Gerald McNaughton
A loving husband, a loyal father, a dedicated police officer, and a true San Franciscan, Gerald (“Jerry”) McNaughton passed on July 23, 2025. He was 93.
Born in San Francisco to Bertram and Catherine McNaughton, Jerry grew up and lived virtually his entire life in the Sunset District. He attended St. Cecilia Elementary School and competed on the swim team at Lincoln High School. He served in the US Naval Reserves where he flew on an airplane for the first and last time in his life. He tried out various careers as a watch repairman, insurance agent, and distributor for Heinz baby food before joining the SF police force in 1958, where he served with honor for more than 30 years.
He met the love of his life, Mary Alice Siggins, at a dance at Lone Mountain College. That was followed by 56 years of marriage, five children, seven grandchildren, with lots of laughter, bickering, hard work, and love.
As a policeman in the 60s and 70s, Jerry worked patrol in the Mission District, alongside Joe Hession, Dick Safley, Bob Dillon, Mike Casey, Joe Soares, and others. All were great cops who became lifelong friends. They nicknamed Jerry the “Priest” because of his honesty and uncompromising adherence to his own values and ethics. After being promoted to Sergeant, Jerry worked as the administrative aid to Police Chiefs Charles Gain and Con Murphy.
Jerry taught his children the value of public service. As a clear compliment to him, three of his sons followed Jerry into the SF Police Department. Richard retired as an Inspector Sergeant and Kevin retired as Lieutenant after distinguished careers. Matthew moved to the S.F. Fire Department where he retired as an Assistant Chief. Michael currently serves as a San Francisco Superior Court Judge and Kelly has been a teacher and educator for more than thirty years in the Lake Oswego, Oregon, school system.
Jerry loved to read history, particularly about San Francisco and the Catholic Church. But his happiest moments were spent at the family cabin at the Russian River. After swimming at Hacienda Beach or at “the Pool” on Argonne Way, Jerry loved to sit on deck with Mary Alice, next to his family and friends and his barbeque, where he told stories (many of them true) and played dominos while drinking a Lucky Lager or a gin martini.
Jerry will now rejoin his best friend, John Parina, who died too young in the line of duty as an SF Firefighter. But mostly, he will rejoin Mary Alice after an eleven-year absence. Jerry is survived by his children Richard (Marie), Matthew (Dawn), Kevin (Leslie), Michael (Dorothy), and Kelly Troike (Paul) and seven grandchildren: Joseph (Kaydi), Meagan (Robbie), K.C., Kayla (Henry), Camden, Colin, and Hsin-Yi and great-granddaughter Ariah.
Friends are invited to attend services at St. Gabriel Church located at 2545 40th Avenue, San Francisco, on Thursday, August 7, 2025. 10:00 a.m. Visitation, 10:30 a.m. Rosary, 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial. Entombment at Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Gabriel Church, 2559 40th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94116.