Obituaries

Donald Richard Barsi passed away on April 25, 2026, finding peace with the Lord along with his Mother and Father and other loved ones.

Donald was born in San Francisco on May 9, 1958, to Norman and Ann Barsi. He had a happy, carefree childhood growing up in Los Altos while it was still a small, quiet town. Adventures in Adobe Creek at Shoup Park, catching frogs at Lake Laganita, and family vacations at Camp Mather near Yosemite were the best of times. Donald graduated from Saint Nicholas School and Saint Francis High School. At Saint Francis, Donald excelled in Cross Country and track. He won several meets and became one of the premier runners in the Central Coast Section of Northern California. He received the “Outstanding Runner” award during his senior year.

Donald attended Foothill College where he received an Associate of Science Degree. He moved on to San Jose State University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and then Golden Gate University where he received a Master of Business Administration in Taxation. Donald worked for the Internal Revenue Service as an accountant in the Pensions Division for more than twenty years, retiring in 2011.

Donald was an avid coin collector beginning his love for numismatics in early childhood. He compiled several impressive collections and eventually established his own business buying and selling coins. In later years, he took a keen interest in collecting tokens and built numerous collections, some dating back centuries. He was known throughout the numismatic community as the person who could find that last item needed for a collection and make a super deal.

Donald married Wendy Schock in 1987, and they spent many happy times together visiting beach towns in Southern California and exploring our country’s treasures from coast to coast. Donald actually married Wendy on his birthday so he would be certain never to forget his anniversary. Wendy’s care and kindness during Donald’s last days brought him great comfort.

Donald was active in Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish serving on different Church Committees and coaching track at the Parish School. Even when health issues prevented him from attending church regularly, Donald never missed the televised daily Mass. He was also a long standing, active member of the Knights of Columbus.

Donald experienced more than his share of health struggles throughout his life. Despite the hardships, he never complained about the hand he was dealt. He accepted what came his way, made the best of it, and moved on. And he never gave up on life and living it to the fullest. Many thanks to the wonderful Staff at Fremont Village where Donald lived for the last fifteen years for the excellent and compassionate care he received each day allowing him a full life.

Donald was predeceased by his parents, Ann and Norman Barsi. He is survived by Wendy, his Brother Bruce and Sister-In-Law Suzanne, and his two Nephews Christopher (Ashley) and Jonathan (Liana). He delighted in his six Great Nephews and Nieces and never missed giving them gifts on their birthdays or Christmas.

Donald will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. Whether you were a family member or friend, you valued his friendliness, good humor, and caring nature. He was generous to a fault, supporting his family and friends and causes that were dear to him.

Donald’s life will be celebrated with a Mass on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 11:00 am, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church at 41933 Blacow Road in Fremont followed by a reception for family and friends. Interment will be private at a later time.