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Dan Duggan: Continuing a Family Tradition

By Julie Deacon, Guest Reporter

For Dan Duggan, the funeral profession isn’t just a career—it’s a family tradition that stretches back more than a century. “The story really begins with my great-grandfather,” he says. “He emigrated from Ireland to San Francisco in the early 1900s and was hired by a local undertaker to take care of the horses used in funeral processions. Eventually, he married the undertaker’s daughter, and that’s how our family became connected to the funeral business.”

That connection continued through the generations and eventually led to the founding of Duggan’s Serra Mortuary in Daly City. Dan says his parents opened the mortuary in 1963 and intentionally chose the location to best serve families throughout the region. “They wanted to be accessible to people from San Francisco and the Peninsula, and we’re also very close to the cemeteries in Colma.”

Growing up, Dan spent plenty of time around the mortuary and began helping out while he was still in school. “I remember coming here as early as seventh and eighth grade,” he recalls. “Back then, it was mostly family members running the business. We’d gather here for dinner while my parents were upstairs meeting with families or preparing for services.”

Dan later attended San Francisco State University, where he studied business finance. During his freshman year, he moved into the apartment inside the funeral home and began serving as the overnight on-call staff member. “That gave me a real sense of responsibility early on,” he says. After graduating, he completed mortuary college and officially entered the profession.

Today, Dan serves as president of Duggan’s Serra Mortuary and is proud to continue his family’s legacy alongside the next generation. “Two of my sons now work here full time,” he says. “They represent the fifth generation of Duggans to serve families in this profession.”

While the work can be demanding, Dan says helping families through difficult moments makes it meaningful. “Families are incredibly appreciative when we’re able to guide them through such a challenging time. We get a lot of positive feedback and hugs.”

Originally from San Francisco, Dan now lives in Burlingame with his wife, Karen. When he isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with their three children and three grandsons, as well as playing golf and following Bay Area sports teams like the Giants and 49ers.

For Dan, the philosophy behind his business hasn’t changed over the years. “Treating people with kindness and compassion has always been the focus,” he says. “Ultimately, we just want to make sure families feel supported and cared for.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: The Amalfi Coast in Italy or the wine region in France.

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: A little bit of both.

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: The House of Prime Rib in San Francisco.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: Build a fire and read the San Francisco Chronicle.

Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
A: Treat people with kindness.