Orland Silva
March 31, 1941 - May 11, 2012
Pleasanton, California

Orland Michael Silva, long-time resident of Pleasanton, passed away on May 11, 2012 at the age of 71. He was in his home with his wife and children at his side. Orland was born in Albany and raised in Rodeo, California. Upon graduating from John Swett High School, he went to work for PG&E and retired 33 years later. He then went on to work for the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory for 10 years. His love was for Bible Study Fellowship, where he could study and teach about his Lord, Jesus Christ. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 50 years, Paula; his children and their spouses: Pam & Josh Shinnick, Kathy & Andy Eelsing, Tim & Dawn Silva, Jennifer & Danny Sweeney and Mary & Angelo Scavone; as well as 15 grandchildren: Tyler, Jacob, Abby, Jason, Ryan, Brennan, Amy, Hannah, Faith, Tessie, Tommy, Travis, Mady, Mitchell and Leah. He enjoyed his family, the Forty Niners, Granada High Football and playing his saxophone. Many will remember him as “Papa”. His warm smile and loving spirit will be missed....

Michael DeLia
July 30, 1924 - April 19, 2012
Pleasanton, California

Decorated World War II veteran Michael DeLia died April 19, 2012 at the age of 88. He was born July 30, 1924 in Watertown, New York and worked professionally as a hospital administrator. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Barbara DeLia, of Pleasanton, six of his seven children from a previous marriage, grandchildren and many friends....

Diane Louise Churka
Feb. 23, 1944 - April 17, 2012
Pleasanton, California

Diane Churka, 68, enhanced downtown Pleasanton with her flowers, trees, and plants for the last 23 years at the SP Depot on Neal Street, and the Coffee Roast Express building at 780 Main Street. Born at home in Riverside Calif on Feb. 23, 1944 and died at home in Pleasanton, Calif. on April 17, 2012. Graduated from Highland School of Nursing in Oakland, designed and built the Coffee Roast Express business in three locations in downtown Pleasanton. She loved classical music, gardening, alpine skiing, the theater, designing and building interiors for home and business, and traveling on back roads throughout the USA. She is survived by her husband Edward Churka, daughter Alicia Lutz, son Mark Churka, two grandchildren, and one great granddaughter....

Chris Beratlis
Dec. 22, 1934 - April 11, 2012
Pleasanton, California

The son of Greek immigrants, Chris Beratlis was born December 22, 1934 in Livermore, CA and lived in Pleasanton his entire life. He had four sisters and three brothers. Three of his sisters survive him. He was married to his wife Glenda in 1965 and they had two sons, Christopher and David. David predeceased his parents in 1990. Chris worked in his family’s cheese factory at the end of Santa Rita Road as a young man. He served in the Army during the Korean War and was justifiably proud of his service. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He particularly enjoyed his son Christopher and his wife Erika and his grandchildren Jayme and Jared, his morning coffee shop “guys” at Vic’s who came to be known, kiddingly, as “the world problem solvers”, his Friday lunch “Grub Club”, his abalone fishing trips, the Lake Shasta houseboat trips with his friends from the Sierra foothills. Chris was actively involved in civic affairs and at various times served on the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Pleasanton City Council, the Alameda County Fair Board of Directors, and with the Pleasanton’s Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Association in efforts to preserve, protect and enhance Plea...

Emilie Seebach
Jan. 27, 1935 - April 2, 2012
Pleasanton, California

Emilie Milton Seebach Born Jan. 27, 1935 Died April 2, 2012 Resident of Pleasanton Emilie Milton Seebach died Monday, April 2, 2012, at home and peacefully, in the company of family. She was a great woman who lived and loved fully. Born in Houston, Texas, to Earl and Gladys Milton, Emilie graduated from Lamar High School in 1953 in Houston, Texas, and attended the University of Texas in Austin, Texas. She married Robert Green in 1953 and reared her three children - Ron, Lori, and Lisa in Dallas, Texas. She was a charter member of Ridgeview Presbyterian Church in Farmers Branch, Texas, as well as church secretary and a member of the choir. She helped launch the HEMI initiative in the Dallas County Community College District as an Asst. to the Administrator and later served as Executive Asst. to the President of Corey Hebert, Inc. Emilie moved to California in 1988 with her marriage to Howard Seebach and was very active in the life of First Presbyterian Church of Livermore serving on the Session and on many committees. She was especially known for her creative leadership and organization in the church’s social activities. Along with Howard, in January, 1991, ...

