George Wales

George “Sam” Wales passed away peacefully at the age of 95 in San Lorenzo, CA, surrounded by his loving family during his final week. Born in Oakland, CA, to Marcella and William Wales, Sam spent his early years in Oakland, graduating from Oakland High School in 1947. His early career began at a Chevron Gas Station in Oakland, and he also spent two memorable summers working in Yosemite National Park in 1947 and 1948. In 1948, he enrolled at San Francisco State University, but his studies were interrupted when he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served honorably in Korea from November 1951 to October 1953. After his discharge, Sam returned to S.F. State, earning a B.A. in Business in 1954. In March of 1952, he married Mary J Speed, and the couple soon settled in Alameda to raise their family. Sam dedicated much of his professional life to public service, working as a Personal Property Appraiser for the City of Berkeley before transitioning to a role as a Marine & Aircraft Appraiser for Alameda County, where he served from 1965 until his retirement in 1989.

An active member of the Society of Auditor Appraisers and the 187 Club, Sam had a passion for outdoor activities and sports. He was an avid duck hunter, a hobby he shared with his sons, and a lifelong fan of the Oakland Raiders and Oakland A’s. He was an A’s season ticket holder for 22 years. He enjoyed attending A’s games with his daughter and grandson. Sam also played for and managed the Alameda Senior Softball Team for many years and enjoyed lively poker games with his softball friends at the Alameda Veterans Hall. Among his favorite pastimes were dining out at Alameda’s Pier 29 and South Shore Café.

Sam was predeceased by his parents, William and Marcella Wales, his sister Marilyn Trau, his granddaughters, Tonya Wales and Lisa Wales, and numerous other relatives and friends. He is survived by his three sons, David Wales (wife Linda), Robert Wales (wife Sharon), George Wales (wife Cyndee), his daughter Marie Ratto (husband Don), his grandsons Brian Wales (wife Lindsay), Joe Ratto and five great-grandchildren.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Casa San Lorenzo for the exceptional care provided to Sam over the past two and a half years.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Basilica in Alameda, where family and friends are warmly invited to attend. A private interment will follow on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the charity of your choice.

Cemetery

Holy Sepulchre Cemetery

26230 Mission Blvd.

Hayward, CA 94544