Santa Clara Magazine

Robert “Bob” Ratliff  '56, a Los Alamos resident and retired scientist, passed away at his home following a brief illness on June 17, 2010. A native Oklahoman, Bob was born in Shawnee to Theodore and Lucille Ratliff in 1931. At a young age, Bob and his family moved to San Jose, Calif., where he grew up with his three brothers, Theodore, John, and Ralph and two sisters, Janice (Sweet) and Julie (Judy). Bob graduated high school in June, 1949. A devout Catholic, he attended Santa Clara University where he graduated with a degree in chemistry in 1956. He served in the United States Army from 1953-55. Bob enrolled in graduate school at St. Louis University where he earned a Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology. During graduate school, he was advised by Nobel Laureate Dr. Edward A. Doisy, someone Bob would enjoy as a mentor, lifelong friend, and colleague. During his graduate studies, Bob met the love of his life, Patricia Tunstell, whom he married on August 8, 1959. In the summer of 1963, after completing two years of post doctoral studies at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, Bob, Patricia and their two children Gregory and Gilbert moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico where he took a position in the Life Sciences Division of the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory. At the Los Alamos Lab, Bob worked on methods for re-combining strands of DNA and developed a process to glue genes together in a desired combination. He made significant contributions to genetic engineering, cloning and the study of the human genome. He was regularly published and a member of multiple scientific organizations including the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. During his 47 years in Los Alamos, Bob enjoyed raising his family in the beautiful mountain environment. He was an avid skier, squash, racquetball and tennis player, and took full advantage of the mountains where he enjoyed fishing, cutting firewood and traveling the southwest with his family. Bob was a good man, full of honor. He lived his life committed to improving the human condition and deeply loved his wife and children. He had a quiet, loving spirit that touched many. Bob’s children, grandchildren Gillian and Sidra, their family and friends will miss him dearly and cherish his legacy. 

Redmond Kernan III '56 on April 13, 2009. Born in New York City, May 27, 1934, Redmond moved to Carmel, Calif., with his mother, aunts, grandmother, sisters, and brother to be closer to his father Redmond Kernan II, who fought as a General during World War II. Redmond and his friends did their part during the war, checking out Pebble Beach golf course for intruders. He graduated from Santa Clara University, then served in Korea. He remained in the Army as a reservist for many years, rising to lieutenant colonel. After leaving the service he had a job offer as an engineer in the City of Los Angeles, but left after two smoggy days to return to San Francisco. He started in the City of San Francisco engineering department, then joined the Redevelopment Agency. Before he left in 1990 he was acting director of the agency. He is proud of his leadership role in the design, development, and construction of Moscone Center, South Beach Harbor, and Yerba Buena Center. A standout in the many projects he helped foster was winning the fight to allow DeLancey Street to build its wonderful community in South San Francisco. Before and after he retired, he served on numerous boards, including San Francisco Planning and Urban Research (SPUR), the Presidio Historical Association, and the California Heritage Council. He was a commissioner on the Golden Gate National Recreation Area Advisory Council, and helped start NAP, Neighborhood Association for the Presidio. A long time board member of PAR, Planning Association for the Richmond, and recently received a commendation from the Doyle Drive planning committee, for his help in designing the new roadway through the Presidio to the Golden Gate Bridge, which is about to be funded as part of the federal stimulus. Redmond is known for his courage, commitment, and personal charm. All these qualities, plus a sense of humor, have been essential recently in the huge fight to protect the Presidio Main Post, a nationally designated historical landmark district. Mourned by his wife, Sharon Gadberry; his children John Kernan, Julia Garrett, Michael Kernan, and Brendan Williams; grandchildren Samantha, Sydney, and Kevin Garrett and Redmond James Kernan.

