Class Notes
Class Notes | Obituaries
Submit a Class Note or Obituary »
Showing obituaries submitted anytime by graduates in the
1953
John Forrest Cronin '53, J.D. '58, of San Clemente died on April 18, 2010. John was a graduate of Loyola High School and Santa Clara University and Santa Clara Law School. He served with distinction as a Deputy District Attorney in Orange County, California for 31 years. John lived his life with passion and grace. He is survived by his beloved wife, Elisa; his children, Tina (Ted) Strickland-Wallace, Karen Cronin and John Patrick (Judy) Cronin; and his grandchildren, Michael Mulcahy, Daniel Mejdrich, Kellie Mejdrich, Kayleigh Strickland, Bobby Strickland and Maggie Cronin.
John A. Maloney '53 on May 12, 2010. Maloney was born and raised in Sayre, Pa., but a cross country trip as a high school graduate sold him on California as the place to get away from cold winters. His first job was as a caddy at age eleven at the Sayre country club. Soon after he was hired the caddies went on strike for a raise. They won and were paid up to 25 cents per round, and that was the beginning of his solid support for labor unions and the beginning of lifetime habit of working. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II as an infantryman in the invasion of North Africa and in the invasion of Sicily. Like many men of his generation, his combat service was the defining force in his life and was never forgotten. He was a 1953 graduate of Santa Clara University, and he went from there to become a social worker for Santa Clara County. He had started to learn the clarinet at age 10 and completed classical training. He was bitten by the jazz bug early and was playing in combos in clubs by age 16. Locally he played for 30 years with Emperor Norton's Jazz Band as well as with other groups. He was an enthusiastic supporter of live music and the South Bay Traditional Jazz Society. He always thought that San Jose, Calif., was the best place in the world to live. His first wife, Elizabeth, died in 1983. He is survived by his second wife, Cecelia; two daughters, Patricia Farrell (husband, Jim) and Veronica Maloney; two grandchildren, Jennifer Maloney and Sean Farrell (wife Adriana); eight step-children; and 11 step-grandchildren.
James Orrin Trowbridge '53 passed away on Friday, August 14, 2009, after a long illness. Jim was born on July 12, 1931 in San Jose, Calif., to Spencer and Gladys Trowbridge. He obtained his undergraduate degree from Santa Clara University. He attended medical school and completed his pathology training at the University of California, San Francisco. While in medical school, he met his beloved, beautiful wife, Mary Lou. Jim and Mary Lou lived in San Francisco until 1974, subject to a two-year detour to El Paso, Texas, where Jim fulfilled his service duties as a physician at La Tuna Federal Correctional Institute. Jim was a highly regarded pathologist, practicing first at the City and County of San Francisco and teaching at UCSF. From 1974 until his retirement in 1989, Jim was a partner in Diagnostic Pathology Medical Group in Sacramento. He was a member of the Gold Headed Cane Honor Society, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, California Medical Association, American Medical Association, College of American Pathologists, American Society of Clinical Pathologists, California Society of Pathologists, and Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society. Jim and Mary Lou had a long, happy life together. He was a wonderful father, making sure his daughters knew they could accomplish anything with commitment, hard work, and a sense of humor. His grandsons brought him great joy. Jim loved his terrier, Raker, his koi, and to travel, fish, and read. Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Lou; daughters Ann (Jeffrey Clayton, M.D.), Susan (Vigan Kachikian); and grandsons Sam and Aran. He is dearly loved and deeply missed. Jim's family thanks the Viriviri family (Bale, Lily, and Sam) and the staffs at DaVita (Campus Commons), and Gramercy Court for their compassionate care.
James H. Love '53 died on March 29, 2010.
