ClassNotes

Gerald "Jerry" A. Ritthaler ’63, MBA ’70: December 5th, 1941 - February 22nd, 2013. Jerry, to his three sons, family, and countless friends, lived life with boundless enthusiasm. He was known to start conversations with a family member, close friend, or perfect stranger (soon to be a friend) by telling them about the best food he's ever had in this life, the greatest game or play he's ever seen, the nicest person he's ever met, or something very simple to the rest of us that simply amazed him. Pops would end the story with the declaration, How cool is that? It sounded like a question, but it was more of a statement about his zest for life and optimism. His enthusiasm was contagious and brought a smile or a laugh to everyone who came into his life, each and every day. Born on December 5, 1941 to Jaconda and Philip Ritthaler in Sacramento, CA, Jerry was destined to make friends and make a strong 1st impression from the day he was born. He grew up in the Sacramento area and attended college at Santa Clara University where he earned a Bachelor's and Master's Degree. After college, he had a successful business career in sales at General Foods, Sunshine Biscuits, and Kroger. Jerry's Bay area roots were an early indicator of one of his great loves in life  sports. From the time he could yell and listen to a game on the radio, he developed a great passion for sports, and this passion never wavered for a second. He cheered early and often for the Raiders and Athletics because of his strong California ties, and he never stopped cheering for his beloved Oakland teams, but he added many teams in Georgia to his shirt and hat collection when he moved to Georgia in 1979. Once his three boys Mike, Mark, and Matt attended and graduated from the University of Georgia, he was destined to be a life-long Dawgs fan. Pops also had enough spirit in his heart to add the Falcons to his list of football teams he pulled for. Sundays in the fall were never dull with Jerry around, and he always had the game on and a rooting interest in the outcome no matter who was playing. One of Jerry's other great sports loves was baseball. He started out an Oakland A's fan while in the Bay Area, but after moving to Georgia, he quickly adopted the Atlanta Braves as his favorite team. Pops was always ready to head to the ballpark and watch his beloved Braves with anyone who would go with him. No matter how many times they broke his heart in October, he was ready again the following spring, enthusiastic and full of optimism. When he was not in Atlanta, he was always looking for a good deal on some tickets so he could catch the local team and enjoy a few cold ones at the ball park. Pops also brought this love for baseball to his family. He coached his sons in little league baseball in Scotts Valley, CA, teaching them the fundamentals and never missing a game, but more than anything he taught them a love for baseball, sports, and competition. Pops kept the family baseball tradition and love of sports alive with his grandchildren, attending Matthew's baseball and hockey games, Katie's softball and gymnastics, Daniel's baseball and basketball, and Evan's baseball games. He was a fan of his sports teams and an even bigger fan of his boys and grandchildren. Later in his life, Jerry had the good fortune to meet Marilou, who became his wife in 2011. They enjoyed a loving and devoted marriage for 2 + all too short years, but they filled that time up with passion, laughter, and a great appreciation for the opportunity to find true love late in life. Jerry and Marilou shared their devotation to their Catholic Faith and attended church and bible study regularly together. The marriage of Jerry and Marilou also allowed two families to meet each other and become one as Mike and Daniel, Mark and Mary Beth along with Katie and Matthew, and Matt and Kim were able to meet Michelle and Scott Whitehead and their children Erin and Evan to create a new and loving family. Jerry's gift of bringing people together will never be forgotten. Pops was a father figure to many of his sons' close friends in the Dunwoody, GA area. Now and forever, all of those who were fortunate enough to meet Pops will remember him for his stories. He never bragged about himself, but he never stopped telling proud stories about his sister Phyllis and her husband Scott, the good people he met through his charitable work, the love he had for the choir at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Historic Sweet Auburn, and whomever he was going to meet tomorrow. Jerry had an opinion on everything and it was almost always a positive, kind, and hopeful one. Pops will be greatly missed but never forgotten. If the question is, How cool was that man? The answer is The Coolest of them All.ö We will hear his joyful voice in our heads for the rest of our lives. When Pops passes thru the gates of heaven, a crowd will welcome him. Some will have known him well, others simply heard he was coming, and then he will get back to work checking on his earth bound family and friends. Jerry is survived by his wife, Marilou Ritthaler, of Alpharetta; sons, Mike Ritthaler, of San Rafael, CA, Mark (wife, Mary Beth) Ritthaler, of Atlanta, Matt (wife, Kim) Ritthaler, of San Francisco, CA, step-daughter, Michelle (husband, Scott) Whitehead, of Cumming; grandchildren, Katie Ritthaler, Matthew Ritthaler, Daniel Ritthaler, Erin Whitehead, and Evan Whitehead; sister, Phyllis (husband, Scott) Keilholtz, Sacramento, CA and Nephew Erik Keilholtz (wife, Melanie and daughter, Amalia) of Vallejo, CA. 

