George Bovone Obituary

George James Bovone
September 22, 1940 - January 20, 2025
George James Bovone passed away on January 20, 2025, at the age of 84. George is survived by his wife, Mary Davina "Dee Dee" Donahue, and his children and grandchildren: Shirley (Ralph King: Tyler & Trevor), Mark (Nicole Ryan), Adriane (Joshua Muscat), and Anne Marie (Nishant Bhatia: Rohan & Amalia); and by his grandchildren George & Ryan Bovone.
Born September 22, 1940, in San Francisco's North Beach to Charles and Fernanda Bovone, he is predeceased by his brother Richard (Valerie) and survived by his sister Clara (Alfred). George attended Sts. Peter and Paul School, and St. Ignatius and Balboa High. He served in the Coast Guard, and attended San Francisco City College and Arizona State University. After studying architecture and general contracting, he built private homes, restaurants, and hotels in San Francisco.
In 1968, George married Dee Dee Donahue at St. Brendan Church, and raised their children in the parish. He is predeceased by his brothers-in-law Bill and Thomas Donahue, and survived by his sister-in-law Sheilagh O'Connor (Ronald) and brother-in-law Richard Donahue (Pamela). His deep love for his large Italian-Irish extended family, including many nieces and nephews, filled his heart and his mind.
A man of great faith and humility, he quietly supported many Catholic charities, including building a soup kitchen for Mother Teresa, and dedicating 10 years of service to the Board of Regents of the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption. Along with Dee Dee, they supported the Little Sisters of the Poor, St. Anne's Home, serving on the board of directors, and joined the spiritual body of the Association of Jeanne Jugan. His tireless work earned him various awards and accolades, including the Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice, an exceptional honor bestowed by the Pope for distinguished service to the Catholic Church.
Faith, family, and hard work, his three pillars, brought him to extraordinary places. He followed his children's work and passions to China, India, and the Dominican Republic and traveled with an inter-faith group to Rome, Istanbul, Greece, and the Holy Land to explore how our disparate beliefs can find common ground.
Upon retiring, George meticulously restored an 1890's farmhouse along the Russian River in Preston, near Cloverdale, CA. He brought to life a space curated for multi-generational magic - a retreat open to family and friends made to celebrate being together. A generous host and perpetual builder, he spent his final years refining the property, and welcomed all with an open heart, shining eyes, and a warm embrace.
With great faith, courage, and grace, and surrounded by his family, George passed peacefully into God's eternal care.
Funeral Mass: The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, 1111 Gough St, San Francisco, Friday, February 7th, 10 a.m., Reception following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in George's name to: The Jesuit Retreat Center of Los Altos, 300 Manresa Way. Los Altos, CA 94022
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