Harold "Harry" J. Mullin '53, born in San Francisco on April 1, 1932, passed away July 15, 2010 at his home in Carmichael, Calif., surrounded by his family. Preceded in death by his loving parents Dr. Harold Joseph and Alice Mary (Haster) Mullin and his sister Sr. Ann Marie Mullin, OP. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Marlene Ann "Engardt" Mullin, daughter Denise (Tom) Lysaght of Sacramento, daughter Michelle Mullin of Sunnyvale, grandchildren Mike and Jenny Lysaght, sister Alice (Jim) Gilheany, nephews Tom and Jim Gilheany and niece Ann Marie Snelling. Harry graduated from St. Cecelia's grammar school and St. Ignatius High School. He continued his education at Santa Clara University, University of San Francisco and finalized his degree at the University of California Berkeley where he graduated in 1954. He was an avid swimmer, lifeguard, and water polo player. To this day he still holds a state record in the three-man relay and swam the Golden Gate three times. Other hobbies included hunting, golfing, reading, Vintage Santa Clara and anything CAL-Berkeley. Upon graduation from CAL -Berkeley, Harry followed in the footsteps of many family members and joined the San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD). He was proud to be a tillerman for Truck #3 Station Three located at Post and Polk. During his tenure with the SFFD, he met the love of his life - Marlene (Molly). They were set up on a blind date; fireman meets surgical nurse and the rest is history. Harry served in the US Army and was stationed in Manheim, Germany. He was proud to be a member of the Geneva Convention and assisted President Eisenhower on numerous occasions. After being honorably discharged from the army, he returned to the San Francisco Fire Department. It was during this time he proposed to Marlene and they were married February 9, 1957. She was definitely the love of his life. In 1958, Harry and Molly moved from San Francisco to Sacramento to assist Molly's father with his company - Alex Engardt Roofing & Siding Co. (est. 1923). He worked as a roofing contractor and was an integral part of the roofing industry for more than 50 years. Harry's vast contributions to the roofing community eventually led him to be elected President of the Associated Roofing Contractors of Northern California. In the early 1970's, Harry found a new hobby/commitment - the Sacramento Elks Lodge #6. He was an avid member who's vibrant personality and leadership skills led to his installation as the Exalted Ruler of Elk's Lodge #6. Harry wanted to send special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Sutter Memorial Hospital.
Gilbert U. Kraemer Jr. '53 on Jan. 13, 2009. A native of Anaheim, his professions ranged from citrus farming to real estate development. An international angler, he broke the world record in 1986 for largest Pacific blue marlin caught. He was president of the Balboa Angling Club. He is survived by his wife, Diane; four children; and eight grandchildren.
Duane Louis ’53 Dec. 10, 1931 - July 15, 2012. Born in Alameda. B.S. from SCU, master's and administration credential from USF. Taught and coached 33 years in the Acalanes High School District in Lafayette, Calif. ROTC and an army veteran. He is survived by his loving wife of 59+ years, Annette, eight children, 21 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. He dided at home from complications of Hungtington's disease with family members at the bedside. Both Duane and his wife enjoyed working on the class of '53's 50th reunion. They attended many SCU events and had a great love for the university.
Donald Campion Atkinson '53, resident of Santa Clara died at O'Connor Hospital in San Jose on February 28, 2010 at the age of 81. Born in San Francisco to Mr. and Mrs. James E. Atkinson, Don was a longtime resident of Santa Clara, having spent his career as a practicing lawyer in the office of the City Attorney of San Jose. He is survived by his brother James Bruce Atkinson, sister-in-law Fay Atkinson, and nephew James Atkinson. He will be missed by his many friends and extended family members in the Bay Area.
Ben C. Francis J.D. '58 on Jan. 13, 2009. He is survived by his wife, Bernice, and three children.
Anton "Tony" Janda ’53, CFN 1958, our dear brother Companion and good friend, entered into Light this morning, February 16, 2013 at 3:15 am. He was approximately 82 years old. Tony died without pain and at peace at a hospice residence in La Mesa, CA, a suburb of San Diego. A priest from a local parish was called in to attend Tony last night. Anne was at Tony's bedside when he died; she has been with him during many hours of the difficult past days and weeks and she is doing well. She wants us to know that Tony's final and cherished thoughts had been of Los Gatos, and of us, his Companions through the years. Thanks to the kindness of Anne Janda, I had the privilege and joy of sharing some 30 pleasant moments with Tony at his bedside at the skilled nursing facility a few weeks ago. We were blessed to enjoy a portion of our lives in Tony's company. Each of us who knew and loved him holds our own special memories of him. We will carry those memories and experiences in our hearts until the time, beyond time, when we shall meet again. I hope that we--our lives--were as much a blessing for Tony as we were blessed with him.
Go with God, dear Tony. Until we meet again..
1954
William J. Campbell '54, resident of San Mateo, Calif., William J. passed away on June 15, 2009, at the age of 77. He is survived by his loving wife, Shirlie, two sons, Bill and Andy, one sister, Charlotte (Dee) and five adoring grandchildren. Bill was a generous man who spent his entire life helping other people. A graduate of U.S.F., he devoted much of his time to Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, shaping the lives of countless young men. He was a proud Eagle Scout and over the years had received several awards in Scouting. He was an avid reader and had a keen interest in local San Mateo County and San Francisco history. In his later years, he volunteered time at Filoli and at the Senior Center, helping prepare income taxes for the community.