Steven L. Tuma MBA ’71, 75, of Chatham, and formerly of Jacksonville, passed away Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield. He was born Dec. 11, 1937, in Chicago, the son of Elmer and Dorothy Long Tuma. He married Margaret J. "Peggy" Jess on June 19, 1964, and she preceded him in death Jan. 2, 2002. He is survived by one son, Steven S. (Amy) Tuma of Machesney Park; one daughter, Mary Tuma Werries of Chatham; and three grandchildren, Zachary Tuma of Janesville, Wis., and Alyssa and Kyle Werries, both of Chatham. Mr. Tuma was a 1956 graduate of Morton (Illinois) High School, and then attended Roosevelt University in Chicago. During that time, he served in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Upon graduation, he began active duty with the Navy, serving on the USS Nereus. He was honorably discharged in 1967, and began work with the Lockheed Corporation in San Jose, Calif. While at Lockheed, he received his MBA from Santa Clara University. He and his family then returned to Illinois and Steven began work as an engineer with the State of Illinois, retiring from the Illinois Commerce Commission in 1999. Mr. Tuma was a very active member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Chatham, and a member of the Jacksonville Amateur (HAM) Radio Club. He had also been a member of the Jacksonville Lions Club. He was a fantastic "Grampy," and loved attending all of his grandchildren's activities. 

Mary Cobb ’72, born Aug. 26, 1950, passed away quietly after a heroic fight against cancer on  March 17, 2013.

Mary was born in Santa Monica and grew up in Van Nuys, attending St. Elizabeth School and Louisville High School She graduated from Santa Clara University with a major in Economics. After 16 years in the securities industry, Mary started her own consulting business as a compliance expert.

Herman Egger M.S. '72, a resident of Palo Alto, died on Nov. 5, 2012. He was 75. Egger was born in Murten, Switzerland. In 1967 he moved to Palo Alto with his bride and began a 35-year career with Varian Associates. He earned a MSEE from Santa Clara University in 1972. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Monika, his daughters Pia Lusk (Mike) and Susi Egger-Watson (Matt) and his grandchildren Brenden, Daniel, Emma, Claire, Max, and Leo.

Nancy Diers Gullion ’73, 61, passed away on January 14, 2013 at Stanford Medical Center in Palo Alto, CA, from complications caused by her 12-year battle with Leukemia. Nancy was born on June 25, 1951 in Salinas and had lived in Salinas all of her life. She attended Hartnell Community College and Santa Clara University, and she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and English from Santa Clara. Nancy met Paul '72, J.D. '75, her husband of 40 years, while they were attending Hartnell Community College. For the past 20 years, she worked as the manager of her husband's law office. Nancy was very active at First Presbyterian Church in Salinas and enjoyed reading, gardening, and being with her family. She will always be remembered for her smile, her laughter, her positive attitude, her love of God, and her love for her family and friends. She made an impact on everyone she met. Nancy was preceded in death by her mother, Virginia Johnson Diers, and her father-in-law, Eugene ""Gene"" Gullion. Nancy is survived by her husband, Paul D. Gullion; her son, Matthew P. Gullion; her daughter, Shelley C. Escobar; her son-in-law, Nick Escobar; her granddaughter, Grace Escobar; and her grandson, Troy Escobar; her father, Herman ""Lucky"" Diers; and her mother-in-law, Wanda Gullion.

