Peter Joseph Ackenheil, Jr.

Peter Joseph Ackenheil, Jr. passed away peacefully at Marin General Hospital on January 13, 2017 after a brief illness. Pete was born on April 24, 1941 in San Francisco to Hanna Kennedy of County Kerry, Ireland and Peter Joseph Ackenheil, Sr., a San Francisco native. He grew up on Waller Street in the city where he lived with his parents and his cousins John and Robert Kennedy. He went to St. Agnes Elementary School and graduated from Saint Ignatius High School in 1959. Pete enjoyed a very successful athletic career while at SI and was awarded “All City” honors in both Football and Basketball.

After graduating, Pete served in the Army Reserves at Fort Ord. Pete also worked as a tile apprentice, later becoming a tile contractor and owning his own business. Pete’s true calling was to serve his community as his father did. Following in his father’s footsteps, he became a San Francisco Fire Fighter in 1968. During his years with the SFFD, Pete served at both Engine 21 and Engine 3. Pete and his fellow firefighters consistently acted with great bravery, and he received several meritorious commendations, eventually retiring as a Lieutenant.

On June 1, 1963 Pete married the love of his life Frances Marie Wonacott. They were blessed with three daughters: Kate, Suzanne and Erin, eventually moving out of the city and making their home in Novato.

Pete was an avid hunter and fisherman, and an excellent abalone diver. Pete and Fran loved to entertain, always opening their home to family and friends; their annual surf and turf abalone parties bring back wonderful memories. Pete’s commitment to service extended to the Novato community where he was a member of the Novato Elk’s Club and was selected as Elk of the year in 1990-1991.

Pete will be greatly missed by his daughters: Kate Ackenheil, Suzanne Ross (Paul), and Erin Lazzaretto (John). His grandchildren: Taylor (22), Hannah (21), Zachary (17), Benjamin (6) and Francesca (3) will miss their “Papa Pete”. He will also be missed by family and friends in Ireland and Hawaii. Pete was predeceased by his beloved wife of 50 years Frances and his loving parents Hanna Ackenheil and Peter Ackenheil, Sr.

Visitation and Catholic Rosary will be held at Keaton’s Redwood Chapel of Marin, 1801 Novato Blvd, on Tuesday 01/24/17 at 7pm. Funeral procession and Catholic Mass will be on Wednesday, 01/25/17 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 1000 Cambridge Street, Novato, CA at 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The American Cancer Society.