Donald Martin Ahlbach

Donald Martin Ahlbach, age 84, died surrounded by his family on Monday, November 25, after a brief hospitalization.  A third generation San Franciscan, Donald was the second son of William J. Ahlbach and Margaret O’Connor Ahlbach.  Donald attended St. Cecilia’s grammar school, St. Joseph’s Seminary and St. Ignatius High School for two years each and graduated from the University of San Francisco in 1962. He maintained lifelong friends from each of the schools he attended. Donald spent two years in the Air Force Reserve before obtaining his degree from USF Law School and passing the Bar in 1967.   

Donald was preceded in death by brothers Rev. William Ahlbach and Gerald Ahlbach (Susan). Donald is survived by his loving spouse, Marlene Pastorino Ahlbach; his beloved sons Justin, and Adam and partner, Eric Haist; adored grandson, Henry; brother, John (Peggy), and sisters, Margaret (Price) and Mary. Other loved ones include his father and mother-in-law, Henry (Rico) and Lorraine Pastorino (both deceased), his brother-in-law, Hank Pastorino, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and their families.   

One iconic note in his history was he supported himself during law school by working as an ambulance driver for the City of S.F. out of Park Emergency Hospital, and then continued driving the ambulance for a time after he passed the Bar.  The “ambulance-driving lawyer” job was not a joke lost on his family and friends.

Donald worked faithfully as a lawyer, maintaining his private probate practice for over 55 years. He continued to take care of clients’ final affairs and wishes up until the end. He practiced his profession with the greatest of integrity and devotion to his clients’ needs, ably assisted for 46 years by his secretary Sharon Sinor.

Among the things Donald loved were cooking gourmet meals for family and friends, taking long walks, watching college football and other sports, attending retreats at various monastic communities, and visiting sports venues around the country.   On his bucket list was a visit to every MLB park; he completed three-quarters of those before he died. Donald was a devout Catholic and generous supporter of many Catholic charities. He maintained a close connection to the Sulpician, Our Lady of New Clairvaux, Benedictine and Maryknoll communities.

Above all else, Donald was a good and generous friend to those lucky enough to have him in their life.  As a husband, father, grandfather, godfather, brother, uncle or friend, no one looked out for those he loved more than Donald.

Visitation service begins at 10:30am followed by a Funeral Mass at 11am on Tuesday, December 17^th at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 2555 17^th Avenue, San Francisco, CA.   A celebration of life reception to follow.  Donald will be laid to rest at a private family entombment at Holy Cross Cemetery. 

Memorial donations may be made to The Abbey of Our Lady of New Clairvaux, P.O. Box 80, Vina, CA 96092, or a charity of your choice.