Michael McNamara's Obituary
It is with deep sadness we must announce the passing from this life of Michael Brydon McNamara on October 21. Born in Cleveland Ohio, the middle child of three, he grew up in Millbrae. Michael loved life. Most of all he loved his family and his friends. He spent his life on the peninsula and never desired to live anywhere else. After graduating from Mills High School he worked at Rod McClellan Orchid Co. in South San Francisco , where he learned the trade of driving and would spend his working years driving delivery trucks and cars. The family thought he would always be a bachelor, then he met the love of his life, Shay, and they were married. Shay had a son, Dale, and Michael became “Dad.” His greatest joy was having a family and becoming a doting grandfather to Samantha and Jacob who called him “Peapa” and “Hoho.”
Michael had time for everyone. But most who knew him will remember him as “Santa.” He started playing Santa for friends, local fire departments and senior residences. In later years he was Santa Claus at the Hillsdale Mall for six years. He brought joy and the spirit of Christmas to many children and families through the years.
Michael was a member of several support groups, he walked for Cure Pancreatic Cancer, and the “Bridgewatch Angles” hoping to prevent suicides off the Golden Gate Bridge. He is survived by his son, Dale; Granddaughter, Samantha; Grandson, Jacob; sister, Mary Ellen; nephews Sean and Cory; great-nephews, Adrian and Marcus, and cousins and many friends he loved. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Shay; mother, Betty; father, John; and brother Kevin. Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life, 5:00 pm on Friday, November 5th at Skylawn Memorial Park in San Mateo. Please wear red and Santa hat, or tye-dye and a bandana.
A celebration of life ceremony will be held in the Crystal Springs Chapel at Skylawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park on Friday, November 5th 2021 beginning at 5pm.
For those not able to join in person, we will be livestreaming the celebration at the link below.
https://eCondolence.com/join-viewneral?jc=10000:hK4BGdwjLO8kDPIXBmwKSejoarAjIDGu:jNWffQzB88Njej85ccpa/w==:y1gH27iLpTC9geO3nBiy4w== Viewneral ID: 951 6813 5841 Password: 205923
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