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1937
Henry "Hank" Richard ’37, a resident of Santa Cruz, was born in San Jose, CA, December 12, 1916, and passed away December 19, 2012, at the age of 96. He was preceded in death less than a year ago by Margery, his beloved wife of 71 years. He is survived by his two sons, Stephen (Dee) of Los Gatos and Bruce (Elaine) of Ukiah, five grandchildren, Shannon (Santa Barbara), Carey (San Jose) and Nathaniel, Louisa, and Hallie all of Ukiah, and five great grandchildren. Hank was the son of prominent Alviso ranchers Henry Sr. and Grace Wade Richard and grew up working with his father in the family orchards. He learned duck-hunting from his father at the age of six and became an excellent marksman. He attended Bellarmine College Prep, Santa Clara University and U.C.Davis where he graduated with a degree in horticulture in 1937. Hank supervised the family orchards until 1940 when he married Margery, he then became an Inspector for the USDA in San Jose advancing to supervising inspector for the 11 western states. In 1958 he went to work as production manager and later plant manager of Pratt-Lowe in Santa Clara. Upon retiring in 1980, he and Margery moved to Pasatiempo golf community where they enjoyed 30+ Golden Years playing golf, bridge, gardening, traveling and a full social life with many wonderful and lifelong friends.
1941
James Bowen Wilcox ’41, March 13, 1920, to November 19, 2012.
1943
Lorenzo "Larry" Abrusci ’43, a resident of Alameda, chose Nov. 24, 2012, a beautiful and sunny day to pass from this life to the next at 92 years old. Several generations of family and friends called him "Papa." Larry was born in Oakland, Calif. on July 20, 1920 to Frank and Rosa Abrusci. He attended Castlemont High School in Oakland. Larry briefly attended Santa Clara University then went to serve our country in WWII, in the early ’40s. He was a 1st Lieutenant Bombardier flying in B-17's. Larry completed over 65 missions and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war he farmed on Bay Farm Island in Alameda, and then proceeded to become a successful business man in Oakland as an owner of City Tire and A-Tire. Larry is survived by his devoted wife Lily Abrusci, his daughters Penny Stevens and Vicki Silveira, his son-in-laws Alex Stevens and Rich Silveira, his step children Danny Beconcini and Carol Weston, his grandchildren Debbie Gunning and Tracy Silveira, and his great-grandchildren Cooper and Alexandra Gunning. Larry was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy Abrusci, his grandson Mark Stevens, and his sisters Isabel Reicks and Irene Sindicich.
1949
William F. Donnelly, S.J. ’49 February 28, 1928 - October 26, 2012 Reverend William F. Donnelly, S.J., Professor of Economics at Santa Clara University, died suddenly October 26, 2012. He was 84 years old and had been on the Santa Clara faculty since 1969. Father Donnelly was born in Galveston, TX on February 28, 1928. His family moved to San Mateo in 1939. He graduated from Bellarmine College Preparatory in 1945 and from Santa Clara University in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce. While at Santa Clara, he was involved in many student activities, including manager of the football team. After graduation, he worked for Tide Water Associated Oil Company before entering the Jesuit novitiate at Los Gatos in 1951. Father Donnelly did further studies at Gonzaga University, Spokane, where he received an MA in Economics in 1957. He received his Ph.D. in Economics from New York University in 1969. Theological studies were made at Alma College, Los Gatos (a campus of Santa Clara) 1960-64, and he was ordained a priest in San Francisco on June 7, 1963. Before joining the Santa Clara faculty in 1969, Father Donnelly taught English and mathematics at Bellarmine College Preparatory and philosophy at Loyola University of Los Angeles (now known as Loyola Marymount University). In addition to his many decades in the classroom, Father Donnelly served generously in multiple capacities at Santa Clara University, including Academic Vice President, 1973-1978, Rector of the Jesuit Community at Santa Clara, 1982-1988, member of the Board of Trustees, 1973-1978 and 1982-1988, and Chaplain of the Catala Club from 1993 until his death. In addition to his University duties, he also served on various committees and boards of the Jesuit Order. He is survived by nieces Dianne Bonino ’76 (and her husband Mark Bonino ’76 and their daughter Julia M. Bonino ’09) of San Carlos, Cathy Donnelly McAvoy of San Jose, and nephews Tim Donnelly of South Korea and Terry (Niki) Donnelly of Meridian, Idaho, as well as many grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother Thomas E. (Ted) Donnelly and his nephew Thomas Donnelly.
