Monsignor Peter Gomez Armstrong
- BORN: April 9, 1929
- DIED: November 17, 2009
- LOCATION: San Rafael, CA
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“I would like to express my condolences to the family and friends of Msgr. Armstrong. I taught at St Pius 1966-1970, 1978-1980, and I enjoyed our...
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1 of 13 | Posted by: Sister Lillian Sullivan, CSC
“My sincere condolences to Monsignor's Armstrong's Family. I have known Pete since our student days at St. Ignatius High School, class of '46....
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”
2 of 13 | Posted by: Gilbert De La Mora CA
“It was with great sorrow that I learned of Msgr. Armstrong's passing. When Pete was the 49ers Chaplain we often had long visits and would often...
Read More »
”
3 of 13 | Posted by: Joe Starkey Walnut Creek CA
“In 1962, i began my coaching career at St. Cecilia's in San Francisco. Monsignor Armstrong was then head of the CYO and no one had a more...
Read More »
”
4 of 13 | Posted by: Bob Drucker Daly City CA
“Remarkable does not come close to describing what a wonderful, influencial person Monsignor Armstrong was to me. I worked with Monsignor for four...
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”
5 of 13 | Posted by: randall perry Danville CA
“Our thoughts are with Monsignor's family. He was a wonderful man to our family and helped us through some very difficult times. He stood by us and...
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”
6 of 13 | Posted by: Daniel & Carell Sheehan CA
“I worked with Monsignor Armstrong at CYO Camp in the 1970s. I have nothing but fond memories of his enthusiasm and humor during those years.
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7 of 13 | Posted by: Bob Dougherty San Francisco CA
“I have such great memories of Fr. Armstrong. From camp, through retreats, and SEARCHes, and living at St. Vincents. He had such a wonderful spirit...
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”
8 of 13 | Posted by: Mary Mac Williamson
“I had the honor of meeting Father Armstrong while working at CYO Camp in Occidental. My prayers are with his family and friends.
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9 of 13 | Posted by: Monica Dahl Castro Valley CA
“"Mons" was my big brother in my sem. days in the 40's and 50's. He was a great mentor and friend. Pete married me and my wife, Betty, in 1955 as...
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10 of 13 | Posted by: Bob Burke Oak Harbor`WA USA WA
“Sincere condolences to the entire Amstrong family. Pete was truly a great priest and a brother to me. He helped many a young man through their...
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11 of 13 | Posted by: Brother Arnold Stewsart, FSC CA
“My condolences to Pete's many relatives and dear friends. My thanks to God for my former pastor at St. Pius, who was such a blessing to me when...
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12 of 13 | Posted by: Father William E. Brown CA
“We will miss Monsignor so much. He was the bright and enthusiastic light of St. Pius that brought all of our family that feeling of community and...
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13 of 13 | Posted by: Mary and Lyle Rausch
MONSIGNOR PETER GOMEZ ARMSTRONG Monsignor Peter Gomez Armstrong died at AlmaVia San Rafael, on November 17, 2009. Born in San Francisco on April 9, 1929, he was the son of Harold Thomas and Juanita Gomez Armstrong. Peter attended St. Brigid's School, San Francisco, and graduated from St. Ignatius High School. He underwent his studies for the priesthood at St. Joseph's College, Mountain View, and St. Patrick's Seminary, Menlo Park. He was ordained on June 11, 1954. His pastoral ministry began as associate pastor at St. Pius Parish, Redwood City. He earned a master's degree in social work at The Catholic University of America and was assigned in the Archdiocese of San Francisco to the Catholic Youth Organization (C.Y.O), where he soon became director and sported a new license plate, "CYO #1." In the course of his youth work, he expanded sports programs and teen missions in the Bay Area. A special achievement was his transformation of neglected acreage near Occidental into a state-of-the-art facility that gave poor urban children camping experience under the redwoods. In 1962 he was the driving force in developing an innovative retreat program for high-school students called the "Search for Christian Maturity," in which they explored their faith together and gave public witness to their peers, and four years later this process of evangelization became the official retreat program for the country. Many future leaders in public service emerged from this experience, notably Mike Nevin, former mayor of Daly City and former San Mateo County Supervisor. Peter's special assignments were as director of the Boy's Home at 1000 Fulton Street, San Francisco, that integrated troubled teens into the City's high schools and as director of the historic St. Vincent's School for Boys in San Rafael. A superb administrator of assets and personnel with nerves of steel, Peter took on several sensitive appointments that included the chairmanship of the Planning Commission charged with the consolidation of Archdiocesan institutions and several general chairmanships of fundraising campaigns for the Archdiocese. For years he was an unofficial liaison between the Archdiocese and the City and County of San Francisco, having served on Parks and Recreation Commission and through his personal friendships with Mayors Joe Alioto, George Moscone and Dianne Feinstein. His last pastoral appointment was to serve as pastor of St. Pius Parish, Redwood City, where he became affectionately known as "Mons". His congregation grew under his vivacious leadership and it was here that he graciously hosted Monsignor Michael Fitzsimon in retirement and began planning of a new multi-purpose facility dedicated to Peter's old friend and founding pastor. In addition to his Church work, he served also as the Catholic chaplain of the San Francisco 49ers, having earned five Super Bowl rings as a member of the "team of the eighties." He also delighted in being the friend and pastor of the late Buzz and the late Sue Burns, principal owners and senior general partners of the San Francisco Giants. Peter was an avid traveler who enjoyed traveling the world with friends and family. After retiring in 2001, he shared a home with his dear friend Monsignor Jack O'Hare in Kenwood and later moved to AlmaVia of San Rafael. His brother Harold predeceased him, and he leaves behind his sister-in-law Betty Byrnes, and nine nieces and nephews, namely, Liz Barrett, Hank Armstrong, the late Peter Armstrong, Terry Barmore, Barbara Soboleski, Cathy Donahue, Mary Kennaugh, Patty Armstrong, and Tim Armstrong. Friends may visit after 4:00pm, Monday, November 23rd at St. Pius Church, 1100 Woodside Road., Redwood City where a Vigil Service will be held at 7:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated Tuesday, November 24th at 11:00am St. Pius Church followed by a reception. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma. Donations may be made to Catholic Youth Organization (CYO), Catholic Charities, St. Pius School Endowment or your favorite charity. STANDING BY THE SEASHORE I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength and I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says, "There, she's gone." "Gone where?" Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side. And just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port. Her diminished size is in me, not in her: And just at the moment when someone at my side says, "There, she is gone." There are other eyes watching her coming. And other voices ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!" --Henry Van Dyke
Only the main photo has been provided by the family or the funeral home.
