Raymond John Canepa

June 2, 1929 – November 6, 2025

Raymond John Canepa passed away on November 6, 2025, at the Fort Miley Veteran’s Hospital in San Francisco, at the age of 96.

Born on June 2, 1929, in the North Beach District of San Francisco to Giacomo Canepa and Eulalie Berges, Ray was predeceased by his brother Jack Canepa, sister-in-law Marge, and nephew Steve.

A gifted athlete, Ray excelled in basketball and especially baseball, eventually signing with the New York Yankees’ AAA farm team before serving his country as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Combat Engineers Division during the Korean War.

Upon returning home, Ray joined the San Francisco Police Department, where he served with distinction for 31 years. A decorated veteran of the SFPD, he received Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals of Valor for his service and retired as Commander of the Patrol Division.

The consummate gentleman, Ray was respected by the rank and file as a “cop’s cop” and was widely regarded as one of the finest Commanders ever to serve.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

666 Filbert Street, San Francisco,

on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 10:30 AM.