The monthly meeting of the Widow and Orphans Aid Association of the Police Department of San Francisco for September was called to order by President Bob Mattox on Tuesday September 10, 2013 at 1:45 at room 150 at the Hall of Justice.
Roll Call of Officers:
President Bob Mattox, Secretary Mark McDonough, Treasurer Dean Taylor, and Trustees John Centurioni, John Keane, Sally Foster, and Leroy Lindo were present. Vice President Al Luenow, and Trustee Joe Reilly were excused.
Approval of the Minutes of the August 2013 Meeting:
Trustee John Centurioni made a motion to approve the minutes from last month’s meeting on August 13, 2013. The motion was seconded by Trustee John Keane and passed without objection.
Receiving Applications for New Members; Suspensions and Reinstatements:
I am scheduled to address the 238th Recruit Class of the San Francisco Police Department on October 2, 2013, regarding membership to the WOAA. Additionally, I am scheduled for Tuesday October 8th to address the SFPD Retirement Seminar to address how to maintain the WOAA membership after retiring from the SFPD. Direct Deposit from the SFPCU to WOAA stops upon retirement. A member must resubmit a form to their financial institution if they choose to pay their membership fee with this method. A payment of $72.00 annually is due in January of each year whether by check or direct deposit.
Our suspension list of members still exceeds 40. We are gathering addresses to mail out a formal letter. One of our obstacles is obtaining correct information of members. Many addresses and telephone numbers have changed over the years and no updated information is available. We have relied on many members who have contact with the members who have not paid their bill. We have been able to make contact with members who have moved out of the area, or have retired and changed addresses and/or contact numbers. However, this method has proven to be very slow.
Any member who has retired in March of 2013 and has not payed their 2013 bill in full, will be eligible for suspension at next month’s meeting.
Communications and Bills:
We have had five members pass away recently and will pay out the benefit to the families or benefactor(s). A fifteen hundred dollar installment fee has come due for our yearly audit to the accounting firm of Burr-Pilger and Mayer. Trustee John Keane made a motion to pay those bills and our monthly telephone bill. Trustee John Centurioni seconded the motion which passed without objection.
Trustee John Centurioni made a motion to purchase a new computer for the Secretary of the WOAA, and not to exceed eight hundred dollars. The motion was seconded by Trustee John Keane which passed without objection.
The WOAA received a generous, and unexpected monetary donation of two thousand ninety-one dollars and seventy five cents from the 216th Academy Class of the SFPD. We graciously accept this donation with our heart- felt appreciation.
Report of Visiting Committee:
No report from the Visiting Committee this month.
Report of Trustees:
The WOAA received notification of four member deaths this month.
Joseph F. Engler: Joseph Francis Engler was born on 11-9-43 to Joseph and Mathilda Engler in San Francisco, California. Joe’s father, was a San Francisco Police Officer who would later retire at the rank of Lieutenant, and Joe’s Uncle George Engler also worked and retired from the SFPD. Joe would later have a son Joseph who is currently a Lieutenant and a third generation Engler in the SFPD. Joe attended Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Grammar School as a resident of the Sunset District in San Francisco and went on to graduate from Archbishop Riordan High School. Prior to entering the SFPD Joe was a mail carrier. Joe entered the San Francisco Police Department on 12-16-69 and was issued Star#239. Joe’s first assignment was at Richmond Station. Joe’s career had stops at Southern Police Station, the Warrant Bureau, Mission Police Station, and Communications. Joe performed his most satisfying work at the Psych Liaison Unit reaching out to fellow Department members and supporting them at their time of need. At this time Joe dedicated his life to helping others in the SFPD. He was an advocate for those who struggled with addiction and mental health issues. Joe served over 11 years in the SFPD Stress Unit assisting and mentoring police officers coping with post- traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse problems, relationship and grief counseling. In retirement continued his work as a counselor at the Lytton Springs Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center. Joe retired on 08-22-00 having his career touch five decades.
Joe also had a love of sports. Joe was a prolific softball player in the SFPD known for his power hitting. Joe was also an avid golfer who was known for his long drives off the tee. He had a passion for coaching which began in San Francisco as a youth baseball coach and continued later in Marin and Sonoma counties where he coached Little League Baseball, Pop Warner Football, and Park Recreation girls basketball and flag football.
