ClassNotes

Joseph Michael Trindade '61 passed away peacefully at the age of 71 on June 4, 2011 at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto. Mike was born on Aug. 25, 1939 to Joseph M. and Thelma Trindade in Merced. He graduated from Our Lady of Mercy Grammar School in 1953, Merced High School in 1957, and Santa Clara University in 1961. He played football in high school and soccer in college. Mike was an electrical engineer. During his career he worked for the Federal Aviation Administration, Bechtel Construction, Aerojet and was self-employed. He enjoyed archery, flying, sailing and golf. He had an adventurous spirit and once flew his small airplane across the United States. Mike lived for many years in Orangevale, Calif. and then in Folsom. For the past four years, he lived at Turlock Nursing and Rehabilitation, where he received very good care. We would like to thank the staff for the compassion they showed Mike over the years. Mike was a kind and generous man and had a wonderful sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends. Mike is survived by his brother, Roger Trindade (Tamera) of Shasta; his sisters, Moogie Roeder (Jim) of Frankfort, Kan., Barbara Cavner (Bill) of Atwater and Patricia Miller (Dave) of Turlock; nephews, John Trindade, Joe Trindade, Brad Roeder, Michael Cavner and Jeff Miller; and niece, Elizabeth Cavner. He was preceded in death by his wife, Charlene Trindade; his parents, Joseph M. and Thelma Trindade; and his nephew, Matt Miller.

John P. Steffani '61 on Nov. 10, 2008.  Born in San Jose, he retired in 1995 to Las Tinas, Mexico, where he spent most of his time with his favorite pastimes, fishing and helping the local schools with their computers. He also recently enjoyed working his new avocado grove in Vista. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Regina Steffani; six children; 20 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Jack Ludwigson '61, J.D. '64 passed away October 31, 2009 at home surrounded by friends and family at the age of 71. He was born June 12, 1938 in Bellingham to Ed and Kay Ludwigson. Jack graduated from Bellingham High School in 1956 and earned his B.A. and law degrees from Santa Clara University, where he developed many lifelong friendships. Jack returned to Washington and worked for three years for the King County Prosecutor's Office in Seattle during which time he met his bride to be, Sarah Black, on a blind date. They were married in 1966 and returned to Bellingham in 1967 where Jack went into private practice and together they raised their two children. Jack loved life and loved to have fun. He enjoyed his family and friends more than anything and was at his happiest amongst them at the cabin on Orcas Island and fishing the San Juans. He was an amazing husband, father, and grandpa. His sense of humor, kindness, and friendship will be greatly missed by all. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Kay. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sarah; children and spouses Eric and Jenny Ludwigson and Susie and Rolan Coberly, of Bellingham; sisters Mary (Bill) Johnson of Bellevue, Margie (Chuck) Lindhout of Sandy Point, and Katie (Rod) Zorotovich of Mercer Island; grandchildren Joe, Maura, and Owen Ludwigson and Max and Jake Coberly. A celebration of Jack's life will be held in the spring.

Fred "Freddie" Domino ’61, J.D. ’68 was born in Chicago in 1939 and passed away on Jan. 2, 2013, in Morgan Hill. He was a lawyer. His parents were Sylvester "Jack" Domino and Ann Domino. His sister was Kathy Domino. He is survived by wife Ruby Domino of Morgan Hill, daughter Dawn Domino of Morgan Hill, niece Trista (Domino) Zwemke of Palm Springs, and nephews David Domino of San Jose and Thomas Angelo Smith of San Francisco. He loved golfing and taking trips to Italy.

St. Helena Mayor Delford Glenn (“Buddy”) Britton ’61, 74, died unexpectedly of renal failure Jan. 8, 2013, at home, after serving four terms and having been sworn in for a fifth. 

Carl Alvin Munding ’61, with a taste of Wild Turkey, and a kiss from his beloved wife of fifty years—Kathleen—and surrounded by the love of his four children—Monica, John, Matt, and Michelle—crossed over to the Kingdom of God on Jan. 19, 2013.  His spirit lives on as he was and will always be a man who lived a life of respect, love, and service to others before himself.

