Leonard F. Duggan Jr.

Leonard F. Duggan, Jr. passed away at his home in the Philippines on October 7, 2021, his wife Emily at his side.   

Born in San Francisco to Leonard F. and Mary J. (Duffy) Duggan on January 17, 1940, seven minutes before his twin sister Marilyn to which they both liked to joke, “it was the only fight he ever won”.

Besides his loving wife Emily Len is survived by and was the loving father of Patrick Russel Duggan and his wife Sherri and Timothy Michael Duggan; Robert D’Shone, and his wife, Marla, James D’Shone; loving grandfather of Peyton Duggan, Calvin and Alexandra D’Shone; dear brother of Marilyn Duggan Caselli who precedes him in death, Susan Duggan, Letitia Duggan Tatarian and her husband Ed, Richard Duggan and his wife Stephanie and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Len attended St. Emydius Grammar School and Archbishop Riordan High School in San Francisco.  Agile and fearless he was a tumbler as a teenager and loved to swim in the surf at Ocean Beach in San Francisco, against his parents’ wishes, and would dive off the high diving tower at Fleishhacker’s Pool.  He was a talented diver and figure skater.  He skated and worked at Legg’s Ice Rink on Ocean Avenue and at 48th Avenue Skating Rink where he also played Ice Hockey.

(In his 30’s he became a scuba diver frequently taking pictures of beautiful underwater scenes.) He also worked for The Ice Follies when they came to town and Herb Caen loved to refer to him in his column as “Digger Duggan”.

The extended Duggan family spent summers in Sonoma at their Ranch on Moon Mountain Road bought in the 1930’s.  While Len was in the Marine Corps in 1959 his family moved to Sonoma after purchasing a local funeral home.  On return from his tour of duty in the USMC he attended Santa Rosa Junior College and then the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science where he earned his license as a funeral director and embalmer, after completing his apprenticeship at the San Francisco Coroners office.  He worked at the family business until he decided to pursue his medical career by returning to Santa Rosa Junior College to get his R.N. degree, which he did at 42.  He was employee of the month at the Sonoma Valley Hospital more than once and eventually became the night supervisor where he worked until his retirement. He also continued to help at the family business. 

After retiring he joined a Bowling League and became a member of SIRS.  He kept in touch with friends at the hospital and attended their lunches and other festivities often.  Eventually he moved to the Philippines where his wife Emily was from, coming home for family visits once a year.

He was an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous and at the time of his death he had 55 years of sobriety.  He lived his life according to the principles and traditions of the fellowship and it was clear he loved the camaraderie in the rooms.  He helped many to achieve sobriety and work the program here and in the Philippines.  Dedicated to the spiritual program he carried the message of Unity, Service and Recovery.  I feel certain he is enjoying old friends, family and fellowship at a meeting sharing with love and humor.   

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Donations in his memory may be made to the charity of your choice.

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