Alfred S. Maida ’49 was born May 24, 1927. He was a resident of San Jose. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, he passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his adoring family on Jan. 24, 2013, at the age of 85.
Dr. Maida is survived by his wife Cecile, to whom he has been married 60 years, his children: Kathy, Beth, Paul (Tammy), and Margo; his grandchildren Mario (Laura), Michael (Marci), Eric and Kristin; and his great grandsons Mario II, Giancarlo, and Nicolas. He was sadly preceded in death by his precious daughter, Karen and loving son-in-law, Mark Reynolds.
Dr. Maida was born and raised in San Jose, California. Through scholarships, he proudly attended Bellarmine College Preparatory, Santa Clara University, and Stanford Medical School; achieving the highest academic honors at all three institutions. Upon completing his medical training and residency, he opened a private practice where he devotedly provided the highest quality care to all of his patients for many years. Later in his career, he served as Medical Director for Pacific Bell, General Electric, and Gilroy Foods. He volunteered on numerous medical advisory boards in constant service to his community.
He was a voracious reader and a lifelong student of the English language. He could often be found perusing the dictionary for new and interesting words in order to expand his vocabulary. He loved to read Steinbeck and Hemingway. He held extraordinary knowledge on a wide variety of subjects and yet was always eager and willing to learn more from those with whom he was conversing. He was an avid gardener, devout Christian, and a collector of stamps.
Dr. Maida was humble, gentle, and perhaps the kindest of men. He is adored by his family and was loved and cherished by all who knew him. He will be long remembered and his spirit will live in our hearts for all the days to come.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to Hospice of the Valley and all his caregivers for their tender care these many months. Your professionalism and loving hearts brought him joy and comfort.
1950
John Francis Ennis ’50, of Redding, Calif., passed away at home on December 4, 2012 due to natural causes. Known as Jack, he was born December 17, 1919 in San Jose, Calif. to John and Fannie (McClintock) Ennis, and grew up with them on their ranch near Cedarville, in Modoc County, Calif. He graduated from Surprise Valley High School at the age of 16, worked for the United States Postal Service and Bank of America, and earned his airplane pilot's license before enlisting in the US Navy in 1941. He served as a radio operator onboard the USS President Adams in the South Pacific during World War II, including the Battle of Guadalcanal. After the war, he earned a degree in civil engineering from the University of Santa Clara and returned to Modoc County and Cedarville. In 1952, he met and married Angela Cooke of San Francisco, Calif., and they eventually moved to Redding to raise their family. Jack made his career with the California Division of Highways (now Caltrans), coordinating road design with local cities and counties, ultimately landing his dream job as Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator, and retiring in 1981. As a member of the Knights of Columbus, he was active at St. Joseph Catholic Church and served the parish in many capacities. He was also active in the greater community; as a Boy Scout scoutmaster, as a youth baseball coach, and as a volunteer at the food bank. An accomplished public speaker and humorist, he was a member of the local chapter of Toastmasters International. He was a long-time member and volunteer with both the Whiskeytown Sailing Club and the Shasta Wheelmen bicycle club, continuing to ride his bike beyond the age of 90, and serving as a volunteer after that time. He was preceded in death by Angela, his wife of 60 years, and earlier by his sisters Mrs. Emma Fogalsang of Colusa, Calif. and Mrs. Carmen Schlatter of Wyckoff, N.J. He is survived by his son Tim Ennis and daughter-in-law Kathy Brock of Portland, Ore.; son Tom Ennis, daughter-in-law Donna Ennis and granddaughters Meredith Ennis and Colleen Ennis of Carmichael, Calif.; son Chris Ennis and daughter-in-law Lisa Ennis of San Francisco, Calif.; and son Ted Ennis, daughter-in-law Nancy Steel and granddaughter Alyson Ennis of Placerville, Calif.