Willys Irvine Peck J.D. ’69, a lifelong Saratogan, passed away on April 16. He was 89.

He was born August 21, 1923, and through the years became an iconic representative of the World War II generation. His spaciousness of soul was nourished in the orchards bordering his first childhood home; his character honed itself through the jobs he picked up around town, delivering magazines and groceries, cleaning houses, and getting up at 2 a.m. on Sundays to start the furnace in the church. Many of his adult passions were seeded in his youth. The printer's ink in his blood flowed from his newspaperman father, Llewellyn Peck, and his love for the witty and elegant turn of phrase came both from his father and his mother Lida, who was dedicated to good literature and writing. Willys considered himself a lucky man. A veteran of WWII, he was a member of the 20th armored division, one of three divisions credited by the U.S. army with the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp in 1945. Yet he felt lucky to have entered the war late enough to return home unscathed. His next big stroke of luck was his marriage to Betty Ruth Wesson in 1952. Their home in Saratoga, with its giant oaks and the creek running behind the house, gave them the space to build a magical environment, with an amphitheater for producing theatrical events, a railroad that circled the house, a train station, blacksmith shop, and printing museum complete with linotype. An avid hand-press printer, Willys was a member of the San Jose Printer's Guild. He was passionate about theater, trains and the written word. He was an author, a playwright and a poet. Willys graduated from UC Berkeley in 1949 and began his career as a journalist for the San Jose Mercury News (for a tribute from that paper, read here) as a copy editor and assistant city editor. Years later he wrote a column for the Saratoga News. In 1962 he graduated from Santa Clara Law School and practiced law until returning to the Mercury where he continued to work on the city desk even after his official retirement in 1989 for a total of 55 years. Active in preserving his town's history, Willys was involved in the Saratoga Historical Foundation and Museum, Montalvo's Phelan Library, and the California History Center. He was a member of the Saratoga Men's Club and the Saratoga Federated Church where he was christened when "both he and the Julia Morgan Chapel were new." Involved in his community, he served on many local boards including the West Valley-Mission Community College District Foundation. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty, two children, Bill Peck of Santa Clara and Anna Rainville of Saratoga, two granddaughters, Sarah and Merina Rainville, and son-in-law, Don Rainville. 

Ron McGee '62 passed away on July 21, 2011 after a full life of love and affection of family and friends. Born and raised in San Francisco, a graduate of Riordan High School, class of '58, and Santa Clara University, class of '62. Ron was a natural athlete that wore #22 on the basketball floor for the Broncos. After graduating from Santa Clara, Ron went into the family beer business, Santa Clara Valley Distributing. For over three decades, he worked alongside family and friends before retiring. He also enjoyed coaching his daughter's basketball, softball and soccer teams. And was an avid golfer. Family and friends will remember Ron for his quick sense of humor, great kindness, and devotion to his family and friends. No one could deliver a punch-line like Ron! He will always be remembered as the "Irish Godfather" in an Italian family. Ron is survived by wife of fifty years, Karen, daughters Shannon and Erin (Ward Palmer), four grandchildren, and two brothers. He was preceded in death by his daughter Kelli.

Philip D. Abel ’62 of Winnetka, Calif., passed away Sept. 13, 2011.  He is survived by his wife, Patricia Abel, and children Jeffrey, Diane, Anthony, and Stephanie.

