DAN POMMON, 79DAN POMMON, 79

SAN FRANCISCO -- Services have been held for Dan Pommon, owner of Pommon's Tower Market here.

rated a small store here. In 1942, Marc Pommon opened a larger store here, at 635 Portola Dr.

Dan Pommon took over that store in 1953 upon his father's death and built it into a regional favorite, offering an upscale variety of gourmet foods, wines and European imports in a service-oriented setting. The store is celebrating its 55th anniversary.

"His philosophy was, 'The customer is king. Give him what he wants at a decent price.', " said Karl Wolf, general manager and vice president and a 20-year employee. "He always had a smile for everyone. That was his trademark."

Wolf said the store's employees drafted an epitaph for Pommon that read, "Thank you, Dan Pommon, for being our boss, our mentor and a dear friend."

"He was a friend and a father to all employees," Wolf said.

Pommon died of a stroke Aug. 29. He was 79. He is survived by his wife, Betty; and sons John and Danny Jr.