Death Announcement: Reverend Mario P. Farana

Death Announcement: Reverend Mario P. Farana

Rev. Mario Farana, Long-Serving Catholic Priest of San Francisco, Passes Away

Rev. Mario Paul Farana, a dedicated Catholic priest who spent over three decades serving the San Francisco Diocese, has passed away at the age of 80 on August 5, 2025. Born on September 6, 1944, in San Francisco, Farana was a shining example of devotion and service to his church and community.

Farana began his vocation as a deacon in 1970, with a one-year assignment at St. Kevin's Parish. However, it was his 32-year tenure as the Pastor of St. Paul's Church at Church and Valley Streets that truly showcased his leadership and commitment.

St. Paul's Church was on a list for closure when Farana arrived in 1993. But through his passion, determination, and fortitude, he successfully prevented its closing. His dedication to the preservation of the church extended to numerous projects, including the retrofit of the historic St. Paul's Church, the restoration of the slate roof, the refurbishment of the steeple crosses with gold-leaf, the building of a new school, and the accomplishment of the Stained Glass Windows Project.

Farana was also instrumental in the removal and restoration of all of the antique stained glass windows at St. Paul's, which were created by German artisans in the late 1800s. His work on these windows was a testament to his respect for the church's history and his commitment to preserving it for future generations.

In addition to his work at St. Paul's, Farana was appointed Chairman of the Mission Deanery Council in the early 1990s, a role that further showcased his leadership qualities and impact on the broader church community. In 2020, the Pastorship of St. Philip the Apostle and St. James Church were added to his responsibilities.

Farana's life was one of service. He attended Epiphany Grammar School in San Francisco, the University of Santa Clara, and graduated with a B.A. in History. He also completed ROTC training at the University of Santa Clara and served as an Army chaplain for the duration of his commitment to the US Army Reserves.

Farana is survived by his brother, Nicholas S. Farana, his sister-in-law, Lawnie Farana, his sister, Ann M. Farana, his nephew Anthony A. Farana, his niece, Nicole Nardone, and his grandnieces and grandnephews, Sienna, Sal, Zada, Luca, Lea, and Stella.

A Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 pm on Friday, August 15 at St Paul's Church. Friends may call from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Thursday, August 14 at DUGGAN'S FUNERAL SERVICE, 3434 17TH STREET, S.F. The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 16th at St. Paul's Church. The committal service will take place on Monday, August 18, 1:00 pm, at Gates of Heaven Cemetery, Los Altos.

Charitable donations in Farana's memory may be sent to the St Paul's Parish Preservation Fund. Farana gave his all to his God, his church, and his people, never wanting anything for himself. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those he served and the beautiful church he helped preserve.

[1] Obituary, Rev. Mario P. Farana, The San Francisco Chronicle, August 8, 2025.

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