Lasting Memories

Richard Henry Mesak
1920-Oct. 8, 2009
Redwood City, California

Richard Henry "Dick" Mesak, a past captain of the Mounted Patrol of San Mateo County, died Oct. 8 at his home in Redwood City with his wife, Ada, at his side. Founder of the Circle Star Theater in San Carlos and the Circle Star restaurant, he was 89.

Born in San Francisco, Mr. Mesak was a member of the Mission High School 1936 championship football team. He attended St. Mary's College in Moraga and played for the 1939 Cotton Bowl championship team.

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1941 to 1945 with the first group of Sea Bees in the Pacific. After the war, he played football for the Detroit Lions in the National Football League and the Clippers in the Pacific Coast League in San Francisco.

Mr. Mesak was a member of many organizations, including the Disabled American Veterans, past senior commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, past vice president of the Homebuilders Association, San Mateo County Horseman's Association, Mounted Patrol of San Mateo County and the Shack Riders Club. He was a former member of the Palo Alto and Shoreline golf clubs and a life member of the Redwood City Elks Club.

He is survived by his wife, Ada, of Redwood City; son Richard Mesak; stepson Bruce Paisley; and one granddaughter. His first wife, Jeanne, and daughter, Jeannine, preceded him in death.