore. Costanzo and Geary entered the water and grabbed onto the woman who was beginning to sink. Costanzo and Geary brought the woman to shore, and administered CPR. A responding ambulance arrived and the woman made a full recovery. Officer Dennis Costanzo, with Captain Michael Yalon, Sergeants William Bush and Gregory Lynch, and Officers John Denny, Vicent Cantillon, Daniel O’Shea, Phil McGee, Luis Hamilton, John Lanfranchi, Barry Weaver, Bruce Fairbairn, Dean Sorgie, Michael Pawsey, Paul Swiatco, Richard Quesade, Stephen Spranger, Lawrence Mahar, Joanne Lozenski, Michael Gonzales, Manuel Correris and Michael Smith were each awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on January 21, 1991, On that date, there was large celebration held at the Civic Auditorium to commemorate Martin Luther King Day. Opposing Youth Groups inside the event had clashed resulting in a shooting of one Juvenile which took his life. The above listed Officers were pulled from different Commands to take control of the large and hostile crowd. Officers searching for the shooting suspect were led to the train station where the searched the train cars for the suspect. Officers located and arrested the suspect and seized his loaded firearm. As a result of the apprehension, Officers obtained incriminating evidence from witnesses and involved individuals, and later cleared up an armed robbery case. Officer Dennis Costanzo, and Officers Stepen Spranger, Troy Carrasco, Juan Daniels, Hector Jusino, Michael Rivera, Joseph Salazar, Angelina Sanchez, Judith Solis, Harry Soulette, and Lt. Nicole Greely and Sgt. Robert Deltorre were awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on January 8, 1997. Officers Costanzo and Stephen Spranger informed Lt. Nicole Greely that they had noticed a crime pattern in the Ingleside District, with early morning window smash burglaries of small businesses. Lt. Greely immediately staffed an operation to stop the burglaries. The burglaries began to occur outside of the Ingleside District. Lt. Greely was able to staff the operation with additional officers. Sgt. Robert Deltorre was assigned as the Task Force Coordinator. Critical information was developed which resulted in the Task Force Officers being placed in the correct locations. In the early morning rain, the two burglary suspects were captured as they attempted to escape into the Sunnydale Housing Community.
Terry E. Esget, age 86: Terry Edgar Esget was born on September 8, 1938, in Lily, South Dakota. Lily, South Dakota no longer exists as the population shrank to zero, ultimately dissolving in 2017. Other than Terry Esget, the only notable person from Lily was Hubert Humphey’a maternal grandfather. The closest known town is Sioux Falls, South Dakota which is a two- hour drive south. Terry was a Mail Clerk prior to his Law Enforcement career in San Francisco. Terry entered the San Francisco Police Department on July 1, 1966, and was assigned to Star #753. Terry worked the following assignments during his 27-year career: Taraval Police Station (September 12, 1966), and Southern Police Station (April 20, 1977) until he retired with a Service Pension on May 17, 1993.Station (September 12, 1966), and Southern Police Station (April 20, 1977) where he worked until retiring with a Service Pension on May 17, 1993. AWARDS: Officer Terry Esget was awarded with one Meritorious Conduct Award and one Police Commission Commendation. Officers Terry Esget and John P. Robinson were awarded with a Meritorious Conduct Award for services rendered from Monday November 11, 1974 to Monday January 6, 1975. Esget and Robinson conducted an outstanding investigation which led to the arrest and indictment for murder of a suspect who had shot and killed a man for no apparent reason. After interviewing numerous persons and searching vast amounts of district records these Officers tediously put together bits and pieces of information which led to the suspects identification and subsequent arrest. Officer Terry E. Esget, with Officers Randall Kocher, Gerald M. Neybert, and Sergeant Frank Ryan were each awarded with a Police Commission Commendation for services rendered on Thursday January 10, 1985 at 1100 hours. The Officers responded to 7th and King streets on a call of a man attempting to kill himself by cutting his wrists and throat. The man was threatening all persons with in his reach with weapons he held in each hand, one razor box-cutting tool and sharpened paper-cutting scissors. Under the excellent leadership of Sergeant Ryan, the Officers surrounded the man, rushed and subdued him in a humane manner and assisted medical personnel in their efforts to treat the man’s self-inflicted wounds. Prior to his career in Law Enforcement, Terry served his country as a member of the 82nd Airborne Infantry Division in the United States Army. Terry had always been an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt and fish. He was known for his strong faith and his dedication to the community and family. Terry is survived in death by his loving wife Laura, his children Tiffany and Brent, his brother Gary (retired SFPD), sisters Velva and Danna, four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and step-sons Lance and Tyson and family.