William Ansley Allen, Jr. '54 on January 7, 2010 at home in Arlington, VA after a 14 year struggle with Parkinson''s Disease. He was 78 years old. He is survived by his wife Antoinette; and daughter Claire; as well as four children from his first marriage: Robert, Mark, Therese, Margaret; five grandchildren; and his younger brother Yater. Bill was born in the Philippines in 1931 and his family hid from the Japanese in the jungles for nearly three years before being rescued by the U.S.S. Nautilius in 1944 and moving to the United States. He recently wrote a memoir for his family about his childhood adventures. He was a graduate of Santa Clara University and Georgetown University and was an economist at the Department of Commerce for nearly forty years before his retirement. He managed his office softball team for many years. Bill loved baseball, jazz, musicals, Scrabble, and bad puns. He was a loving and dedicated husband and father.
William "Bill" R. Kilty ’54 has died, following a five-year battle with melanoma cancer at his San Clemente home on Feb. 4, 2013 at the age of 80. He was born Sept. 2, 1932, to Edith A. and Edmund J. Kilty in Denver, Colo. His family moved to Los Angeles in 1939, where he attended St. Paul the Apostle grammar school in Westwood and Loyola High School. In 1947, the family moved to Palo Alto, and Bill graduated from Bellarmine Prep in 1950 and Santa Clara University in 1954. Following his graduation from Santa Clara, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and served as an officer for three and half years. In 1957, while serving in Long Beach, he married Joan C. LaBounty. After his discharge from the Coast Guard, he was employed by the Crown Zellerbach Corporation as a sales trainee. In 1961, he became Headquarters Sales Supervisor for the Zellerbach Paper Company in San Francisco. In the years that followed, he served as Los Angeles Division Managerial Assistant (1965), Portland Division Manager (1968), and Vice President and Manager for the Zellerbach Paper Company's southern region. In 1975, he served as Vice President for Corporate Development at Zellerbach headquarters in San Francisco.
After retiring, Bill and his wife, Joan, relocated to San Clemente, Calif. in 1988 and enjoyed their retirement by traveling, playing golf, and watching their grandchildren blossom. In 1995, Bill's wife, Joan, succumbed to breast cancer. Eight years later, Bill renewed acquaintance with and ultimately married fellow San Clemente resident, Miriam Schumacher Hoffman, who had been a classmate of Bill's at St. Paul the Apostle and who died in 2011. Bill is survived by his five children, Ann Hernandez ’80, MBA ’87, Jeanne Jelnick, John Kilty, Tom Kilty '88 and R. Patrick Kilty; sister, Janet Lewis; and twelve grandchildren.
Bill was an active member of Rotary, the San Clemente Dons, and Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in San Clemente. Bill was an enthusiastic supporter and fan of his grandchildren as they participated in sports, performing arts, and other activities, and he will be remembered as a generous and loving father and grandfather.
Theodore A. Loer '54 on Nov. 12, 2008. A native of Watsonville, he served in the Army Air Corps and later worked for the Santa Clara County Assessor's office, retiring after 35 years as chief auditor appraiser. He is survived by his wife, Jo; three children; three grandchildren; and a great-grandson.
Richard Philip "Dick" Berry ’54, of Meadow Vista, Calif., passed away peacefully in the company of his children on Monday, June 19, 2012 after a trying battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was born in San Francisco in 1932 to James and Anne. Richard attended Bellermine Preparatory where he excelled in football. He received his Bachelor of Science in Commerce from the University of Santa Clara in 1954, and served as First Lieutenant in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956. Richard married the love of his live, Elizabeth Jane in 1955. They raised their family in cities including San Jose, Denver, Salt Lake City and Meadow Vista.
Richard supported his family while employed at the AMFAC Distribution Corporation where he began his career in 1976 and retired as the Senior Vice President of Product Support in 1984. Richard excelled in all that he did and upon retiring he enjoyed gardening, watching his much loved 49ers and attending church where he was a Eucharistic minister. He was a warm, loving man who was described as a role model.
Richard is survived by a large family who will miss him deeply. He is the beloved father of Richard W. Berry, Kathryn (and Sidney) Smith, Susan (and David) Pierce and Linda Aldrich; devoted brother of James, William and Jay Anne; caring grandfather to Samantha Berry, Amanda and Gretchen Smith, David (and Kari) and Mark (and Jenna) Pierce, Megan and Kyle Aldrich; adoring great-grandfather to George Berry, Wyatt Pierce and Wesley Pierce. He also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers and sisters-in-law. Richard will be remembered for his kind smile and dedication to his family. Richard's beloved 'Bets' passed away in 1999. He is reunited with her and they are surely enjoying their first dance in the life after this.