Ray Speier Hausler ’56 was born March 17, 1938, and died of complications due to diabetes and cancer on Oct. 15, 2012. A native Oregonian, Ray attended Columbia Prep H.S., Stanford University, University of Santa Clara ('56) and the Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley (MBA '66). Ray was a senior audit manager for the General Accounting Office in Portland, Seattle and Washington D.C. He was awarded the GAO distinguished service award for his work on NW energy and electric power policies for Congress. Regional work involved the Pacific NW Power Act, the Regional Power Planning Council, and the Bonneville Power Administration. He was a member of the University Club, the Multnomah Athletic Club, Duck's Unlimited and the Oysterville Restoration Foundation. He was a Captain in the Army Reserves Medical Corp. His interests were telecommunication stocks, Oriental and Northwest art, duck hunting and the Duke University Blue Devils. Ray lived for family, his wife of 44 years, Virginia; his three children, Victoria, Stephanie, Graham; and seven grandchildren.

Peter D. Brethauer ’56, of Danville, Calif., passed away Oct. 22, 2011. He will be dearly missed by his loving family. He is survived by his children Nancy, Jeff and Steve.

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.

Martin J. Sweeney, Jr. '56 passed away June 15, 2011. He was born on May 22, 1933 in Pittsburgh, Penn. Martin is survived by his wife, Rosemary (Faust); five children, Kathleen (Jerry) Helderman, Ind., Jim (Tracy) Sweeney, Charlotte, N.C., Jeanne (Ray) Bowling, Noblesville, Ind., Rob (Lizza) Sweeney, Irvine, Calif.; five grandchildren, David and Christopher Helderman, Tara and Jena Sweeney (Jim), Kelly Sweeney (Rob); sister, Helen (Rod) Webre, Bend, Ore. Martin graduated from Serra High, Calif., received his B.S. degree from Santa Clara University, received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from St. Louis University, and did his postdoctoral research at the Indiana University School of Medicine. After two years in the Army Chemical Corps, Frederick, Md., he joined Eli Lilly and researched cancer drugs. He co-founded BetaMed Pharmaceuticals.

Mark Thomas Jr., J.D. '56, a judge and keen historian of the local legal community, died July 18, 2010 of complications from prostate cancer. He was 80. Thomas was appointed in January 1975 to the Sunnyvale-Cupertino district municipal court bench by Gov. Ronald Reagan and elevated to the superior court bench in 1983 by Gov. George Deukmejian. He retired from the bench in 1991 and went to work for JAMS in San Jose in 1995. Thomas wrote at least 11 historical books and dozens of articles. He delved into topics as varied as the history of the San Benito County courts, the legal history of Santa Cruz County, and Santa Clara University School of Law . This year, he wrote the history of the Santa Clara County Law Library and the Santa Clara County Legal Secretaries Association, and contributed to a book about late Santa Clara Judge Wayne Kanemoto.  Over the years, Thomas also served on the history committee of the California Judges Association.  Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Paul Bernal described Thomas' ideas at court and in historical society meetings as practical and full of fun.  Besides being a "smart, fair jurist," Bernal wrote in an e-mail, Thomas was a memorable judge for "his warmth that was evident in every court hearing, his humor, which was quick and welcoming, and his encyclopedic knowledge of all things historic."  Born in San Jose in 1930, Thomas graduated from Stanford University in 1951 and served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. Out of Santa Clara Law in 1956, he started his own personal injury and family law practice, Thomas, James & Pendleton.  Three weeks ago, Thomas recorded the oral history of Gerald Uelmen, Santa Clara law professor and former dean, in preparation for the school's 100th anniversary.  "He really had a passion for history," Uelmen said. "We're going to miss him. He was really a presence that we greatly treasured."  As recently as last week, Thomas was signing copies of his history of the law school for his alma mater, said his daughter, Eileen Thomas-Werner.  Yet to be published is Thomas' last book, "Memoirs of a Santa Clara County Judge."  He's survived by his wife Marjolie; his four children, Colleen, Eileen, Steve, and Ward; and seven grandchildren.

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 R. Giglio '56 on December 21, 2009.