John Wesley Finney, age 98: John W. Finney was born on January 12, 1928, in the Watts district of Los Angeles, California. John spent his early years in Los Angeles and excelled in Football and track. While enrolled at Compton Junior College in 1946, he was named Southern California Football Player of the Year by Helms-Olympic Athletic Foundation. Later that year, he made history as the first African American to play in the “Little Rose Bowl “in Tyler, Texas. He later attended The University of San Francisco on a Football Scholarship and later played semi pro football for the Petaluma Leghorns, however his football days ended with a knee injury. While at U.S.F. and a Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, John earned his degree in Business Administration. John graduated from U.S.F. and went to work for the San Francisco Municipal Railway. John decided to park the Bus in the Muni Barn and entered the San Franisco Police Department on September 9, 1955. John was assigned to Star #1081, and worked the following assignments during his 16-year career: CO. K FP (January, 1956), and the Juvenile Bureau (July 8, 1856) where he worked until resigning on March 19, 1971. AWARDS: John W. Finney was awarded with a Third Grade Medal of Valor. Inspectors John W. Finney, Gus Coreris, John Fotinos, Sterling Weatherspoon, and Lieutenant Frank J. Gregg were each awarded with a Third Grade Medal of Valor for services rendered from March 14, 1963 to March 20, 1963. Their investigation led the arrest of an adult and three juveniles who were responsible for throwing lye in the face and eyes of the proprietor of a food store. Through the diligent and painstaking investigation conducted by the Inspectors, the perpetrators of this crime were identified, located and placed under arrest. The victim lost sight in one eye. John continued his education earning a Master’s Degree from San Francisco State University in Administrative Services and a teaching credential from U.C. Berkely. In 1972, John joined the Vallejo City Unified School District. As a principal of a continuation school, he transformed it into the highly respected People’s High School. His innovative approach became a model for other schools. John ascended to the role of Director of Alternative Education. The People’s School was renamed the John W. Finney High School and has since evolved into the John W. Finney Educational Complex. John served as a substitute teacher while being a member of Blue Rock Springs Golf Course. John completed a cross -country journey visiting family and friends, John is survived by his wife of 25 years, Vanita Finney, and many family members and friends. John made an impact in education, and his legacy lives on.
Ora E. Guinther, age 80: Ora E. “Whitey” Guinther was borne on June 26, 1945 in San Francisco, California. He entered the San Francisco Police Department on February 16, 1967, was assigned to Star #693, and worked the following assignments during his 30-year career: Taraval Police Station (May 15, 1967), Northern Police Station (August 28, 1970), Taraval Police Station (November 22, 1970), Inspectors Bureau (May 2, 1973), Park Police Station (April 24, 1974), Co. K. (January 1, 1975, promoted to CS Asst. Q-35), . Inspectors Bureau (February 4, 1975, permanent Q-35), CSTF (January 25, 1976), Homicide Detail (March 31, 1976). Ora E. “Whitey” Guinther retired with a Service Pension on July 25, 1997. Whitey was a member of the All-Saints Lutheran Church where he dedicated his time for the Church and the community. Whited also served the church as the President of their council. Whitey will be remembered for his strength, loyalty, integrity, sense of humor, and unwavering and dedication to family, faith, and community. Whitey is survived by his loving wife Linda Guinther, his son Robert Guinther, and his daughter Claire Fitzgerald and his extended family and friends.
Report of Special Committee: No Special Committee this month.
Old Business: No report this month.
New Business: President Ray Kane made a motion to order an actuarial report, and to have monthly financial records from the KCM Schwab Investments sent to our President. Trustee Ryan Walsh seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Good of the Order: No report this month.
Adjournment: President Ray Kane led the WOAA Board in a moment of silence for our recently deceased members. President Kane adjourned the meeting and scheduled our next meeting for Tuesday June 9, 2026, at 1100 hours.
To All Members: Members can access new beneficiary forms from our website if changes are needed. Click on Resources and follow the link. Print the form and provide us with the required information. Contact me by cell phone (415) 681-3660 or by email at Widowsorphans825@gmail.com for further processing instructions. Each month we thank the following people who assist our Board and Membership on an on-going basis: Retired San Franciso Police Captain and the Defense Administrator of the San Francisco Police Officers Association (SFPOA), Paul Chignell; Retired San Francisco Police Lieutenant Rene LaPrevotte, Retired San Francisco Police Sergeant and the Editor of the SFPOA Journal Newspaper, Ray Shine, Maggie Wang of Personnel, and Kristine Sing and Stacy g of the Police Commission Office.
