Bernard Gidal

Bernard Gidal: January 19, 1940 - July 7, 2024

Bernard (Bernie) Gidal was born on January 19, 1940 in San Francisco to Harry and Estelle Gidal, and he passed away peacefully on July 7, 2024.

While attending Presidio Junior High and Washington High school, Bernie ran track, held records and qualified for City All Star Track Finals three times.

After graduation, Bernie joined the Air Force where he was stationed in Hamilton AFB, transferred to Madera, and later stationed in Puerto Rico where his wife and first child joined him.

Post-military, he served as a San Francisco policeman, including the position of Mounted Patrol on his horse Tim, and later transferred into the San Francisco Fire Department, where he retired as a fireman in 1990. Bernie was a hero many times over: He received Policeman of the Year in 1971, and the Meritorious Reward only two months after his transfer to SFFD. Later in his retirement years, he was a special needs school bus driver for five years in Pacifica.

Bernie dearly loved spending time with family, and moved to Rocklin to be near his kids and their families. Always leading a highly active lifestyle, he was a lifelong runner right up until his death. He also enjoyed playing ping pong and pickleball at the retirement community where he lived, and he worked out at the gym regularly.  He loved outings for morning coffees, lunches, and dinners with friends. He especially enjoyed spending time with his best friend Gary who he met in elementary school. Bernie loved Laguna Beach and Russian River, and visited often; his three children have fond memories of vacationing with him to these places.

Bernie had a charisma that attracted people; he was positive, easy to talk to, and had a great sense of humor. He was a lifelong learner - teaching himself to speak Spanish in his last year, even. Following all sports on TV and the radio was his favorite thing to do, especially football (49ers) and baseball (SF Giants.) He loved watching boxing, too.  He was a lover of all music especially jazz, reggae, and latin music. He was musically inclined and played the piano by ear.

Bernie was courageous and had a very strong will right up until the end. In fact, his Palliative Care doctor recently said, “He is very resilient” and “Bernie’s spirit is exceptional.” He was comforted by family, friends, and the mother of his children in his last weeks, days and hours.

Bernie is survived by his daughter Pamela (Tom) Coulter, son Michael (Connie) Gidal, and daughter Julia (Sergio) Romero; and his grandchildren Justin, Taylor (Dom), Gabriela, and Marisa; and great grandson Jaxx; as well as his niece Helene Frainer and nephew Richard Heller. Bernie was predeceased by his sisters Audrey Heller and Corinne Leister. He will be dearly missed.  Baaah…whistle!

Donations to SFPD Widows’ and Orphans’ Aid Association, Placer SPCA, National Kidney Foundation, would be greatly appreciated.