Augustine Criss Kriletich
Augustine Criss Kriletich, “Gus”, 89, passed away peacefully November 28, 2015, at the home of his son in Novato, California. He was born August 1, 1926 in Oakland, CA to Kuzma and Mandalina Kriletich of Lumbarda, Croatia.
Augie grew up in Oakland, CA. He graduated from Castlemont High School during World War II and immediately began military service, stationed and serving in the Philippines as a Supply Sargent.
Returning home he graduated from Armstrong College, a member of Sigma Kappa Lambda, and began working for Pacific Telephone, residing in San Francisco. In 1953, he married Barbara Batistich and had four children. After a divorce, he moved back to Oakland where he attended All Saints Episcopal Church and met Clara Noble who he would marry in 1971. They were happily married until Clara’s passing in 2014.
Gus had a long career at Pacific Bell as an Account Manager, retiring after 37 years. He prided himself on his efficiency as he oversaw all paper and form purchases for the telephone company, and the manner in which he interacted with vendors and peers; with honesty and integrity.
Proud of his Croatian roots, he was a member of the Lumbarda Social Club. He donated his time generously to the American Heart Association and was a volunteer in the Mended Hearts program. Active in his church he served many roles including Senior Warden, vestry member and trainer & leader of the church acolytes. As a member of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew he coordinated countless church breakfasts, dinners and crab feeds. He honored his faith and church by serving at the altar.
Gus was a devoted and loving son, honoring his deceased father and caring for his mother until her passing. He was a devoted father to his four children and a caring step-father to Clara’s two children. He was a proud and doting grandfather to his 10 grandchildren, supporting all of their activities & interests and encouraging them to pursue personal goals. He loved to barbeque and cook for his family and was happiest when all were present around the dining table, especially during the holidays.
Gus is survived by his children, Anthony (Patricia), Christine, Linda (Michael), Kathy, stepdaughter Claudia (Steven) and stepson Craig. He will be missed by grandchildren, Sarah (Alex), Melissa (Colin), Anne (Kevin), Katie (Christopher), Mark, Olivia, Jeremy, Samantha, Marina and Rosalie, as well as his great-grandchildren Henry, Poppy, Alice, Oscar, Isaac and Benson. He is also survived by an extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by two older brothers, Matthew and John.
A memorial to celebrate Gus’s life will be held on Saturday, January 9,, 2016 at Saint Anthony of Padua, 1000 Cambridge Street, Novato, Ca. A Rosary will begin at 10:30 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. The service will be followed by a reception in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, St. Jude’s Hospital for Children or a meaningful charity of your choice.