B. John Bugatto

In San Francisco, July 7, 2012, at age 77, after struggling with prostate cancer for several years. Beloved husband of Maria Bugatto for over 50 years; loving father of Barry (Lorrie), Annette (Rick), Robert and Jon; devoted Nono of Anthony, Bettina and Ricky. He was preceded in death by his parents Mario and Lietta Bugatto and his sister Adele Giovannoni. Also survived by his brother-in-law Frank Giovannoni and several nephews, nieces and cousins.

Ben was born and raised in North Beach and attended Galileo High School, Saint Mary's College of California - where he became an avid reader of the Great Books - and the University of San Francisco School of Law. He practiced law for nearly 50 years in North Beach, most notably at the Mana & Bugatto Law Firm.

Ben was actively involved in the community throughout his life and was a member of numerous organizations including the Scacciapensieri Social Club, the Associazione Liguri Nel Mondo, the Knights of Columbus and the Columbus Civic Club. He was Past President of the North Beach Lions Club and also served on the Saint Mary's College Gael Sports Board and the Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory Board of Regents. He campaigned for numerous Republican candidates, won election to the San Francisco Republican Central Committee on several occasions and was a delegate to the 1968 Republican National Convention in Miami Beach, Florida.

Ben had a love for animals, especially his two Bengal cats and the many stray animals he nursed back to health. Most of all, Ben's favorite pastime was attending Saint Mary's College basketball games with his family and he will forever be remembered as a Gael. Private services were held. Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Mary's College Men's Basketball at http://www.stmarys-ca.edu/giving/make-a-gift-now, the Salesian Boys' and Girls' Club at http://salesianclub.org" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://salesianclub.org target="_blank">http://salesianclub.org, or the Prostate Cancer Foundation at http://pcf.org/ target="_blank">http://www.pcf.org