ClassNotes

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. 

Susan Toquinto writes: "Please be advised that my husband, Robert Toquinto ’52, died last December 2011. It was a very, very sad passing. Please let his teammates know. Orange Bowl 1949."

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.

George J. McGaffigan ’52, born July 16, 1930, was a prominent real estate broker. He died Oct. 13 in Newport Beach. He was 82. He was born in Spokane, Washington, to George and Ysobel McGaffigan, and raised in Redwood City, CA. George attended Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Grade School, and Sequoia Union High School. He was a graduate of the Santa Clara University, College of Business, where he received his B.S. degree in Commerce. He is survived by his wife and business partner of 23 years, Maxine Montgomery-McGaffigan; son, Thomas Haynes McGaffigan of Saratoga, CA; Granddaughter, Megan Kelly McGaffigan, Grandson, Owen Thomas McGaffigan of Saratoga, CA; and sister, Patricia Ann McGaffigan of Milwaukie, OR. His daughter, Nancy McGaffigan Loftin, died in 1997. 

Bob Monroe ’53 died March 24, 2012, at his home in Highland, Calif., after a two-year bout with cancer. He was 80. Bob was born April 7, 1931, in Los Angeles and moved to Glendora, Calif., as a young child. He began his lifelong business career as a college student, buying a small grocery store in the "Veterans' Village" section of the Santa Clara University campus that catered to the returning World War II veterans that made up a large part of the Santa Clara student body in the early 1950s. The ROTC student graduated in 1953 and joined the U.S. Army shortly thereafter. During his stint, he was stationed in Bamberg, Germany, among other Army bases. He achieved the rank of first lieutenant before being discharged honorably in 1956. In 1954, he married Mary Theresa Cavanaugh of Lodi, Calif., and upon his discharge from the Army they settled first in San Mateo and he began his career with Mobil Oil Corp. After frequent relocations, he and his family settled in Upland, Calif., in 1969. He launched an auto parts distribution business called Century TBA in San Bernardino, Calif. where he worked until his retirement in 1992. In retirement, he traveled frequently and was active in St. Adelaide's Church in Highland, Calif. Monroe is preceded in death by first wife Mary Theresa Monroe. He is survived by wife Lois Longo Monroe of Highland, Calif.; sister Mary Helen Monroe of San Bruno, Calif.; brother Joseph Monroe of Napa, Calif.; sons Michael Monroe ’78, Daniel Monroe, Patrick Monroe, and Robert Monroe; 11 grandchildren, including Danny Monroe ’12; and four great-grandchildren. Throughout his life, Bob always remained a dedicated alumnus and was excited to see both his son Mike Monroe and grandson Danny Monroe  follow in his footsteps and become Santa Clara Broncos.