Marvin Coit '62, MBA '66 was born on September 19, 1937 in Oakland and passed away on July 1, 2011 in Monterey at the age of 73. He was predeceased by his father, Frank R. Coit and mother, Ruby. He attended schools in Mendota, Carmel, Oakland and graduated from High School at San Rafael Military Academy in 1955. He attended Santa Clara University and left school after his first year and served as a U.S. Marine Corps during the 1957 Lebanon Crisis and was stationed in Okinawa for two years. After his honorable discharge he returned to Santa Clara and graduated with a BA degree in 1962. He lost his wife, Roberta to cancer 3 months after his daughter Kelley was born. In 1964, Marv moved back to San Jose and returned to Santa Clara University and received his MBA degree in 1966.  After graduation he returned to Coit Ranch in 1966 to work with his father. In 1975 he established his own farming operation, Marv Coit Inc. on his Mendota Property and became a very successful and well respected farmer on the Westside of Fresno County. Throughout his 40 years of farming he grew various crops including cotton, tomatoes, almonds, pistachios, and much more. He was a great surfer and spent many afternoons on the water near Santa Cruz while attending Santa Clara. He was a passionate sportsman and retained an instinctive love for hunting and fishing. As a young man, he hunted deer and quail on his father's cattle ranch in Gilroy Mountains. He loved bird hunting and once was a member of several Duck Clubs in the Firebaugh/Los Banos area.  Marvin is survived by his daughters Kelley Coit Mauro of Colorado; Amy Coit of Santa Cruz; sons Mark and Mitchell Coit of Los Banos, Calif.; his son Michael Coit of Mendota, Calif.; granddaughter Bridget McNair, grandsons Brandon McNair of Lafayette, Colo.; Michael Mauro of Denver; great-granddaughter Izzebelle McNair Fielder of Colorado; sisters Penelope Schreiner of Kaneohe, Hawaii; Dayle Schmiederer and her husband Jim of Frenso, Calif.; his brother Bill Coit '64, MBA '66 and his wife Kathy of Fresno; his sister Julie Coit of South Lake Tahoe; and his brother Norris Coit of Genoa, Nev. Marvin was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, American Legion, and VetsFirst.

Laurence Francis Hearne ’56, M.S. '62, 78, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on August 18, 2012. He was born on December 28, 1933 in San Mateo, to Irene and Laurence Hearne. Larry spent much of his childhood in King City, CA. He went to high school at Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Santa Clara University. After 19 years as an engineer and manager at Lockheed Missiles and Space Company in Sunnyvale, CA, Larry returned to King City to join the family business, L. A. Hearne Company, serving the agricultural community. After retirement, Larry spent his time in Tionesta, CA, Klamath Falls, OR, and most recently Redding, CA. Larry gave freely of his time. He participated in and held leadership roles in many volunteer organizations including Rotary Club (president), Knights of Columbus (Grand Knight), King City Planning Commission, Mee Memorial Hospital Board (president), AARP Tax Aid, Oregon Master Gardeners Association (treasurer then president), Lava Beds Natural History Association (board chairman), and Klamath Basin Fish & Wildlife Association (charter member). His efforts were key in the acquisition and management of a Wildlife Conservation Grant that facilitated preservation work at Camp Tulelake. Larry had many hobbies that he developed and nurtured over the years. He was a builder, gardener, and mechanic. He enjoyed sailing, scuba diving, and restoring his Ranchero. He was also a pilot and delighted in riding his Harley. Larry is survived by his wife of 55 years, Patricia, his children, Maureen Beresini of Moss Beach, Laureen Lane of Nevada City, Timothy Hearne of Dublin, Patrick (Quinn) Hearne of San Francisco, Phillip Hearne of Whiting, IN, and Kevin Hearne of Chatham, NJ, sister Patricia Guidici Arena of King City, brothers Dennis Hearne, Frank (Mickey) Hearne, and Timothy Hearne, all of King City, and twelve grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathleen Gaisford. Larry was a wonderful and loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend to all. Special thanks to friend Hal Williams and the excellent doctors and staffs at Mercy Hospital, Mercy Hospice, and Comfort Keepers in Redding for their compassionate care and support of Larry and his family in recent months. 

John Vincent Regan '62 MA '63  on March 12, 2010, after many months of fighting against complications that arose from his Myeloma treatment. His 69 years were filled with a passion for art and cooking, reading voraciously, writing children''s books, birdwatching and daily walks with his wife through their suburban DC neighborhood. He will be missed by his wife, Lauren; his children, Cindy Salavantis (Pete), John (Stacy), James, and Elizabeth; his grandchildren, Molly and Julia; his brother and two sisters; and the many friends and neighbors who loved him well.