Loretta Edita Cabacungan Silvagni ’73 passed away on Jan. 15 at her home in Napa. Loretta was born in the San Antonio barrio of Narvacon Ilocos Sur in the Philippines in 1950, and moved to San Jose, Calif., when she was 5 years old. After graduating as the salutatorian of her class at Lincoln High School, she attended Santa Clara University, where she met her future husband, Steven Silvagni '73. They married and attended graduate school together at San Diego State University. Loretta and Steven moved to Napa together in 1978. She worked many different jobs as a licensed clinical social worker over the years, ranging from employment at the Napa State Hospital, having her own successful private therapy practice, teaching at Pacific Union College, and therapy and mentoring in Napa Valley Unified School District. She loved singing and participated in the St. Thomas Aquinas Church Choir and the Napa Valley College Chorale. She was a fourth-degree black belt (Yodan) in jujitsu and provided many years of service to the American Judo and Jujitsu Federation as manager of examinations. As sensei of her own dojo, Napa Valley Jujitsu, she shared her love of the sport with her students who ranged in age from 5 and 6 to those in their 50s and 60s. In the last few years of her life, Loretta suffered from ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) which slowly robbed her of the ability to do all of the activities she loved. But nothing about the disease changed the love she had for her family, which surrounded her until the end. She is survived by her beloved husband, Steven Silvagni; her mother, Angela Cabacungan; her daughters, Sarah DeFelice and Teresa Silvagni, and their husbands, Marcus DeFelice and Ryan Nuez; and her two grandsons, who loved taking rides on Nonna's chair  Marcus DeFelice, II, and Dominic Nuez. She is also survived by cousins in the Cabacugan and Raymundo families, as well as many other friends and relatives. 

David R. Frank MS ’73 attended the SCU "Early Bird" engineering gradute program through Lockheed for a number of years to obtain his M.S. in applied mathetics. He continued working at Lockheed/Martin, primarily in the Trident Strategic Systems Program, until his retirement in 2000. He was a native of Bellville, Texas, and a resident of Santa Cruz from 1967 until his death. After retiring, he continued his interest in model planes, photography, and advancements in engineering. David is survived by his wife, Iris, of Santa Cruz; son Reese, wife Cathy, and grandson Alexander of Woodland Hills; and son Jonathan, wife Gina, and grandson Ethan of Los Gatos.

Arthur William Anderson J.D. ’73 was born Aug. 14, 1927, and passed away on Jan. 13, 2013. A resident of Saratoga, Arthur passed away peacefully with his loving wife, June, by his side. Arthur was born in Shanghai, China, to Eileen and Arthur Anderson, and raised in San Francisco. He was a graduate of Galileo High School, UC Berkeley and UCSF Medical School. Later in life, he graduated from Santa Clara University, School of Law, while continuing his medical practice. On December 19, 1948, he married the 'love of his life and joy of his heart', June Ann Nickelson, theirs was a lifetime of love, recently celebrating their 64th wedding anniversary. After serving two years in the Korean War as a US Army doctor in Okinawa, he returned home and established practice as an orthopedic surgeon in San Jose. He touched the lives of many, in a practice that spanned over fifty years; during that time, he served as Chief of Orthopedics, Chief of Surgery and Chief of Staff at O'Connor Hospital. Arthur instilled a love of family, a sense of loyalty, integrity and the value of hard work in all. He was a man of many interests and passionate about each of them. He was the ultimate outdoorsman, hunting and fishing throughout his life, while also enjoying backpacking, woodcarving, bonsai, stained glass, culinary arts, and learning foreign languages; and his tremendous love of books fulfilled his insatiable quest for knowledge. He will live forever in the hearts of his five children and their spouses: Mark Anderson (Nancy), Jeff Anderson (Mary Beth), Chris Anderson (Terri), Carol Johnson (Cliff), Marlene Kuh (John). 'Grandfather' will also be greatly missed by his twelve grandchildren: Katie Hogan (John) '97, Chris Anderson (Wendy) '01, Lauren Townsend (Josh), Lindsay Doody (Ian), Hayley Alverson (Adam), Billy Anderson, Sarah Greenwood (Brian), Jonathan Johnson (Shelly), Mark Johnson (Anna), Taylor Johnson; Brad and Colin Kuh; and his eleven great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his sister Jacqueline, and beloved grandson Kevin Anderson.