Joe lived his life with a genuine care and concern for others. He laughed easily and had a big infectious smile. Joe devoted much of his time in retirement to being a supporter and number one fan of his grandchildren as he attended their sporting events, recitals, and competitions. Joe was also a volunteer for the Kiwanis Club of Healdsburg, and a member of the Healdsburg Sons in Retirement, a local golfing group. Joe is survived by his wife Kathleen and her children Rick (Tara) Cox, and Deanne “Missy” Allen Brunetta. Joe is also survived by his children Joseph (Nicole) Engler, Stephen (Anne) Engler, Kerry (Martin) Slattery, and Deborah (Robert) Royer. Joe is survived by his brother William (Constance) Engler, and his sisters Jean (Lou) Etcheverry, Maureen (Terry) Spithill, and Virginia Wolfe. Joe will be sadly missed by all who knew him, all who were touched by his compassion and care, and his 16 adoring grandchildren.
Franklin O. Greer: Frank was born on 02-08-34 in Dearborn, Michigan. Frank entered the San Francisco Police Department on 10-22-58 and was issued Star#1528. Frank’s first career stop was at Southern Police Station on 03-09-59. Frank transferred to Potrero, Ingleside, and Central stations before promoting to the rank of Sergeant on 06-01-68. Frank transferred back to Ingleside Police Station also worked in Communications before landing in the Internal Affairs Bureau in 1970. Frank worked I.A. for 7 years before returning to Ingleside Station. Six months later Frank returned to I.A.B. and then Central Police Station before retiring out of I.A.B. on 07-08-84. After retiring from the SFPD, Frank moved to Meridian, Idaho where he built a home. Frank met, and married his faithful wife Kathryn who remained at his side until his passing on 09-08-13. Frank was 79 years old. Frank leaves behind his wife Kathryn, his two daughters Diana Lynn Hicks and Deborah Ann Franzella, his step-daughter Rachel Orenda Sass along with several nephews, nieces, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Kathryn described Frank as a man of many words who became a man of few words. Kathryn stated that Frank will be remembered as a “man’s man” and will be missed by all those he befriended in their time of need. Kathryn stated that Frank would appreciate being remembered as someone who loved the lord and served him whenever possible. Kathryn also stated that Frank built a rare character in himself that will carry over into the next world. Frank was her love, her light, and her sweetness.
Norman Rice: After a courageous battle with cancer, Norm died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Saturday August 31, 2013. Norm was a native San Franciscan and grew up in the Glen Park area of the city. Norm was born on 02-03-63, and graduated from Archbishop Riordan High School in 1981, and furthered his education at City College of San Francisco where he earned a degree in Criminology. He was married on October 17, 1994 to the love of his life, Jean. Norm graduated from the San Francisco Police Academy in June of 1995 as a member of the 178th Recruit Class. Norm proudly served the citizens of San Francisco for eighteen years. Norm was a sports fan as he rooted for the SF 49ers, but considered attending a Giants game with link in hand to be a “perfect day”. Norm loved to travel and his love of golf took him around the country with friends in search of the “perfect green”. Norm was known for his booming laugh. Norm is survived by Jean, his wife of eighteen years, father Norman Rice Sr., mother Cecilia Rice, brother, Peter Boza, sister Elizabeth Melendez, and brother David Rice. Norm cherished being an Uncle to several Nieces and Nephews. He also leaves behind a large extended family, countless friends and treasured Police Family members. Norm was a devoted son and husband, a loyal friend, and loved by all who met him.
Morris Tabak: Morris was born on 12-28-53, in Santiago, Chile. Morris entered the San Francisco Police Department on 06-26-78 as a member of the 131rst Academy Recruit Class and was assigned to Star#499. Prior to Morris’ several promotions, he worked in patrol at Northern and Ingleside Police Stations, Parking and Traffic, and Crime Scene Investigations. Morris was promoted to Sergeant on 03-18-92 and was assigned to the Fraud Detail in the Investigations Bureau. Morris was subsequently promoted to Inspector as he gained the Dual-Rank status the same year. Morris transferred to the Burglary Detail in 1993 where he remained until promoting to Lieutenant in 1998. Morris was then assigned to Potrero Police Station, then named Bayview Station. Morris established himself as a leader who was concerned about the officers that worked for him. Morris was then transferred to Personnel and Staff Services where he he was respected by both the sworn and civilian personnel under his command. Morris Tabak was the Officer-in-Charge of the Special Investigations division during and after the attacks of 09/11. Morris had a vital role in shaping the responses of the SFPD during those tumultuous times. Morris rose to the rank of Police Captain in 2004. Morris was assigned as a Captain to the Investigations Bureau. Morris went forward as he was appointed to the ranks of Commander, Deputy Chief, and then the number two in command of the SFPD as the Assistant Chief. Morris Tabak had a reputation for doing the job “by the book” while at the same time being recognized by the rank and file as a police leader who had their best interest at heart. Morris retired on 09-17-10. Morris is survived by his wife Debbie Daher, and his sons Dan (Livermore Police Department), Michael (San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office), and his daughter Adelina.
