Retired San Anselmo Police Chief Bernard Del Santo Dies

SAN ANSELMO, CA – Retired San Anselmo police Chief Bernard "Bernie" Del Santo died June 19 at his home in Fairfax after a long battle with cancer, the Central Marin Police Authority announced. He was 79 years old.

Del Santo was born at Ross Hospital and grew up in San Rafael. He graduated from St. Raphael's Grammar School and Marin Catholic High School.

Del Santo enlisted in the Navy but suffered an injury in training in San Diego and was discharged. He returned to Marin County and began his law enforcement career in 1962, when he joined the San Anselmo Police Department as a reserve officer.

Del Santo rose through the ranks, serving as a traffic officer, inspector sergeant and captain. In 1979, he was named police chief and headed the department for 20 years, until his retirement in 1999.

During his career, Del Santo created a regional traffic enforcement team in Ross Valley, taught defensive tactics classes for women at Isabelle Cook School and served two years as chief of the Marin County Narcotics Task Force, police said.

"He was described by his peers as extremely loyal to his employees and a very hardworking man," police said.

Del Santo remained a fixture in the community after his retirement.

He coached Little League in Fairfax for years and was a lifelong member of the Native Sons of the Golden West, Chapter 307. He was also a longtime member of the International Footprint Association (Footprinters), serving as both past president and director of Chapter 15.

Del Santo is survived by his sons Leo and Tony; grandchildren Christopher, Taylor and Brittany; brother Bob, nephews Michael and Raymond; great nephew Collin; and his partner Elizabeth McGrady, and her children Leigh and Joey.

A rosary and vigil service is planned for 7 p.m. Wednesday at Monte's Chapel of the Hills at 330 Red Hill Ave. in San Anselmo, followed by a funeral mass at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Raphael's Catholic Church at 1104 Fifth Ave. in San Rafael. Both events are open to the public, according to police.

Image via Central Marin Police Authority