Gregory Jerome Miller ’56, J.D. ’59 was born May 18, 1934, and died Oct. 17, 2012. Gregory was the second son born to William Charles Miller and Angeline Ann Miller in Yountville, California. His family moved to Santa Clara, California where he attended Bellermine College Preparatory and took his career studies at Santa Clara University. He studied Civil Engineering and Law, graduating in 1959 with a Doctorate in Juris Law. He was self employed as an Attorney in San Jose, California. Gregory married Maria T. Hendricks on December 2, 1961 and together they raised 3 children. In 2004 Gregory and Maria moved to Florida. Gregory is survived by his wife of 50 years, children Brian (Shellie), Kristin Loggins (Dean) and Jennifer Damm (Jonathan), brothers William '60 (Claire), Cyr (Mary), Rory (Kristin), Reuel, 10 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 

Gerald N. Baiocchi '56 was a loving husband, father, brother in law and uncle. He slipped away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on March 12, 2010. He leaves his wife Mary Lee, sons Kenneth and Gregory (wife Sharon) and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews. He was a graduate of Bellarmine Preparatory College in 1948 and then Santa Clara University in 1956, where he was awarded the Schwartz Prize for scholastic achievement in finance. He served in the Korean War 1950-53. After his family, golf was his passion. He belonged to a foursome group with friends at Santa Teresa Golf Club, where in his early years he maintained an eight handicap. We loved him and he will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

Gerald N. Baiocchi '56 died on March 12, 2010. Resident of San Jose, Jerry was a loving husband, father, brother in law and uncle. He slipped away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. He leaves his wife Mary Lee, sons Kenneth and Gregory (wife Sharon) and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews. He was a graduate of Bellarmine Preparatory College in 1948 and then Santa Clara University in 1956 where he was awarded the Schwartz Prize for scholastic achievement in finance. He served in the Korean War 1950-1953. After his family, golf was his passion. He belonged to a foursome group with friends at Santa Teresa Golf Club where in his early years he maintained an 8 handicap. We loved him and he will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

George Charles “Chuck” Wiswall ’56 passed away on April 1, 2012. Born June 1, 1932 in Sacramento, he graduated from Bellarmine High School. From there he entered the Jesuit Noviate; although he decided the priesthood was not his true calling, the friends and experiences he had there lasted a lifetime. He graduated from SCU and truly loved his Broncos. Chuck was a funny, engaging man who saw humor in all walks of life. He referred to himself as the "Fly Man" as tribute to his business of cleaning dairy barns and killing flies. He had a strong faith in Jesus Christ and knew that this life was fleeting. His biggest joy in life was his wife Lynne Wiswall, and their six children, spouses and grandchildren. He and Lynne would have been married for 48 years on April 18, 2012. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mildred Wiswall, and his daughter, Sara Wiswall- Pudiwitr. He is survived by his wife Lynne Wiswall; daughter and son-in-law Molly and Bruce Busacca, and their children Anthony, Sophia and Isabella; daughter Katy Wiswall-Hestad ‘89 and son-in-law Matt Hestad, and their children Vincent and Bridget; son-in-law Buddy Pudiwitr; daughter and son-in-law Claire and Chris Talerico, and their daughter Mia; son George and daughter-in-law Danielle Wiswall, and their children Charlie and Ashlyn; son Billy and daughter-in-law Marie Wiswall, and their children Liam, Garrett, Sara and Gavin; and his brother Bill Wiswall ‘55 and wife Marsha.

Clarence Machado '56 died peacefully May 4, 2012, at Hospice House after many years of failing health. He was born at St. Joseph's Hospital, and was raised on his family's ranch in Byron, Calif.

He earned his undergraduate degree from Santa Clara University, and his DDS from University of The Pacific. He practiced dentistry in Stockton for thirty years, and managed his families' ranch till the time of his death. He is survived by Ann Machado, his loving wife of 50 years; his sons, Patrick Machado '86 of San Francisco and Jeffrey Machado of Roseville; grandsons Jason, Eric, Matthew and Jaren Machado; and sister, Rosemary Machado of Sausalito.

He will always be remembered for his devotion to his family, his love of farming, and his passion for hunting and fishing.