I would like to express my condolences to the family and friends of Msgr. Armstrong. I taught at St Pius 1966-1970, 1978-1980, and I enjoyed our limited contacts. He was always a joy to be around. May God bless him with eternal joy and peace.
Posted by: Sister Lillian Sullivan, CSC Fort Portal Nov 26, 2009
My sincere condolences to Monsignor's Armstrong's Family. I have known Pete since our student days at St. Ignatius High School, class of '46. Over the years we Classmates would gather for reunions and like occasions, and Pete was always there, recalling out High School experiences and keeping up to date on our families and careers. I and my SI Classmates will miss Pete very much. Our reunions and get togethers won't be same without him.
Posted by: Gilbert De La Mora San Francisco, CA Nov 25, 2009
It was with great sorrow that I learned of Msgr. Armstrong's passing. When Pete was the 49ers Chaplain we often had long visits and would often sit together at 49er functions. On the road we often went to dinner ,discussed books we had both read and covered a great variety of subjects. Since I was a 4 year Seminarian myself we had some great discussions about the Church and ,of course, the 49ers. What a wonderful example of what a Catholic priest should be! It was a tribute to his great gifts as Team Chaplain that players, coaches and staff of diverse religious backgrounds easily gravitated to Pete when they needed someone to talk to whenever they needed someone wise and logical in a wide variety of issues person and professional. I am very sorry I missed the Rosary and funeral but my own temporary health issues made it impossible to attend. Condolences to family and friends, Joe Starkey, 49ers broadcaster 1987-2008
Posted by: Joe Starkey Walnut Creek, CA Nov 25, 2009
In 1962, i began my coaching career at St. Cecilia's in San Francisco. Monsignor Armstrong was then head of the CYO and no one had a more profound influence on me. Coaching the team was important, but Monsignor message's was also that it was the 'quality of the life' of the coach that was even more important. I tried never to forget that in my 42 years of teaching and coaching. I really loved him for what he gave me. May he rest in peace, Bob Drucker
Posted by: Bob Drucker Daly City, CA Nov 24, 2009
Remarkable does not come close to describing what a wonderful, influencial person Monsignor Armstrong was to me. I worked with Monsignor for four years at CYO camp as a lifeguard. We had a very unfortunate moment when a young boy by the name of Sonetti drowned. He was there for all of us.
A few years later, he introduced me to a good friend of his, Curtis Day. Curtis hired me as an office boy in his Insurance Brokerage company. As a result of that introduction, I majored in Risk Management and today own and oversee two very successful Insurance Brokerage firms. I owe all this to Monsignor Armstrong. Curtis Day told me that if the Monsignor wasn't so committed to the cloth, he would be a Billionaire.The richness he has added to my life can never be accounted for in dollars. He will be greatly missed.
Posted by: randall perry Danville, CA Nov 24, 2009
Our thoughts are with Monsignor's family. He was a wonderful man to our family and helped us through some very difficult times. He stood by us and believed in us when it was greatly needed. He helped our kids get a a wonderful grade school education that has taken them on to and through college. We will always have a warm memory in our heart for him.
Posted by: Daniel & Carell Sheehan Redwood City, CA Nov 24, 2009
I worked with Monsignor Armstrong at CYO Camp in the 1970s. I have nothing but fond memories of his enthusiasm and humor during those years.
Posted by: Bob Dougherty San Francisco, CA Nov 23, 2009
I have such great memories of Fr. Armstrong. From camp, through retreats, and SEARCHes, and living at St. Vincents. He had such a wonderful spirit and generosity. I can picture him shaking hands and telling off-color jokes as he strolls through the streets of heaven. What a great man... rest in eternal peace.
Posted by: Mary Mac Williamson Nov 23, 2009
I had the honor of meeting Father Armstrong while working at CYO Camp in Occidental. My prayers are with his family and friends.
Posted by: Monica Dahl Castro Valley, CA Nov 23, 2009
"Mons" was my big brother in my sem. days in the 40's and 50's. He was a great mentor and friend. Pete married me and my wife, Betty, in 1955 as we commenced a 28 yr. career in the U.S. Navy.I'll always remember Pete's smile and loving way with people especially the youth. I'll miss him but I know he's in a much better place with his Lord and Savior Jesus.You were the greatest, Pete! My best, Bob.
Posted by: Bob Burke Oak Harbor`WA USA, WA Nov 22, 2009
Visitation:
November 23 2009
7:00 PM
Saint Pius Church
1100 Woodside Road
Redwood City, CA 94061
Funeral Service:
November 24 2009
11:00 AM
Saint Pius Church
1100 Woodside Road
Redwood City, CA 94061
Interment:
Friday November 20 2009
Holy Cross Cemetery
1500 Old Mission Road
Colma, CA 94014