James Gilbert Lea J.D. '62, resident of Sunnyvale, passed away on March 27, 2010 at the age of 78, at Villa Fontana, in San Jose, Calif., after a long battle with heart disease. He is survived by Ana Bruch and her children Carlos, Florence, and Hans, and Florence's son Jaime. Jim was born in Little Rock Arkansas, grew up in Seattle, Washington, and graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in Real Estate and Finance. He received a J.D. From Santa Clara University, maintained his law office in Sunnyvale, and practiced law in the San Jose area. He was married to Barbara Lea and lived in Los Gatos before divorcing and moving to Sunnyvale. Jim was a great runner in the 1950s and set the World's Record at 45.8 seconds in the 440 Yard Dash at the Modesto Relays in 1956. He also went on to represent the United States Air Force Track Team in Europe and to coach a fledgling track team at Santa Clara University while attending law school. He served on the Sunnyvale Parks and Recreation Board, was a member of the Santa Clara County Republican Central Committee, and taught Real Estate Law at West Valley College in Saratoga for several years. Jim loved beach volley ball and sailing on his boat in the Santa Cruz Bay.

Michael L. Hackworth ’63, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur and philanthropist who had the IMAX theater at the Tech Museum of Innovation named after him, has died at 71.

Mary Emery J.D. '63, long-time faculty member and Associate Dean in the School of Law, passed away on August 7, 2011. Dean Emery was in the first class of women graduates from Santa Clara Law in 1963 and has served Santa Clara continuously since then. During her more than four decades here, she served as faculty member in the Law School; associate dean and director of the Heafey Law Library, which she helped professionalize and expand along with the law school's growth; and chair of various committees. Dean Emery figured prominently in the local law community and was deeply involved in many organizations and activities, including as a board member for the Legal Aid Society, a youth shelter, and the United Way. Of her many awards and recognitions, Dean Emery was awarded the Community Service Award from Women in Law and was the first woman to receive the prestigious Owens Lawyer of the Year award. Much beloved and a highly respected member of our community, Dean Emery was known for her humor, candor and intellect.

Lois Pahl Mitchell J.D. ’63 died May 14, 2012, in Sacramento, where she had lived for six years. She was born September 12, 1920, in Vernon Center, Minn., the second of William and Ella Pahl's three daughters. She went west to San Jose State College, where she earned her private pilot's license and met her future husband, Logue Leon Mitchell, in a civilian flight-training program. They married in 1941 at Winnipeg, Canada, where Logue was a pilot for the Royal Canadian Air Force, prior to transferring to the US Army Air Corps. After the war, they returned to California to raise three sons, primarily in Santa Clara County. During this period, Lois attended Santa Clara University School of Law, where she was one of the first three women to graduate in 1963. She was executive director of the Santa Clara County Bar Association before starting her own practice. For the past 20 years, she and Logue have lived in either California or Tucson, AZ. Lois was preceded in death by her husband and is survived by her sisters, Shirley Maus and Lorraine Ramirez, and three sons: James, Bruce and Andrew Mitchell, their wives, eight grandchildren and one great grandson. A graveside service was held for Lois at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery.

John Joseph Kiely '55, M.A. '63, a longtime teacher and counselor, and descendant of Santa Clara's prominent Kiely family, passed away Nov. 14 at his home in Los Gatos after a long battle with leukemia. He was 79.

One of nine children, he was born March 18, 1933, to grocer William P. and Elaine Kiely. The Kiely family originally left Ireland during the potato famine, then settled in Australia before immigrating to California.

He grew up in the family mansion on Homestead Road. Known today as the Kiely House, this circa-1889 Queen Anne Victorian is listed on historical tour guides of Santa Clara. In the 1950s, the home was used as a boardinghouse for students attending Bellarmine College Preparatory.

His father was a former mayor of Santa Clara, and Kiely Boulevard is named for him. His brother William P. Kiely Jr. '55 also served for years on the City Council.

After graduating from Bellarmine and Santa Clara University, Kiely embarked on a long teaching career. He taught English and drama at Santa Clara High School for 33 years. In 1992, he earned an MFCC (Marriage, Family and Child Counseling) license and launched a second career.