Anthony Matthew Ruso '56 passed away peacefully on April 1, 2010 after a long illness. He was born October 1, 1933 to Anna and Antone Ruso who had immigrated from Slovenia and Croatia. He graduated from Watsonville Union High School in 1951 and Santa Clara University in 1956. He had a passion for local agriculture, especially the strawberry industry, and worked as a manager for Growers' Frozen Foods and then as a field manager for Smuckers. In his later years he was the office manager of Our Lady Help of Christians Church. He married Anna Marie Konsuo in 1970.He and Anna Marie had two children, Catherine and David, and together they raised Anna Marie's daughters, Patricia and MaryBeth. Tony was the loyal and generous patriarch of our family; he presided over his grandchildren's birthdays and all of the holidays in between. He instilled in all of us a commitment to family and kindness to others. He was happiest when surrounded by family and friends at the head of his kitchen table where there was always an abundance of food and drink and great stories told of the old days in Watsonville. He is survived by his wife, Anna Marie, of Aptos; daughter Catherine Ruso Weber and son David Blossom Ruso; stepchildren Patricia, Jeff, Lester, MaryBeth and John Macedo; siblings Madelyn Taylor of Washington D.C. and John Kay Ruso of Marina Del Rey CA; children from his first marriage, Stephen Liz Ruso, Kristy Ruso Kennedy, Nancy Stidham and Gina Ruso; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and 23 loving grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anna and Antone; brothers Louis Ruso, Nicholas Ruso, Francis Ruso and sister Catherine ""Casey"" Ivanovich; brothers-in-law Charles ""Chick"" Arbanas and Louie Ivanovich and son-in-law Nathan Weber. Mehl's Colonial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. A Mass in celebration of Tony's life was held in April at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Capitola. Donations may be made to Jacob's Heart, 2007 Freedom Blvd, Freedom CA 95019, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 435 Monterey Avenue, Capitola CA 95010 or St. Francis CCC High School.

Albert J. Lopes '56--beloved husband, father, grandfather, and son passed away in Wilton, Calif. on April 2, 2010. Albert was born January 14, 1934 to Joseph and Alma Lopes of Wilton. He attended Dillard School, Elk Grove High School, and graduated from Santa Clara University in 1956 with a degree in business. He enjoyed a long prestigious career as a commercial real estate appraiser for Wells Fargo Bank. He retired at the age of 62 when he dedicated himself to the running of his cattle ranch (Black Jack Ranch) and enjoyed vacationing in the Hawaiian Islands. He leaves behind his 101 year-old father, Joseph; his wife of 50 years, Yvonne; and his five children, Deanna (Kevin), Teresa, Michele, Joseph (Veronica), and Nicole. His pride and joy were his 8 grandchildren, Alexandria, AJ, Jessen, Dallas, Dakota, McKenna, Lewis, and Cheyenne.

Ronald Eugene Ciraulo ’57 left this life on September 29, 2012.  Ron—also known as Papa, Dad, Grandpa Ron, Uncle Ron, Mr. C., Ronnie, Ronaldo and other wonderful terms of endearment—had an infectious personality and was truly one of a kind.  Ron was 77 years of age.

Robert M. Thompson '57 on Nov. 19, 2008.  A native of San Jose, he earned a Ph.D. in chemistry at St. Louis University, and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, earning a Purple Heart and other distinctions. In his later years, he volunteered at the Veteran's Administration Hospital. He was a life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, serving as senior vice commander of the local chapter at the time of his death. During a career in the chemical industry, he was credited with numerous patents while working for DuPont, Sun Oil and, later, W.L. Gore. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; four children; and eight grandchildren.

Marshall Norman Bean J.D. ’57, a resident of San Jose, was born on September 15, 1926. He passed away on April 18 in San Jose. He was born in San Francisco, following his twin sister Melisande (deceased), to mother Anne Marie Tuyaret, and father Milton Forbes Bean, a S.F. police officer. He attended St. Peter's Elementary and High Schools, and while attending San Francisco City College, was drafted into the Army. He did his training at Fort Ord, Calif., and then was sent to Japan with the occupying forces. Upon his discharge two years later, he enrolled at the San Jose State College Police School, and joined the R.O.T.C.

