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William “Bill” Joseph Fereira, known in the area as the first fire chief for the San Ramon Fire Protection District, died April 9. A Danville resident, his 89 years were woven into the history of the San Ramon Valley. Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 28 at East Bay Fellowship, 2615 Camino Tassajara in Danville.
Born to William And Lena (Caldiera) Fereira in Hayward and raised in San Ramon, Mr. Fereira moved from the family farm in Bollinger Canyon to live above the San Ramon General Store, which his parents owned and operated. His father was the first postmaster of San Ramon. He attended San Ramon Grammar School and San Ramon Valley High School, class of 1938. Mr. Fereira roamed San Ramon when the population was under 100 and he delighted us all with his stories of valley history.
In 1942, Mr. Fereira entered the U.S. Navy and served in the South Pacific arena as Aviation Machinist Mate-Instruments First Class. Under the cover of night and sworn to secrecy, he worked with a crew on heavily guarded Mitchell B-25 Medium Bombers. History tells the rest of the story of Doolittle’s Mission. Following the war, he returned home with his new bride, Violet Krga from Chicago. He started a business (San Ramon Garage) and moved to Danville to raise a family. Mr. Fereira resided in Danville for 62 years.
Mr. Fereira became involved in the fire protection world in the late 1950s as the person servicing the once Eastern Contra Costa County Fire District’s vehicles in the remote stations of San Ramon and Tassajara. During this time, he was also a Danville firefighter. In 1963, Mr. Fereira and local residents formed the San Ramon Fire Protection District. His garage became the firehouse and he went on to serve as the first Fire Chief of San Ramon (1963 to 1978). Chief Fereira’s early vision and leadership were instrumental in setting the foundation for what was to become the present San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District.
In retirement, Mr. Fereira enjoyed a new phase of life. He worked in his shops, fixing and building most anything; maintained his life long interest in mechanics and aviation; expanded his collection of fire patches/badges and memorabilia; and in his own style, he was a keeper of San Ramon history. For years he cracked and shelled walnuts, which represented the once walnut orchards of San Ramon, and each season made walnut deliveries to friends as he made his rounds. Mr. Fereira wore many hats throughout his lifetime and was a man of many talents, but what endeared him to so many was his loyal and steadfast connection to family and friends, to the fire department and to the San Ramon he so loved. You never knew when he would stop by or give you a call, but you knew you’d hear from him.
He leaves his loving family: Ginny, Billy, Susie, Carl and Andy, along with nephew Bob, his dearest friend and companion Barbara and so many who loved “Chiefie,” Big Bill, and Mr. Bill.
His wife Violet and brothers Clifford and Howard preceded him in death.
Mr. Fereira family is forever grateful to his wide circle of loyal friends, who were always there for him and to Helena and Lupe, who so lovingly cared for “Chiefie.” He taught us how to live, laugh and grow old. We will forever remember this dear, special man with his mischievous smile and twinkle in his eyes.
Chief Fereira’s service will include honors from the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District. Interment will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1965 Reliez Valley Road, Lafayette. The family invites the public to join them between 3 to 5 p.m. that day at Oak Hill Park Community Center, 3005 Stone Valley Road, Danville, for refreshments and time to share “Chiefie” memories. Because of school traffic, it is recommended to travel Stone Valley Road via Alamo.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the San Ramon Valley Care Group, Hospice of East Bay or charity of choice.
By Emily West
I lived down the street from Bill for about 10 years. Great guy and a hell of a lot of fun!
Gods speed, Bill.