He was also involved with the Serra Club, a Catholic vocation group, St. Mary's Church and Holy Family's New Horizons program.

Kiely is survived by his wife of 17 years, Carole '71; his two children, Kate Kiely and Daniel Kiely '93: three stepdaughters, Melissa Burke, Julia Selfridge and Marya Ruiz; and three grandchildren, Henry, Freddy and Josie.

Frank Marvin Moore MBA '63 on Oct. 27, 2008.  A native of Albany, Ore., he served in the United States Air Force and later graduated from San Jose State College, where he received a bachelor of arts degree in police science and a master's in education. He served as a Santa Clara County deputy sheriff and went on to practice law for more than 30 years in Long Beach as a general practitioner. Upon retirement, he relocated to Tucson, Ariz., where he served as judge pro-tem for more than 15 years. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barbara; a son; and a grandson.

Frank Albert Genochio MBA '63 on Nov. 10, 2006.  He earned a master's degree from Stanford University and served in the Marine Corps during World War II. At age 16, he was one of the first and youngest licensed HAM radio operators in Calaveras County. He took this passion with him during the war, serving with the famous Navajo Talkers. After a few years of teaching mathematics and Spanish at El Dorado High School in Placerville, he had a 36-year career in radio communications and telecommunications with KAAR Engineering, Canadian Marconi, CATEL and United Scientific Corp. He is survived by his three children and four grandchildren.

Fr. Gilbert Michael Chacon, S.J., ’63, age 73, passed away to receive his heavenly reward on Thursday, September 6, 2012 at St. Agnes Medical Center, Fresno.

Fr. Gilbert was born in Fresno,  Calif., one of 12 children born to Antonio and Evangeline Chacon, immigrants from Mexico. Fr. Gilbert was raised in Dos Palos, graduating from Dos Palos High School where he was Valedictorian of the Class of 1957. He later attended Ryan Preparatory College in Fresno, before entering Santa Clara University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in 1963. While at the University he felt the call to priestly life and entered the Congregation of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) with first vows in 1965. He later earned his Philosophy and Theology degrees from Collegium Maximum Christi Regis, in Mexico City. He was ordained a priest on June 15, 1973 in Los Angeles by Bishop Juan Arzube. He made his final vows as Jesuit in 1991.

During his priestly ministry Fr. Chacon was a teacher and served in parishes throughout California, Texas, Arizona and Mexico. In recent years he served in the Diocese of Fresno at various parishes. He was currently residing at the Pastoral Center of the Diocese of Fresno.

Fr. Gilbert is survived by his siblings; Raymond Ambriz of Quincy, Washington, Fr. Frank Chacon of Winslow Az, Tony Chacon of Los Angeles, Joe Chacon of Los Angeles, Olivia Marquez of Los Banos, Gertrude Thomas of Los Angeles, Thereza Sotelo of Hanford, Josephine Davison of Los Angeles, Ramona Chacon and Juanita Chacon both of Hayward, Calif. Also surviving Fr. Gilbert are numerous nieces and nephews including Fr. Angel Sotelo of Chowchilla and his brother Jesuit Priests.

Daniel J. Fitzgerald '63 passed away January 19, 2010 in Spokane, Washington. He was born March 3, 1942 in San Francisco, Calif., the son of Jack and Helen (O'Neill) Fitzgerald. Dan's larger than life personality was reflected in his passion for life, and in the kindness, generosity and love he showed to all those he met. Dan was preceded in death by his brother John Fitzgerald and his mother-in-law Bette Weissman. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years Darleen Fitzgerald of Spokane; daughter Kelly (Tom Landerman) Fitzgerald of Spokane; father-in-law Art Weissman of Spokane; brother Jim (Pam) Fitzgerld of San Jose, CA; nephews Jim (Wendy) and Ryan; great-nephews Casey and Aiden; great-nieces Darby, Jamie and Katherine.

Carlot Boyd Johnson MBA '63 passed away on January 6, 2011 at the age of 83.