Vincent John Senatore, 91, passed away peacefully on March 26 in Knoxville.
Mr. Senatore, born in 1934 in San Francisco, was raised in the city he loved and carried its spirit with him throughout his life. Since August 2005, he had been a resident of Knoxville, where he lived with his beloved wife, Louise Creekmore, a Knoxville native.
Mr. Senatore was a devoted member of St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut. He was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a former grand officer of the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem (Knights Templar).
Mr. Senatore’s life was marked by a deep commitment to service, education, and community. He graduated from St. Cecilia Grammar School in 1949, Archbishop Riordan High School in 1953, and the University of San Francisco in 1957, and earned a master’s degree in criminal justice from Northwestern University in 1974.
He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1958 and served four years on active duty as an air defense artillery officer. He continued his military career in the Army Reserve and National Guard as a military police officer, ultimately retiring with the rank of colonel.
Following active duty, Mr. Senatore joined the San Francisco Police Department, where he served in a variety of roles. As a lieutenant, he completed the prestigious police administration course at Northwestern University in 1973–74, graduating with honors. Among his many assignments, he especially enjoyed his time as a motorcycle officer. He retired as a captain from the San Francisco Police Department at the end of 1986.
Mr. Senatore’s dedication to service extended beyond his police and military careers. He later worked as a civilian employee at the Presidio of San Francisco and went on to expand his own business, Senatore Collision Forensics. He also continued contributing his expertise as a volunteer with the California Military Department.
Mr. Senatore was a man of many interests who found great joy in his woodworking shop, where he was always engaged in projects that enhanced his home and those of others. He was an avid baseball fan and a devoted supporter of the San Francisco Giants.
Mr. Senatore also was an avid HO gauge model railroad enthusiast. His professional and civic affiliations included the San Francisco Police Officers Association, Veteran Police Officers Association, International Police Officers Association, Society of Automotive Engineers, and the Market Street Railway Association. He also served for four years on the Fort Mason Officers Club Council and was a life member of the Reserve Officers Association of the United States, including two years as president of the Presidio Chapter.
Mr. Senatore was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent Michael Senatore and Suzanne Helen Daly Senatore; his first wife, Helen; and his son, Vincent Glenn Senatore. He is survived by his loving wife, Louise Creekmore; his daughter, Holly; his son, Cmdr. Richard Senatore, U.S. Navy; his daughter, Dana; and his son, Stephen Senatore. He also leaves behind six cherished grandchildren and many cousins.
A funeral Mass for Mr. Senatore was celebrated at St. John Neumann Church on March 30. A burial service with full military honors followed at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery.
Mr. Senatore will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to service, his craftsmanship, his leadership, and his deep love for family and community.