Henry Kind: age 93: William Kind was born on 10/03/20 in San Francisco, California. Henry attended Galileo High School in San Francisco and went on to serve his country in the U.S. Coast Guard at an age younger than 18. Henry wanted to serve his country and told them he was 18 years of age providing paperwork that he was able to obtain for verification. That was in 1937. Henry served from 1937 to 1947 and left the armed services as an Aviation Chief and Electronics Technician. Henry subsequently served in the Navy Reserves for 16 more years. Henry met and married his wife Florence, in San Francisco in 1941. Florence predeceased Henry in death one month shy of their 59th wedding anniversary. Henry, upon his discharge from the Armed Services in 1947, entered the San Francisco Police Department that same year. Henry was assigned star#264 and was transferred to Ingleside Police Station from the Academy. Henry had assignments at the fore-mentioned Ingleside Police Station, Mission Police Station, Central Police Station, Head-quarters Crime Prevention in 1949, and was promoted to Asst. Inspector in 1953. Henry was also promoted to Sergeant in 1959 gaining ‘dual rank’. Henry worked for and retired in 1972 out of the Fraud Detail. Henry then worked for California Medical Board as a Regional Supervisor for seven years. He moved to St. George, Utah in 1979 where he continued to enjoy golfing, swimming and reading. He is survived by his daughter Patricia Carpenter of San Diego, his son William (Jaynie) Kind of Los Altos Hills(Ca), his two grandchildren Kenneth Ellefsen and Shelley Kind, and great-grandson Tyler Ellefsen. Henry experienced a great many adventures throughout his life in the Armed Services and the SFPD and once was granted a trip by the Fugitive Detail to pick up a prisoner in Bahama’s, via Spain. The Prisoner was a suspect in one of Henry’s cases.
Report of Special Committee:
A special committee of our Trustees has been assigned to review our proposed updates and changes to our Constitution and By-Laws of the WOAA. The Committee will meet and render their findings for a final proposal in the next few weeks.
Unfinished Business:
Our work-in-progress Web Page should be completed by the end of this year, or early next year We will be giving updates until we are operating at full strength.
New Business:
I will be attending the Retirement Seminar on October 8th to address the membership on managing their membership dues into retirement. We are also considering speaking to the Retirement Board in hope that they can remind members to schedule their dues for the WOAA, or set up a direct deposit after retiring. An SFPCU direct deposit form will be included in our Website when it is fully functional.
Good of the Association:
No entry.
Adjournment:
President Mattox adjourned the meeting at approximately 2:45pm with a moment of silence for our fallen members. President Mattox set the next meeting for Tuesday October 8, 2013 for 1:45pm in room#150 at the Hall of Justice.
All Members:
We have 39 letters of suspension being mailed out to unpaid members. Formal Letters will be sent out with their status. If you are an unpaid member please contact me 415 681-3660 so we can quickly resolve the issue. Any member who is suspended for the 6 months non- payment of dues, will be carried for an additional 6 months. If a member is unpaid for one full year, they will be dropped from the membership. We can, and will, resolve these issues within our membership Constitution and By-Laws. We are dedicated to keeping our members and we are committed to “working with you’ in an effort to keep you with us.
We were unable to obtain addresses for the below listed unpaid members. If anyone can assist us in making contact with these members please call me at 415 681-3660. If we are unable to contact these members they will be dropped from our membership on January 1, 2014:
Paul Craib, Gerald Doherty, Juliana Garcia, Jack Girot, John Lynch, Thomas Murphy, Kenneth Scalmanini, Dagmar Strand, and Irwin Tuttleman. We appreciate any assistance in this matter.
Please be sure that your beneficiary forms are up to date with your current information and your choice of beneficiary. Direct Deposit for dues in January of each year is the most efficient way to pay. This can be done through your financial institution. You can always mail us a check or any correspondence to:
WOAA
P.O. Box 880034
SF, CA 94188
Submitted by Mark J. McDonough
WOAA Secrerary