Vincent John Senatore

Born in 1934 in San Francisco, Vincent was raised in the city he loved and carried its spirit with him throughout his life. Since August 2005, he had been a resident of Knoxville, where he lived with his beloved wife, a Knoxville native, Louise Creekmore. He was a devoted member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Farragut. He was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a former Grand Officer of the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem (Knights Templar).

Vincent’s life was marked by a deep commitment to service, education, and community. He graduated from St. Cecilia’s Grammar School in 1949, Archbishop Riordan High School in 1953, the University of San Francisco in 1957, and later earned his Master's in Criminal Justice from Northwestern University in 1974. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1958, he served four years on active duty as an Air Defense Artillery Officer. He continued his military career in the Army Reserve and National Guard as a Military Police Officer, ultimately retiring with the rank of Colonel.

Following active duty, Vincent joined the San Francisco Police Department, where he served in a variety of roles. As a Lieutenant, he completed the prestigious 1973–1974 Police Administration Course at Northwestern University, graduating with honors. Among his many assignments, he especially enjoyed his time as a motorcycle officer. He retired as a Captain from the San Francisco Police Department at the end of 1986.

Vincent’s dedication to service extended beyond his police and military careers. He later worked as a civilian employee at the Presidio of San Francisco and went on to expand his own business, Senatore Collision Forensics. He also continued contributing his expertise as a volunteer with the California State Military Department.

A man of many interests, Vincent found great joy in his woodworking shop, where he was always engaged in projects that enhanced his home and those of others. He was an avid baseball fan and a devoted supporter of the San Francisco Giants. Vincent was also an avid HO gauge model railroad enthusiast.

His professional and civic affiliations included the San Francisco Police Officers Association, Veteran Police Officers Association, International Police Officers Association, Society of Automotive Engineers, and the Market Street Railway Association. He also served for four years on the Fort Mason Officers Club Council and was a life member of the Reserve Officers Association of the United States, including two years as president of the Presidio Chapter.

Vincent was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent Michael Senatore and Suzanne Helen Daly Senatore; his first wife, Helen; and his son, Vincent Glenn Senatore. He is survived by his loving wife, Louise Creekmore; his daughter, Holly; his son, CDR Richard Senatore, USN; his daughter, Dana; and his son, Stephen Senatore. He also leaves behind six cherished grandchildren and many cousins.

Receiving of family and friends will be held at Berry Highland Memorial Funeral Home, 5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, on Sunday, March 29, 2026 from 5-7pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 633 St. John Court, Farragut, on Monday, March 30, 2026 at 11am. Graveside services with full military honors will follow at 1pm inside Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery.

Vincent will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to service, his craftsmanship, his leadership, and his deep love for family and community.