Ralph Eugene Neary ’54, Nov. 28, 2012. Neary, a third-generation San Franciscan who lived in the city his whole life, passed into his Lord's hands at home with his family at his side. He had fought a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Ralph was a proud graduate of Sacred Heart High School and Santa Clara University. After serving his country in the United States Army he went on to enjoy a productive career as a mechanical engineer. He holds numerous patents as a result of his creative work over a thirty-year career at the Schlage Lock Company.
Ralph was an invaluable member of Saint Brendan Parish, and enjoyed a life where his generosity was rewarded most by sharing simple, special times with his many loyal friends and loving family.
He could design anything, build anything, fix anything, and he made a mean Manhattan. But most of all, he was the best friend, husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather anyone could ask for, sharing his insight and talents whenever and wherever needed most.
Those whose lives he touched will miss him immensely. The family is especially grateful for Lauren and her team of caregivers and Pathways Hospice who provided Dad with loving assistance over the last few months.
Ralph joined his parents Charlie and Olga, and his older brother Norman. He is now watching over his wife of fifty-six years, Kathleen (Cullen), his children, Michael (Xiomara), Thomas (Lucy), Charles (Laura), and Mary Geasa (John), and his nine grandchildren, Sean, Meaghan, Monica, Emily, Kaitlyn, Annie, Jack, Kevin, and Joe.
Luke A. "Bud" Scurich '54 passed away Tuesday, April 20th with his family at his side. He was 78 years old. He was born and raised in Watsonville and attended Moreland Notre Dame and Watsonville High schools. He attended Santa Clara University and after graduation in 1954, served in the army for two years spending a portion of his term in Alaska. He returned to Watsonville and began working in the family insurance agency until his retirement in 1995. After retiring, he continued to spend time barbequing for the charities and organizations he loved as well as for his family and friends at his ranch on Scurich Road. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Slavic American Benevolent Society, SACO, Watsonville Elks Lodge, Pajaro Valley Rod and Gun Club, PV Historical Society, SIRS and Valley Catholic Church. He also served on the Santa Cruz County Grand Jury for two years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Antone and Pauline Scurich and sisters Mary Farris and June Eastman. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sue, sister Catherine Walt Burleson, sons Tony Julie and Mike Jennifer Scurich, daughters Missy John Powers and Mimi Scurich, grandsons Jeff, Scott, Luke and Zach Scurich, Joe and Mathew Powers, granddaughters Megan and Casey Scurich, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Larry F. Frisone '54 died on August 17, 2010. Resident of Carmel, Frisone passed away at the age of 79, after battling a seven year progressive neurological disorder, with family and care givers by his side. Larry was an extremely kind, honest and caring father, grandfather and friend. He always greeted everyone with a warm smile, witty conversation and was the life and soul of the party. Larry was born in Akron, Ohio. His primary schooling was at Saint Mary's Parochial School. His family moved to San Jose in July of 1947 and was enrolled at Bellarmine High School and graduated in 1950. He played varsity football first as a tackle then as a fullback during winning seasons. Larry's first year at college was at Santa Clara University where we took pre-science courses and ROTC. He then went to UC Berkley and graduated in 1954 with a BS Degree in Pharmacy from UCSF Medical Center College of Pharmacy and was licensed shortly thereafter. During September of 1954, Larry was called to duty in the US Army Medical Service Corp as a Second Lieutenant beginning at Fort Sam, Houston, Texas where he held various logistic assignments. After one year, he was transferred to Frankfurt, Germany where he was platoon leader of a MASH unit and later became the Company Commander. In July, 1956, Larry was honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant and began his pharmacy career. Larry met his future wife, Gloria Vizza, in San Jose when by chance, she walked into a pharmacy where Larry was currently working. He took a liking to her immediately. He didn't need to ask her for a phone number since he had already typed her prescription. Larry and Gloria were married on December 21, 1958. They had two children, a daughter, Julie and a son, Robert. Several months after their wedding, he opened Hecker Pass Pharmacy in Gilroy and began a very successful business. During these years, he always had a real estate project in the works. Julie died in 1970 which may have prompted Larry's need for a change in life. He shortly, thereafter, sold the pharmacy and pursued real estate full time. Larry, Gloria and Robert moved to Pebble Beach in 1977. His son, Robert, after graduating from college in 1986 began developing projects and running the office with Larry. Larry and Robert enjoyed working together for many years until Larry decided to reduce his hours to pursue community service. Gloria died in 1990 after fighting cancer for three years. Larry being the devoted husband never left her side. In July of 1997, Larry became a happy grandfather to his pride and joy, Emily Elizabeth Frisone. His favorite moments were visiting Emily at school, taking her shopping, listening to her play her violin and watching her ride at horse shows. He was so proud of her. Larry was always active in his various communities: Gilroy American Legion, Gilroy Rotary Club, Gilroy Elks Club, board member of Friends of Hospice, board member Chartwell School, Monterey County Cultural Commission, Stillwater Yacht Club (Commodore 2005) and member of the Big Sir Land Trust Membership Committee. Larry was also a member of the Pebble beach, Beach and Tennis Club and the Monterey Peninsula Country Club. Larry was a very generous man and made donations to many charities though-out the Monterey Peninsula. Larry is survived by his son, Robert Frisone, his daughter in law, Caron Frisone and his loving granddaughter, Emily Frisone who reside in Pebble Beach, California. Larry's family would like to thank Jun Camarse (Compassionate Care) and his entire family for the loving and attentive care given for three years.