1951
Dr. Leonard Napolitano ’51, former dean of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 7, 2013. Dr. Napolitano was born in 1930 in Oakland, CA, one of three children and the only son of Italian immigrants. He attended Santa Clara University where in 1950, he quarterbacked the Broncos to an upset Orange Bowl win over Bear Bryant's Kentucky Wildcats. Napolitano earned a PhD. in anatomy from St. Louis University and proceeded to teach at Cornell Medical School and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He moved to New Mexico in 1964 to become one of the seven founding faculty at the newly established School of Medicine at UNM. He became interim Dean of the medical school in 1972 and was named permanent Dean the following year, serving in that capacity until his retirement in 1994. Under his leadership, Dr. Napolitano presided over the dramatic expansion of the medical school and health sciences complex on the North campus of UNM, creating an environment known nationally and internationally for its innovative teaching curriculum. Dr. Napolitano was a highly effective advocate for the medical school at the legislature in Santa Fe. Due to these efforts, the medical school and the associated health sciences campus became one of New Mexico's chief assets. Among many other honors, Dr. Napolitano received the medical school's first Living Legend award in 2009. Dr. Napolitano loved opera, Tony Bennett, good food, and good company. He was an avid reader and a passionate supporter of the arts. He loved his family and had deep and enduring friendships all over the world. Dr. Napolitano was preceded in death by his wife Jane. He is survived by his three children, Leonard Jr., Janet '79 and Nancy, his daughter-in-law Elle, his grandchildren, Carrie, David, William and Sarah Jane, and his longtime companion Thelma Domenici.
Joseph Anastasi Jr. ’51 was born in Monterey on the 4th of July, 1927, to Joseph and Jennie Anastasia. He passed away on November 26, 2012. Growing up immersed in his Sicilian heritage, Monterey's own "Joltin' Joe"excelled in basketball, baseball and football. He attended Santa Clara University on a full ride football scholarship. After suffering a career-ending knee injury, he returned home and ran Mike's Seafood Restaurant and Casa Carmelkorn on Fisherman's Wharf successfully for half a century. He married his sweetheart, Angelina Melicia, and cherished her to the end. An incredibly faith-filled man, Joe considered his 12:00pm mass community at San Carlos Parish an extension of his family. For over 50 years, his generous spirit led him to collect weekly food donations for the Carmelite Monastery sisters who held a special place in his heart. Joe and Angelina shared a love of art, theater and travel which led them to adventures around the world. Favorite activities included walks along the coast and cruising with family and friends. But the main focus of his life was always his family. He and Angelina made sure to participate in every important family event and reveled in the endeavors of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. With a joyful personality and pervasive smile, he charmed everyone he met. He was a true gentleman, humble in nature and generous of spirit. Joe was surrounded by family when he was reunited with his beloved wife, Angelina, on their 62nd wedding anniversary. He followed his mother, father and three brothers, Angelo, Phil and John. He is survived by his sister, Rosalie Casas; daughters, Jane (Gary Gasperson), Jodi '82 (Tom Duckett); grandchildren: Joey, Michael (Mandy), John (Tanya) and Angelina; great grandchildren, Hudson and Harper; and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to express great appreciation to Debbie, Lou, Edna and Josie for their loving care of Pop in the last days of his life.
1952
Stephen Gazzera Jr. J.D. ’52, a resident of Los Altos, was born on July 16, 1928, in San Francisco to Stefano and Maria Gazzera. He went to be with our Lord on Jan. 24, 2013 with his family and friends at his side. He is survived by his children Stephen III ’82 (Susan), Michael (Tonya), and Nicole (Rick), his loving wife Pat, and his grandchildren Joseph, Taylor, Benjamin, Elise and Micaela. His beloved wife Peggy, mother of his children, preceded him in death in 1997. In 2004, he married his wife Patricia and they shared many years of joy and laughter.
He was such a loving father, so generous and caring to his family. We could not have asked for more from a father. He was our hero and we will miss him very much. For his family and friends, there was no greater example of love, warmth, loyalty, generosity, and devotion.
Steve attended Saint Joan of Arc grade school and St. Ignatius High in San Francisco. He and his parents owned and operated the Monte Carlo Cafe in what was then known as the Butcher Town district of San Francisco. After high school he and his parents moved to Mountain View. Steve went on to attend Santa Clara University and became the outstanding graduate of his Law School class of 1952.
After law school, Steve served with honors as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in Korea from 1952 to 1954. Upon return to California, he started his law practice in Mountain View and continued his practice up to the Friday before his death. Early in his career he also owned and operated Maison de le Liqueur in Mountain View and the El Dorado Cafe, the first high class cocktail lounge on Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino. He was a proud attorney and businessman, much loved and respected by his clients and associates. He loved travel and was an avid hunter and fisherman. No one could organize hunting trips like our Dad. They were legendary.
Steve had many friends from diverse backgrounds who loved and trusted him. Many saw him as a mentor. Our Dad loved to entertain friends and family. It was a great joy for him to "break bread" with those he loved. He was a master story teller. With every story he told, he had his audience on the edge of their seats in suspense, or roaring with laughter. He will be greatly missed.
