Michael Joseph Valmonte

Michael Valmonte entered the world on October 7, 1956. He was born, raised and lived his entire life in San Francisco. Michael was the second of five children (Lucinda, Lydia, Lori and Matthew) to Filipino immigrants Lucy Riano and Mark Valmonte.

Michael was proud to have grown up in the Haight Ashbury. As a Filipino kid growing up in an integrated and diverse neighborhood with Blacks representing the highest minority population, Michael learned the gift of story telling and frequently recounted stories of his mischievous acts as a child and teenager that made anyone listening break into laughter. He took pride in the fact that he attended public schools that exposed him to different parts of the city. First he attended Dudley Stone Elementary in the Haight and then the city’s desegregation efforts took him west towards Ocean Beach to AP Giannini for middle school. As Michael’s mother, Lucy would say, “Michael was a mischievous boy! That’s why he went to many schools!” For high school, Michael went to Abraham Lincoln High School before “transferring” to Galileo High School on the Northeastern edge of the city.

Michael would say when he watched television growing up, the most beautiful women were Spanish women. Now a dapper 23 year old, Michael with his new BMW, identified his Spanish beauty and love of his life, Felicia Lopez. Felicia remembered Michael when they both attended Galileo and thought Michael was “too full of himself” and was hesitant to date him. It would take Michael’s best friend, Tyrone and Felicia’s older sister Pamela, to persuade Felicia to give him a chance. Two years later, they were married at City Hall in San Francisco.

At 27, Michael’s pride entered into the world when his only child, Michael Jr. was born. Michael called his son the “joy of my life!!! God blessed me with him…” Mikey was his inspiration, his strength and verbal sparring partner.

Now with a family, Michael worked at UPS and had also started a successful Limousine service. But Felicia urged Michael to pursue higher education to help him find a real career. In response to Felicia’s prodding (or should we say strong ultimatums), Michael enrolled at the University of San Francisco and earned his Bachelor and Master’s degree in Education - all while raising a young child with his wife, and holding down multiple jobs. Felicia’s insistence and Michael’s grit determination paid off as he would go on to enjoy an impactful and gratifying career as an educator in San Francisco and San Mateo. He was the Dean of Students at Aragon High School in San Mateo for 15 years until he retired in 2019 when he was 63. In Michael’s own words, “I was blessed to have a great career in education and am grateful to all those kids who touched MY life.”

Michael adored Felicia and Mikey and he was a devoted son and caretaker for his 95 year old mother, Lucy. He loved all things San Francisco, especially the Warriors, Niners, Giants, Valkyries and San Francisco politics. Michael was inspired by stories about athletes of color and was particularly interested in people that had limited resources, but found a way to “make it.” Since he was a child, Michael was known to have impeccable attire, from head to toe - hats, scarves, gloves and shoes. In retirement, he enjoyed putting together outfits, enjoying his favorite San Francisco restaurants, walking around the city - in particular the Embarcadero, and having conversations with people from all walks of life along the way. In hopes of improving the conditions of his beloved City, he worked tirelessly as a volunteer for the Daniel Lurie for Mayor campaign. Mayor Lurie recently shared with Michael Jr. upon hearing news of his passing that “he was a great man and a great dresser.”

Michael was a core city boy until his final days. He did not care to travel too much as he was satiated by all that San Francisco had to offer. Michael had his mother, wife, son, the City, and a complete wardrobe - that is all he needed.

There will be a celebration of Michael Valmonte's life in the City on Saturday October 18, 2025 from Noon to 3:00PM at Historical Klamath, Pier 9, San Francisco.