Charles Anthony Ratto

With great love surrounding him, Charles Anthony Ratto peacefully received his angel wings at his Westlake home of 70 years, on Sunday, November 21, 2021, at the age of 99. He lived a full life and was a gift from God to his family, friends, and those who had the pleasure to meet him. The son of David and Marie Ratto, Charles was born on January 27, 1922 in San Francisco. He spent his childhood years there, graduating from St. Anthony’s Grammar School, then went on to Sacred Heart and Mission High Schools.

Charlie (Dodo) was the dearly beloved husband of the late Vula Ratto (1983); dedicated and adored father to Joan (former spouse Brian) Eagleson, and Jean (David) Korn; beloved grandfather, affectionately known as “Grumps,” to Edward (Megan) Korn and Philip (Sara) Korn; loving great-grandfather to Braeden, MacKenzie, Everly, and Gemma Korn; and loving companion of 19 years to Eleanor Bizzo, who affectionately referred to him as “Chucky.” He was a loving brother to the late David (Sarina) Ratto; Barbara (John) Walsh; and Ethel (Ed) Hiller, Phyllis Morrisey and beloved “Uncle Dodo” to the late Lenore Walsh and Jim Faso. “Uncle Dodo” is survived by his many loving nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews who have always held a special place in his heart.

Charlie was a Naval Veteran of WWII, stationed in the South Pacific. After his service, he worked several jobs, but found a passion for the newspaper industry. This led to a 45-year career with the SF Printing Co. as a “web” pressman and eventually a foreman. You can thank him for the printing of your daily S.F. Chronicle newspaper.

In his retirement, Dad enjoyed traveling to many destinations with Eleanor, taking care of his home, particularly his prized lawn, (which was the envy of the neighborhood), picking up his grandsons from school and attending their sporting events, doing the Daily Jumble, and looking out for and helping his neighbors and friends. He was always “the rock” for his beloved daughters. His sense of humor, positive attitude, and twinkle in his eye will be remembered by all.

Dad would not have made it so gracefully to 99, had it not been for the kindness, good care, and love of his caregivers - Nina, Moana, Caroline and Sela to whom we will always be grateful. Thank you to the Crossroads Hospice team for helping Dad transition to his last days. He made the world a better place just by being in it. He was deeply cherished and loved by those who knew him and he will be dearly missed.

The family is having a private burial at Golden Gate National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life Mass and reception will be held in January 2022.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Peter Elementary School Scholarship Fund, 1266 Florida St. S.F. 94110, or your favorite charity.