Robert C. Schwalbe ’74, M.A. '79, a resident of Santa Clara, was born in 1952 and died in January 2013. Robert was first introduced to Yosemite by his parents Marge and Bill Schwalbe, and his love of the park continued throughout his childhood with the adventures he shared with his siblings Ronald, Joan ’65, and Richard. Beyond his love of nature, Robert was a generous and compassionate human being. He loved life and enjoyed serving the community by volunteering at St. Justin's during the holidays and Yosemite in the fall. His positive, infectious spirit will be missed greatly by his adored wife, Linda, and beloved children Matthew, Jenna, and Roxanne. 

Alfred Kok-Ching Chan M.S. ’74, a resident of Sunnyvale, died peacefully in his home on March 20, 2013. Born September 27, 1938 in Hong Kong, he immigrated to the U.S. in 1957. He is survived by spouse Chu Lee, children Clara and Timothy Chan, and siblings Paula Leung, Calvin and Albert Chan.

Sue Noel Hinrichs Ph.D ’75 of Manteca was born on March 18, 1935 in Clinton, Okla., where she was raised and attended Clinton schools. She left this life on December 9, 2012 in Modesto, Calif. She was the daughter of Clyde Alvin Noel and Susie Barr Noel, deceased. She was also preceded in death by a sister Alva Jane Powell. She attended Oklahoma State University where she obtained her B.S. in Accounting. She received her M.S. from Kansas University and PhD from Santa Clara University. Sue's career was as a CPA and Professor at San Jose State University and University of Pacific. She was a member of the Genealogical Society of Stanislaus County and had served as Treasurer, former board of director for San Joaquin County Women's Center, and loved to play bridge and did so at every opportunity. Sue is survived by husband of almost 56 years, Eric Hinrichs, a sister Clyda Ann Neal of South Carolina and many loving nephews and nieces. She and Eric were almond growers in the Manteca area for many years. 

Steven Emerson Curtis M.S. ’77, our wonderful husband, father, Papa, and hero, passed away on January 5, 2013 after a courageous eight-year battle with cancer. He valiantly inspired others and proved that this is still a day of miracles. Steve was born in Salt Lake City on March 16, 1948 to Reuben Emerson and Alice Call Curtis. He graduated from Highland High School and served an LDS mission to Northern Germany. He married his eternal sweetheart, Janice Derrick in the Salt Lake Temple. He graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in electrical engineering and received a master's degree from Santa Clara University in California. He spent the majority of his career designing medical imaging equipment and managing research and development departments. He loved solving mathematical engineering problems and was granted many patents. Steve was a man of absolute integrity. He had sound judgment and great wisdom. He possessed charity for all and so appreciated the love and prayers offered for him during his health struggles. He left a legacy of love, service, humor, and devotion to his family. He endured to the end with steadfast faith in the Savior and a testimony of the gospel. He was without guile and was a true disciple of Christ. Steve loved gardening and his beautiful flowers were legendary. He passed on his love of camping and hiking in the mountains and national parks to his family. He loved music and sang every chance he had in choirs, quartets and duets with Jani and was an excellent choir director. He enjoyed traveling and saw much of the world. He delighted in the scriptures and was continually immersed in them. He had an extensive knowledge of the gospel and lived its principles with exactness. He served faithfully in many callings, but his favorite was teaching, where he constantly bore his testimony of the love, kindness, and mercy of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Jani, their children Michael (Rochelle) Curtis, Matthew (Brooke) Curtis, Alisa (Kevin) Bolander, Jennifer (Alan) Stout, and 14 grandchildren. 