John Joseph Mancino '54, age 77, of Huntington Beach, Calif., passed away July 7, 2010. John was born in Los Angeles on Nov. 30, 1932. He graduated from Mount Carmel High School where he was a multi-sport letterman, was the L.A. City Player of the Year in 1949 for Basketball and is a member of the Helms Hall of Fame. Those basketball skills earned him a scholarship to Santa Clara University. He transferred to Loyola University in Westchester after one year where he studied Accounting. Upon completing his education, John became a public accountant working for Arthur Andersen & Co. He spent the majority of his professional life operating his own accounting practice never completely retiring. Sports played a big role in John's life ... from his playing days to coaching his children, particularly in baseball, to rooting for his Angels, Dodgers and Lakers. Aside from his deep faith in Our Lord, the greatest love of his life was the time he spent with his family whom he treasured with all his heart. John is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Marelyn, and sons John Dennis, Steve, Jeff, David, and Mark, daughters Nancy and Gina, 18 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren as well as sister, Mary Virginia. He is preceded in death by his precious grandson, Adam.
John J. Stanton Jr. '54, of Greenwich, Conn., died October 15, 2009. Born on August 23, 1932 in New York City he grew up in Mamaroneck, New York and Portland, Oegon. He was a graduate of Santa Clara University and Georgetown Law School. He proudly served as a Lieutenant in US Marine Corps. He practiced law with the National Labor Relations Board, was Labor Counsel and head of the legal department of the New York Times and served on Counsel with Cahill, Gordon and Reindel. He also taught law at the University of the District of Columbia. John was also a member of American Yacht Club, a parishioner of Resurrection Church in Rye, and a religious education teacher there. He enjoyed traveling, gardening and cooking. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mary-Jane (Handler), his children: John, Sue Ann (Gail Romano),Gregory (Maria Del Guercio) and Hugh as well as his grandchildren, Isobella, Luke and Nina. A devoted friend, Jack guided those close to him with his sharp intellect, dry wit, and gentle laugh. Jack Stanton was never one to suffer fools gladly.
John "Phil" Gilligan '54 passed away peacefully at home on Sunday August 14, 2011. He is survived by his wife Jane Gilligan and their three children: Andrew, Theresa and Erin, their spouses and five grandchildren. Following graduation from Santa Clara University in June of 1954, Gilligan served in the US Army Field Artillery as a Lieutenant for 4 years. Upon his return he joined Coldwell Banker in Los Angeles working as a mortgage broker, until he joined Edwin A.Tomlin Company, a Los Angeles mortgage brokerage firm. Later he became sole owner and operator of the company. During that time he served as the elected President of the California Mortgage Brokers Association and served for a full term. In 1968, following his retirement from the mortgage brokerage business he embarked on a new career as an avocado farmer in North County San Diego. He developed Gilligan Groves, which prospers as a working business to this day. In 1970 Gilligan became a member of the Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Los Angeles, serving as its President in 1981. He also served for many years on the University of San Diego Board of Trustees and as head of the Oceanside Housing Loan Rehabilitation Commission.
James P. Brisbois ’54, of San Mateo, Calif., passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Nov. 16, following a long struggle with Parkinson's Disease. He was 78 years old. A native of Stockton, Jim attended Serra High School and the University of Santa Clara. He served in the United States Army. Jim worked for 32 years as an investment trust officer with the Bank of California in San Francisco. An avid lifelong sportsman, he was a hunter safety instructor with the Department of Fish and Game for over 25 years. Jim was a long-time member of the Nocturnal Adoration Society. Jim is survived by Bobby, his wife of 46 years, and their children, Nick (Anna), Joe (Meighan), Matt, and Sue (Tracy), as well as his sisters, Winnie Buckley and Mary Rose. He was blessed with two granddaughters, Zoe and Lily. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas and Winifred Brisbois, and sisters, Barbara Ogburn and Betty Norman.