We would like to thank his friends and family that were with him in his final days. Your presence meant the world to him and us. We would like to offer sincere thanks for the courtesy and professionalism of the medical staff at El Camino Hospital.
James Dennis O'Brien ’52 passed away on Oct. 25, 2012. He was a longtime resident of Santa Clara. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Connie, daughters, Margaret Whalen(Jeff), Mary Levy, Melissa Callens (Jim), Anne Silveira(Tim) and sons, Michael (Georgette) and James (Michele). Jim was an adoring Papa to 12 grandchildren. Jim was born May 21, 1930, in San Jose. He was a graduate of Bellarmine College Prep and Santa Clara University. After retiring from PGE he enjoyed traveling the world with his wife and visiting and vacationing with his family at Lake Tahoe. He was a dedicated member of the Serra Club and long time parishioner and volunteer at Saint Clare Parish in Santa Clara. Jim is remembered for his love and devotion to his wife of 58 years and to his family. He was a man of integrity who left a lasting legacy of wisdom, faith and compassion.
1954
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.
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.
1955
Joseph Anthony Salazar ’55 was born on November 8, 1933, and died on January 1, 2013. Joe “Pepi” Salazar was a really wonderful man and his life was a fulfillment of everything that is right about the American Dream. The son of Mexican immigrants, he grew up in Rio Vista and Antioch, making lifelong friends – and a little mischief - along the way. After graduating from Antioch High, he attended Santa Clara University where he graduated in 1955. Shortly thereafter, he married Dolores Ashlock, his sweetheart from nearby Mt. Diablo High. He enlisted in the Army, and the newlyweds were reassigned to Georgia where they started their family.
After Joe was honorably discharged, the Salazars (now with daughter Nancy) returned west where Joe started working for Union Oil. After a few years in Nevada and Northern California, the Salazars moved to Stockton (with second daughter Suzanne) where Joe started a thirty year career as a salesman for Allstate Insurance. With the addition of his son Joe Jr., his family was complete and the game was on. Family events included water skiing, fishing and hunting in the Delta, camping in the mountains, weekend golfing, inevitable school and church functions, and local athletics.
Joe’s favorite place on earth was wherever his friends or family were gathering. Sometimes that place was the 1st tee, sometimes the 19th, other times around the family dinner table. It wasn’t the location, it was the people around him. His life was guided by a fundamental belief in the inherent dignity of the individual person regardless of one’s station in life. One of his favorite authors was Leo Buscaglia who espoused a philosophy of loving those around you and by giving them a hug. Joe was a great hugger because his hugs were real. That was one of his many gifts, he loved others and especially loved to help those who were disadvantaged. He contributed hundreds of hours annually to dozens of charitable groups over the years. Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis, Special Olympics, St. Mary’s Interfaith, Disabled American Veterans, SIRS Group #87, and Wounded Warriors are only a few of the many groups he helped through his volunteered time. His wealth in life was his relationship with family and friends as well as those who benefited by his volunteer work. He did right by his family, his friends, and his community.
Later in life Joe and Dolores took on another name, one they wore with pride…Gramma and Grandpa to Holly, Laurel, Annie, Joey, Lucca and Lucianna. With the same energy and love they put forth raising their children, they did for their grandchildren: and those precious grandkids are all the better for it.
And did we mention he loved to talk? And how! And yet, he was an even better listener. He wanted to know what you were doing, what your friends were doing and what your children were up to. He loved to hear about others’ successes, and always encouraged his children and grandchildren to create a vision and then make it happen. Whether husband, father, grandfather or friend, Joe was also your fan.
We really miss him.
Joe is survived by Dolores, his wife of 58 years. Additionally, he is survived by his children, Nancy Weaver (husband Scott) of Denver, Suzanne DelZotto (husband Tom) of Gold River, Joe Salazar Jr.(wife Tori) of Woodbridge, and grandchildren Holly and Laurel Weaver, Annie DelZotto, Joey Salazar III, Lucca, and Luciana Salazar. Further he is survived by brother Ray '54 and Joan Salazar of Santa Clara, and many nieces and nephews.
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.
1956
Paul J. Peters Jr. ’56 passed away on Dec. 3, 2012, in Dallas, Texas. Born in 1934 in Big D, he served in the Army, earned an MBA, and was a CPA retired from Bell Helicopter as a tax specialist. Peters was married for 52 year and was a father of five and grandfather of five. He was an avid PGA senior amateur until diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2000.