Joan Marie Vellequette M.A. ’77, a resident of Los Altos, Calif. for 51 years, passed away peacefully on Nov. 13, 2012. Joan is survived by her loving husband, Murlin Vellequette MBA '68, her sister Margaret Bouthillier (& husband Conrad), her brother-in-law Roger Vellequette, her sister-in-law Bernadette Hall, and her eight children: Joseph Vellequette (& wife Suzy), John Vellequette, David Vellequette (& wife Mary), Mary Singleton (& husband D.J.), Ann Frates, Mark Vellequette '86, MBA '91 (& wife Mary Beth), Michael Vellequette (& wife Kim), and James Vellequette. Joan was blessed with 21 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren - all of whom she loved deeply. Joan had a knack for remembering everyone's birthday, graduation, and anniversary - while making it all look easy. Born Joan Marie Lynch in Chicopee, Mass., her family later moved to Michigan where she attended the University of Detroit as a Chemistry major graduating in 1951. Joan dated Murlin Vellequette in college and they married in 1952. Over the next 9 years, they lived in Huntsville, Detroit, Fort Wayne, Cincinnati, and then moved to California in 1960 when Murlin accepted a position with Fairchild Semiconductor. In Los Altos, they bought one of the first homes in the Highlands area, where they made many close friends in that great neighborhood. Recently, with family and some long-time friends, Joan and Murlin celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, a true milestone of enduring love. Early on, Joan worked as a Chemist for Ethyl Corp., and then devoted herself to the whirlwind of raising eight children. Joan returned to college and obtained a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University in 1977. She also volunteered for many years with the St. Simon Catholic Parish ministries, the El Camino Hospital Auxiliary, and for St. Francis High School. Later on, she enjoyed being the office manager and psychological testing coordinator for the Behaviordyne Pyschological Corp. in Palo Alto, and she also acted as the bookkeeper for the family business. Joan's personal interests varied from celebrating and quietly helping her family, to frequent travels, to being an extremely avid reader. Her travels included India, Europe, China, Australia and many trips with family to destinations all over the US. Annual summer trips to Myrtle Beach were a favorite, and no one will ever forget seeing Joan and Murlin parasailing together way up in the sky during one terrific Vellequette & Bouthillier Family Reunion. Joan was always selflessly full of life and love, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew and cherished her.

Karen Elizabeth LaMothe ’78, March 25, 1956, to April 23, 2013. Karen was born in Portland to Barbara and Roger Wagner. She graduated from Wilson High School in 1974 and attended the University of Santa Clara spending her junior year in Florence, Italy. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology she remained in San Francisco working in the investment banking field. She re-met her husband Greg '78, a fellow Santa Clara graduate, in 1987 and they married soon afterwards. They moved to Portland in 1991 and were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Noel in 1993. Karen loved watching classic movies, gardening, reading a good book in the sun and making her friends and family laugh. Everyone who knew her will miss her keen wit and wry sense of humor. She was preceded in death by her father, Roger Wagner and is survived by her husband, Greg; daughter, Noel; mother, Barbara and stepfather, Jack McKinnon; brother, Eric (and wife, Cindy) Wagner; and sister, Gretchen Wagner-Lariviere.

