Victor Anthony Lampe

June 13, 1935 - March 31, 2021

Victor Anthony Lampe, born June 13, 1935 in San Francisco, passed away on March 31, 2021.

Vic is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jane Louie Lampe, and his sister Theresa (Terry) DeBono-Caselton. He joins his predeceased parents Victor J. and Agnes Stephen Lampe and his brother Edward G. Lampe. Vic graduated in 1949 from St. Teresa’s Elementary School and entered St. Joseph’s Diocesan Seminary in Mountain View finishing his studies and returning home to help his family. He attended the University of San Francisco, worked for Anheuser Bush, owned “The Bavarian Stein” (a beer & pizza bar in SF) and later served as a counselor at Hanna Boys Center in Sonoma. In 1960, Vic entered Holy Redeemer College, Oakland to continue his studies and took his vows in 1964 with the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. He continued his studies receiving degrees in Philosophy, Theology, Religious Education, and a Master of Divinity Degree. He worked to serve the needs of migrant farm workers and parishes in the Midwest while studying to prepare for a lifetime of ministry with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing that began with his ordination in 1969 into the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer.

At the time when Vic began ministry with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community, the Cursillo Movement was also beginning to flourish around the country. The Cursillo Movement in San Francisco found it’s home at St. Benedict’s Center. Vic was involved in the formation of Deaf and hearing lay leaders who would take seriously Jesus’ instruction to bring the good news to the world.

While working at St. Benedict Parish for the Deaf in San Francisco Vic met his true love, Jane Louie, and they married in 1972. They were truly a love story! Vic worked at the Millbrae Post Office while continuing to serve the people at St. Benedict Parish in San Francisco through retreats, court interpreter, fundraising, summer camps, finding jobs for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, finance manager, church custodian and Sunday Mass greeter, welcoming everyone with his big smile (“Smiling Vic” he was fondly called); he gave a sense of communion to all members and visitors. In 1993, when the Planning Commission for the Archdiocese of San Francisco recommended that St. Benedict’s Parish move to the site of Saint Francis Xavier Church, which was built in 1939 as the Japanese National Parish, Vic was one of the bridges to new friendships that were created among the communities of the Deaf, the Japanese, and the members of Saint Francis Xavier Church. He ensured that the Japanese Catholic Society was a very important part of the Deaf community. Together the communities learned to love and worship together.

Vic impacted everyone’s life who had the privilege to know him. We are extremely grateful to Vic for sharing his blessings and generosity with St. Benedicts’ Parish for the Deaf at St. Francis Xavier Church. He will be missed!

He was proud to be a Native Son of the Golden West and found much joy cheering on the San Francisco 49ers and Giants.

A Eucharistic Celebration of Vic’s life was held April 10, 2021 at St. Benedict’s Parish with a limited number of family and friends due to covid restrictions. You are invited to view a recording of Vic’s service by emailing victorservice2021@gmail. com

Donations may be made in Vic’s name to St. Benedict Parish for the Deaf at St. Francis Xavier Church in San Francisco, 1801 Octavia St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Please share your fond memories and stories with family at smiling.vic.lampe@ gmail.com