1958
William Francis Egan ’58 of Cupertino departed from this life surrounded by his loving wife (Mary Ann nee Schwarz) and family on Dec. 16th. Graduate of Riordan (54), SCU (58), and Stanford (MSEE 60, PhD 67). Principal Engineer at GTE Sylvania and ESL. SCU instructor and author of several technical books. Children include John Egan ’90, Michael Egan ’95, Thomas Egan ’88, M.S. ’92, PhD ’05 and William Egan Jr. ’84.
1959
James Freeman Gill ’59, a resident of Carmel, passed away at his home in Carmel, Calif. on Oct. 26, 2012. He was 74 years old. Jim was born January 6, 1938 in San Jose, California and spent his high school years at Bellermine College Preparatory. He took his career studies at Santa Clara University on a full baseball scholarship. Jim was a respected and successful businessman who owned and operated Muller Printing Company for over 35 years. He excelled at being both a leader and mentor and will always be remembered as someone who treated all his employees like they were family. So that Jim could spend more time with his wife, family, and friends, he allowed himself a well-deserved retirement in 2003. If Jim was not deeply immersed in one of his many building projects, he almost certainly could either be found enjoying the summers at his vacation house in Lake Tahoe, watching 49ers football, or quietly spending time watching the sunsets with Jana on Carmel beach. Jim was a man of faith, and he will be remembered for his generosity, his respect for others and his dry sense of humor. Jim is survived by his wife Jana Gill, son Christopher Gill, daughters Christy Pappas, Demi Pappas, and Katie Pappas, son Jim Gill Jr., granddaughters Samantha and Delaney Gill, and sister Jenny Braz.
1961
Richard J. Morey ’61, 73, a lifelong resident of Menlo Park and Atherton, passed away on November 20, 2012. He was born Jan. 21, 1939. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Maura; son Mark of San Francisco; son Michael and daughter-in-law Katie of Beaverton, Oregon; daughter Melanie Allen and son-in-law Brett of Portland, Oregon; and grandchildren Molly, Jane, Tate, and Riley.
He attended St. Joseph's, Bellarmine and Santa Clara. Richard had a career as a cement mason and was a member of the Operative Plasters' & Cement Masons' Union for over 50 years. In his later years, he enjoyed driving to Oregon to spend time with his children and grandchildren. Above all, Rich loved to visit with his friends and family. He will be missed by all.
Larry F. Higgins ’61, 75, stepped beyond his journey with lymphoma on Nov. 27, 2012. Larry is survived by his loving wife, Charii; a son, Damon and his wife, Kerena; two grandchildren, Connor and Abigail; five siblings, Jack Higgins, Marion Walters, Bob Higgins, Patricia Cates and Eileen Higgins-Lower; and one sad dog, Katie. His parents and oldest son preceded him in death. Larry was born in Yonkers, N.Y., in August 1937 to John and Marion Higgins. He was the fourth of six children and the darling of all (although he did not know it). After several moves his family settled in Pasadena, Calif., where Larry proceeded to make a name for himself delivering newspapers (uphill both ways and in driving snow storms), and playing football and baseball for St. Francis High School. One of his proudest moments, next to the birth of his children, was his induction into his high school's hall of fame for his tenacious pitching, wild knuckleballs, and outstanding leadership. These same qualities helped him pitch spring batting practice for the Los Angeles Dodgers and be a four-year starter for Santa Clara University's baseball team. Upon graduation from college, Larry accepted a commission in the U.S. Army. He served seven years, one in Vietnam flying helicopters, and earned the regular Army rank of captain and a Reserve rank of major. Prior to deployment to Vietnam, Larry met and married his best blind date and lifelong love, Charii. Together they moved to Spokane to raise their two children, Larry John and Damon. Larry took a managerial position with American Handicrafts, where he worked hard and was promoted to district and then regional manager. After several years he took a job with the Washington State Liquor Control Board, where he managed the Pullman store. He retired after 19 years and spent his time eating ice cream, traveling with his wife and dog in their fifth wheel, playing golf, visiting his grandchildren, and trying to strike out cancer in the biggest game of his life. The lefty took it into extra innings and left the game with his head high. Larry was a deeply private person; however, he met people with kindness, respect and a gentle tease. He will be missed deeply by those he touched, especially his loving family. GOD bless and keep you!
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.
1962
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.