John "Papa" Eastus M.S. ’78, deputy city manager, City of San Jose (Ret.), and a resident of San Jose, passed away peacefully in his home on March 7, 2013 at the age of 81. He was born in San Luis Obispo, CA to Charles and Josephine Eastus and raised in Marin County. He joined the US Marine Corps at the age of 17. After being honorably discharged, he attended San Jose State University earning a degree in civil engineering and a masters degree in public administration at Santa Clara University. John started working for the City of San Jose as an Assistant Director of Public Works, promoted to the Director of Public Works, and retired in 1984 as a Deputy City Manager. After retiring from the city, he became a partner with HMH Engineering and later he was a consultant as Chief Engineer for the City of Brisbane. John loved the outdoors, fishing, camping, golf, and spent many hours working in his garden. He leaves behind his wife Sherry of 43 years, his brother Frank Eastus and sister Diane Wheeler, along with his 5 children, 9 grandchildren and 2 great granddaughters. 

Robert Theodore Faubert M.S. ’79, 66, of Purcellville, VA, beloved husband, father, brother and friend, passed away on May 8, 2013 at Inova Loudoun Hospital after a brief illness. Ted spent most of his professional life working in the defense industry for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space Corporation, and more recently for TASC Corporation in Chantilly, VA. Ted was an avid golfer and enjoyed scuba diving and helping with his children's sport and other activities. He was a loving and devoted husband and father and will be greatly missed. Newsletter Ted was born on October 26, 1946 in El Paso, Texas to the late Victorand Clara Faubert. He graduated from Washington State University with an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering and later earned his Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Santa Clara University in California. Ted is survived by his wife of twenty three years Lorie Faubert of Purcellville, VA their two children Daniel and Claudia Faubert of Purcellville, VA four brothers Lawrence Faubert of Bend, OR: Charles Faubert of Richland, WA Richard Faubert of San Jose, CA David Faubert of Richland, WA one sister Victoria Fish of Livermore, CA and nine nieces and nephews. 

Natalia Ortiz Mead ’79 was born on April 23, 1923, and passed away on December 26, 2012. A resident of Sunnyvale, she married William E. Mead Jr. and raised two daughters, two sons, and two grandsons. She served in the U.S. Army as an aircraft mechanic, 1943-1944. A retired WWII Veteran, she was an alumnus of Santa Clara University and a retired English teacher. Mead was a dedicated 49ers and Giants fan. She coached childrens' sports. Home was always open to friends. Survived by son Michael, daughter Marguerite, and 8 grandchildren. 

Frederick Louis John Leverenz Jr. M.S. ’79, age 69, of Fairview, Texas passed away January 30, 2013. He was born February 9, 1943 in El Campo, Texas to Frederick Louis John Leverenz, Sr. and Mary Louise (Beaty) Leverenz. Frederick holds a BS in electrical engineering from the University of Cincinnati and a MS in engineering from the University of Santa Clara. Frederick was a project manager for Battelle’s Process Safety and Integrated Risk Management group. He had over 35 years’ experience in system safety and risk assessment. He has been involved in the application and teaching of risk/hazard analysis methods since 1972. His experiences cover aerospace, nuclear power, and the chemical process industries. He managed and participated technically in hazard/risk analyses, methods development, and reliability database management. Leverenz was a key author of AIChE’s CCPS’ “Guidelines of Hazard Evaluation Procedures.” The last course Leverenz wrote was Advance Concepts for Process Hazard Analysis, which is still used today.He is survived by his wife, Gail Annette Leverenz of Fairview, Texas; daughters, Michelle Annette Crist of Dallas, Texas, Jennifer Marie Davidson (Aaron) of Dallas, Texas; grandchildren, Savannah Grace Davidson, Annabel Marie Davidson and Emery Katherine Davidson; brothers, James Leverenz of Seattle, Washington, Tom Leverenz of Seattle, Washington, Jerry Leverenz of Germany; sister, Lyne Prémi of Modesto, California.He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Mary Leverenz.