Ronald Gaggero

Ronald Gordon Gaggero passed away peacefully with his family by his side at his home in San Francisco on January 9, 2022 at the age of 86.

Ron was a proud third generation San Franciscan born on October 28, 1935 to Joseph and Jeanette Gaggero, the younger brother of the late Joe Gaggero Jr. He was the devoted husband of Jacqueline (Havira) Gaggero, married in 1963 after “nurse Jackie” took care of his mother.

He was a loving father to Michelle (Mike) O’Driscoll, Chris (Valerie) Gaggero and Phil (Kris) Gaggero, and beloved “Poppy” to Matt and Connor O’Driscoll and Parker and Zoey Gaggero. Special friend to Lorraine and the late Al Vidal, Joe Gualco, Loren Wilson, Kenny Lee, Rob Fung, and countless others.

Ron grew up in the Portola District across from a baseball field later named for his father. After attending Sacred Heart High School (playing on four championship baseball teams, MVP of the EastWest All-Star Game), he graduated from UC Berkeley, co-captaining the Bears’ 1957 College World Series baseball championship team. A talented third baseman, he played for several years with the St. Louis Cardinals’ minor league team. Ron excelled at baseball, and was later inducted into the Sacred Heart Athletics Hall of Fame in 1983 and the San Francisco Prep Hall of Fame in 2001.

After baseball, he began working as a teacher at Marina Middle School, where he taught physical education and coached for 38 years, winning city championships in baseball, basketball, track and volleyball. In 1999, Marina’s East gymnasium was renamed the “Ron Gaggero Gym”, where a plaque notes that “his inspiration and support brought out the very best in students.” Voted “Favorite

Teacher” numerous times, he delighted in running into his former students all over town.

An avid San Francisco sports fan, he loved watching and analyzing the Giants, Warriors and Niners. He greatly enjoyed fishing with “the Captain”, catching striped bass in the Bay. Every Friday since his retirement in 1998, he joined his buddies including Steve Zolezzi, Dick Muzio and Don Troya for golf in the North Bay. Ron also travelled extensively with his wife, from visiting Cooperstown and U.S. ballparks, to cruising to Italy and Australia, to relaxing in Calistoga and Tahoe. A caring friend to many neighbors, Ron could always be counted on as the “Mayor of 33rd Avenue.” He was an honest, caring, upstanding San Franciscan who will be greatly missed. The family thanks the many doctors, nurses and caregivers who helped Ron with his illness over the last few months.

Friends may visit after 10:30 am with rosary preceding the Funeral Mass at 11:30 am at Holy Name of Jesus Church at 1555 39th Ave. in San Francisco on Thursday, January 20, 2022.

Private interment at the Italian Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep Athletics or UC Berkeley’s baseball program.