Frederick F. Lombardi of Morgan Hill died on Dec. 8 in
Gilroy.
Frederick F. Lombardi of Morgan Hill died on Dec. 8 in Gilroy.
Mr. Lombardi was a restaurant owner, member of the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Advisory Group, Paul Harris Fellow, member of the American Legion Post 1000, former member of Morgan Hill Rotary Club, past president of Police Athletic League (1977-80), past director of Live Oak Foundation and founding member of Morgan Hill Law Enforcement Foundation.
He was a member of the USAF during the Berlin Airlift 1948-49 and during the Korean Conflict, 1951-54.
Mr. Lombardi retired from Burger King Corporation as its first director of operations. He developed and implemented the “Adopt a School” program in 1980. This was presented to the Presidential Commission at the White House in 1981; this program was utilized throughout the country.
Upon his retirement he continued his career as a private businessman. He operated two Burger King restaurants, six Carls Jr’s restaurants and Old City Hall Restaurant in Gilroy (1985-1987) which became a victim of the 1989 earthquake.
Mr. Lombardi with urging of then mayor Lorraine Barke organized and promoted the Teddy Bear program with Morgan Hill Police Department so that whenever a child was in a traumatic situation a policeman always had a teddy bear for that child. The program was so successful that donations came from England, Australia and around the country and was covered by all the local networks along with CNN. In May of 1984, Mayor Barke presented him with a proclamation for his efforts and support of the “Teddy Bear” program.
Mr. Lombardi is survived by his wife of 41 years, Joan. He was father and friend to three children and PopPop to five grandchildren, Frederick J., spouse Leslie and granddaughters Ashleigh, Jenna and Brittni of Gonzales; Anthony D., spouse Susie and granddaughter Alexandra of Gonzales; Angela Matz and grandson Anthony Matz of Morgan Hill.
A memorial mass will be celebrated at St. Catherine Church in Morgan Hill on Thursday, Dec. 12 at 11 a.m.
Arrangements handled by Johnson Funeral Home.
