Santa Clara Magazine

William “Bill” Kelly ’53 died on October 14, 2010.

William 'Bill' Risko '53 died Oct. 14, 2009. Resident of Campbell and Santa Clara County for 60 years. Bill was born in Hurley, Wisc., in 1927, the eldest of six children. He came west after serving in the United States Marines in 1954. He attended the University of Santa Clara and played football for the Broncos where he became a lifelong member of the Bronco Bench Foundation. He played with the San Francisco 49ers and played semi-pro with various teams in the area. He married his wife JoAnn in 1955 and enjoyed many happy times during their 53 years of marriage until her death in 2008. Bill was an investigator for the District Attorney's office until his retirement in 1983. He was a long time member of the YMCA where he could be found each lunch hour playing handball or racquetball with friends. Bill enjoyed traveling, barbequing and working in his yard. He is survived by daughter Patti (Tom) Lovely, Dan (Nancy) Risko and Steve (Robin) Risko of San Jose. Grandchildren surviving him are Adam, Andreal, Anthony, Gina, Sean, Robert and Matthew. A celebration of his life will be held at the American Legion Hall #419, 958 Homestead Rd., Santa Clara on Nov. 9th at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may go to the Bronco Bench foundation, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara 95053

Stanley A. Seneker ’53, a former chief financial officer at Ford, died June 28, 2012 at his home in Naples, Fla. He was 81.

Seneker retired at the end of 1994 as executive vice president and chief financial officer, having held the latter position since 1987. He worked with two CEOs: Donald Petersen and Harold (Red) Poling. Seneker joined Ford in 1957 as a cost analyst at the company's San Jose, Calif., assembly plant.

Samuel W. Kyburz ’53 died on Oct. 14, 2009. He was an eighth-generation native of Placerville, Calif., and Korean War veteran. Kyburz Worked for Aero Jet General Corporation over 18 years before forming, owning, and operating a sporting goods store in Placerville. He is survived by his wife of 5 years, Naomi, two children, and four grandchildren.  

Robert Edward Monroe ’53, died March 24, 2012, at his home in Highland, Calif. after a two-year bout with cancer. He was 80. Monroe was born April 7, 1931 in Los Angeles, Calif. 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 joined the U.S. Army shortly after graduating. 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, California 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 of Gilroy, Calif.; Daniel Monroe of Carlsbad, Calif.; Patrick Monroe of Tustin Ranch, Calif.; and Robert Monroe of Poway, Calif., 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. 

Michael Robert O'Sullivan '53 of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., passed away May 15, 2011, at the age of 80. Michael was the son of Michael Richard O'Sullivan and Julia Kate Hartnett, both originally from County Cork, Ireland. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who will be remembered for his integrity, generosity, patience, compassion, humor, and gentleness. Mike is survived by his wife, Barbara; sons, Michael (wife Nancy) and Dan; grandchildren, Galen, Jesse (Laurel), and Emily, and great grandchildren, Gabriel and Penelope. He is also survived by his sisters, Virginia Madden, Phyllis O'Sullivan, and Patricia O'Sullivan and many much-loved nephews and nieces. He attended Mt. Carmel High School, University of Santa Clara, and UCLA, where he earned a master's degree in electrical engineering. He and his wife, Barbara enjoyed two years in Paris from 1958-1960 while he worked for the Foreign Service. They traveled in Europe with their infant son, and visited Ireland, where they established life- long connections with his Irish relations. He worked for Hughes Aircraft and TSC as a Radar Engineer before creating O'Sullivan Consulting in 1982. Mike and Barbara enjoyed traveling, and visited Ireland, the U.K., Europe, Japan, China, and Africa. Michael was a resident of Rancho Palos Verdes for 50 years and built long-lasting friendships through his involvement in the Via Cambron neighborhood, Indian Guides, Lunada Bay Little League, back-packing, and sailing. In recent years he was active in the community working for balance and integrity in the implementation of the Rancho Palos Verdes view (tree) ordinance. Michael freely gave his attention, time, wisdom, and support to his extended family. He was a thoughtful man who really listened to people, and enjoyed hearing about their aspirations, ideas, careers, and their families. He was our guiding light.

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.