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In memory of
Edward Orrante
May 24, 1939 - November 9, 2018
May 24, 1939 - Nov 9, 2018
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In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to American Cancer Society.
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Edward's obituary
Born and raised San Francisco, Ed grew up in Bernal Heights. He attended St. Anthony’s and Mission High where he met his future bride, Geri Molina. Soon after high school the sweethearts were engaged.
In September 1956, Ed enlisted in the Army and was sent off to Ft. Story, Virginia where he trained and became an amphibious vehicle driver. After his training Ed returned home and he and Geri were married in December 1957. The newlyweds moved to Virginia Beach where they lived for about a year until Ed received orders to go to Greenland. In Greenland, Ed’s main job was to drive a land and sea vehicle known as a DUKW (pronounced DUCK). In February 1959, Ed returned home to San Francisco. But, due to a clerical error, he was accidentally called back into duty and served from April to October 1961. After his discharge Ed and Geri started a family. Their first child, Greg, was born in 1962, daughter Karen in 1963 and daughter Jennifer in 1970.
In 1963, Ed joined the San Francisco Police Department. After a few years in a patrol car he became a motorcycle officer patrolling the Sunset District. Ed had many unique experiences while a member of the police force. He was one of the officers the Zodiac killer wrote about while taunting the local newspaper. The killer wrote a detailed description as to where Ed and his partner were and what they were doing one night, so they would know he had been close by and watching them. Ed was on the TACT squad during the riots at S.F. State and he also served on a security detail for President Nixon’s motorcade during one of his visits to the city. Ed was on the force until 1982 when he left the SFPD and took a position with the DA's office. Ed remained at the DA’s office until he retired in 2003.
Although Ed had moved out of the city in 1970 he was never very far from it. In 1970, he and Geri moved to Marinwood, in the North Bay, where they lived until their separation in 1974. Ed returned to the city for a short time, but then settled in the Burlingame/San Mateo area. Ultimately Ed and Geri divorced, but remained the best of friends spending birthdays, holidays and football Sundays together until Geri’s passing in 2011.
Ed was a wonderful man and an all around great guy. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor, kind spirit & generosity and we miss him terribly. Ed is survived by his three children - Greg, Karen & Jennifer and his three grandchildren - Jason, Lindsey & Melissa.
Please consider donating to the American Cancer Society. We must find a cure for this terrible disease.
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Memories & condolences
My name is Shirley Shoaf, I was looking on my I pad and came across something about San Francisco. I thought of two k…
My name is Shirley Shoaf, I was looking on my I pad and came across something about San Francisco.…
My name is Shirley Shoaf, I was looking on my I pad and came ac…
Ed was my friend since 1976. We enjoyed each other's company and for the longest time we would meet maybe once a month…
Ed was my friend since 1976. We enjoyed each other's company and for the longest time we would mee…
Ed was my friend since 1976. We enjoyed each other's company an…
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In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to American Cancer Society.
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Created with love by
Karen Orrante.