He met his wife to be, Nancy Bartholomew, at the college, and they were married on March 17, 1951. Upon his graduation in June of 1951, he received orders to serve once again in the Army. He served in the Military Police at Sandia Base, in Albuquerque, N.M. for two years, returned to San Jose, and after working for an insurance co. for a short time, enrolled in the Santa Clara University School of Law. He earned his Juris Doctor Degree in June of 1957, passed the State Bar exam, and began to practice Law.

Marshall also took on the responsibility of a Professorship at San Jose State University teaching Business Law. He carried on his Law practice for thirty five years, and his teaching for forty years. He loved his work and was very popular with his students at SJSU.

Marshall leaves behind his beloved wife of 61 years, Nancy, and five children: Lawrence (deceased), Richard (Terry deDiego) of Santa Cruz, Randall (Kay) of San Jose, Suzanne Gutheil (Jeffrey) of Bothell, Wash. and Jeanette Bean (Tony Wilson) of Kailua, Hawaii and grandchildren Michael (Shayna), Ryan (Jessica), Lauren, Samantha and Jordan Bean, Kelly Neuenfeldt, Jenelle Linsmeier, Ethan, Derek, and Jacob Gutheil. There are also two great grandchildren, Aidan and Camilla Bean, and a niece, Melissa Bartholomew of Riverside, Calif.

Marshall was an active member and past president of the San Jose Host Lions Club, and attended SIRS luncheons. Marshall and Nancy enjoyed traveling throughout Europe looking for ancestral sites. Each July a family reunion is held at the "Cabean" in Soda Springs, near Donner Summit, Calif., and always draws a big crowd.

Marshall will be greatly missed by his loving family and good friends, but we like to believe he is enjoying time with his son and other departed family and friends. 

John W. Gardner Sr. '57 died Dec. 1, 2009. He was born in Philadelphia, PA on Sept. 30, 1930, to William and Mary Gardner. He enlisted in the Navy in 1948 and was stationed at Moffitt field in Mt. View, where he met his wife Janet of 58 years. He served on the Kearsarge aircraft carrier during the Korean War. He went on to the Univ. of Santa Clara where he graduated with Magna Cum Laude in 1957. He retired from Lockheed Missle and Space in Sunnyvale in 1990 after 31 years as a financial manager. He was very active with St. Francis Cabrini Church and the Men's club for over 50 years. He lived out his life for his family everyday of his life. We all loved him dearly and are very grateful to have had him in our lives for so many wonderful years. He leaves his loving wife Janet, Son John Jr. (Susan), daughters Marian Friedrich (Marty), Brenda Perry, Linda Schwartz (Mike), Beloved grandfather to Gina, Jarret, Lindsey, Bryan, Brendan, Kyle, Kirk Jr., Sean, Nick, Matthew, Stephanie, Andy, and Sister Peg McNamara. Mass was held in December, and he was buried in the Santa Clara Mission Cemetery.

John H. O'Brien J.D. '57, September 3, 2008, in Hollister. After serving in the army and a stint with the attorney general's office in Sacramento, John returned to Hollister; he was district attorney for eight years and city attorney for almost 25 years. He maintained a private practice with fellow SCU graduate Frank Borelli '56, J.D. '60 for 50 years. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carol; 4 children; and 7 grandchildren.

John Edmund Moran '57 passed away April 29, 2011, surrounded by a loving family after a brief illness.  Born and raised in Stockton, Moran graduated from St. Mary's High School and Santa Clara University, with a degree in engineering. He worked for 30+ years with Granite Construction. He volunteered at the St. Mary's dining hall. John was humble in nature, big at heart, and loved family and flowers. He will be greatly missed by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his father, Sherid Thomas Moran; his mother, Zeta Moran; and his brother, Sherid Thomas "Tim" Moran Jr. He is survived by wife Gwen Moran, his twin sister Carolyn Moran McDougall, nephews Leonard Harrington III (Gay), John Harrington, nieces Sally Lofthus (Jay), Susan Chaney (Tony), Sharon Paul (Curt), Shirley Davis (Willie), and a number of great nieces and nephews.

Frederick B Maguire '57, J.D. '60 passed away on May 29, 2010 at the age of 74.