Barbara Corrin
Aug. 16, 1925 - April 1, 2012
Pleasanton, California

Barbara Bone Corrin August 16, 1925 to April 1, 2012 Barbara Bone Corrin, age 86, of Pleasanton, passed away peacefully in her sleep April 1, 2012, with her family at her bedside. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Bill Corrin, sons Bill (Jr.) Corrin of Long Beach and Gary Corrin of Toronto and daughters Janet (Gary) Sears of Pleasanton and Lyn (Terry) Aaker of Long Beach. She is also survived by two sisters, four grandchildren, and nine nephews and nieces. The Corrin family moved from Salinas to Pleasanton in 1969. The center of their new life was the Pleasanton Presbyterian Church and its social activities. Barbara taught for fourteen years at Alisal School and was always thrilled when former students and parents recognized her. While in her 60s she took tap dancing and piano lessons, loved playing tennis and bridge, and was well known for her award-winning pies and jams. After her 1986 retirement, Barbara volunteered at Alisal and Mohr Schools, where Janet was teaching. She also enjoyed her Community Bible Study group, practicing Jin Shin Jyutsu Japanese healing arts, volunteering at ValleyCare Hospital, and performing at piano workshops. Her dear friendships...

Dolores Jean Caffey
Feb. 18, 1933 - March 18, 2012
Clearlake, California

Dolores Jean Caffey passed away on March 18, 2012 in St. Helena, California. She was a remarkable woman that lived a very full life. Born in Great Bend, Kansas to William and Ula Juergensen, she has lived in Clearlake for the last 22 years She was formally a resident of Pleasanton, CA where she lived for 12 years, and had also spent time in Claremore, OK, with her husband when her children were grown. Dolores had various careers throughout her lifetime. She was very proud of the fact that she worked for Philco Ford making electronic modules, thereby helping to launch the Apollo. In Pleasanton, she worked at Valley View School as the Cafeteria Manager. While in Oklahoma, she learned to be a taxidermist and to tan hides. She also raised many different farm animals. After moving to Clearlake, she started working for the Methodist Church in Clearlake managing their Thrift Store and vollentered there for the last 10 years. In her spare time, she loved her garden and to do needlepoint. She is survived by her family; husband of 60 years, Ronald Caffey; children, Robert Caffey (Stella) of Vallejo and Lenard Caffey (Sandy) of Pleasanton; grandchildren, Cariann, Katrina, Jesse (Eri...

Ellen Irene Keele
Sept. 16, 1915 - March 16, 2012
Pleasanton, California

ELLEN IRENE KEELE: Born September 16, 1915, passed on March 16, 2012. Loving mother to four daughters; Geri (Keele) Vecchiarelli, Mariann (Keele) Roberts, Rita (Keele) Dort, Veronica (Keele) Plummer, 11 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. Survived by her brothers, Thomas Smith, James Smith and her sister, Agnes Purvis. Preceded in death by her brother, Laurence Smith and her sister, Ann Salmon. Ellen passed peacefully in the loving arms of her daughter, after a short illness at age 96. Ellen was born in New York, moved to Oakland and settled in San Leandro to raise her children. After successfully rearing her daughters, the entire family moved to Pleasanton over 25 years ago, to continue to raise the siblings together in a large family setting. The matriarch to a large clan, she and her daughters lived within 2 miles of each other and she will be missed by all. A memorial service will be held at Graham Hitch Mortuary, 4167 First St. Pleasanton, on Saturday, March 31st at 11:30 AM. A short reception will follow....

Francesca (Fran) Marie Springer
Sept. 23, 1957 - March 7, 2012
Pleasanton, California

Fran passed peacefully on March 7, 2012 surrounded by family. Francesca was born Sept 23, 1957 in San Francisco to Barbara DeSantis and the late John E DeSantis. Mother to Jennifer Heafey and Michelle (Mike) DeLucia, grandmother to Michael and Marcus DeLucia, sister of Gina Hisel, Marianne Albretsen, Gianna DeSantis and John J DeSantis. Survived by Brian Heafey and Polo Morales and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and many loving & devoted friends. A woman of creativity and great strength, Fran was successful in launching multiple companies. She attended Notre Dame High School in Belmont. Fran’s heart was always in helping others and she never missed an opportunity to volunteer with the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life. Fran was always eager and ready to hop in the car and GO. She especially loved going to San Francisco and Lake Tahoe.Fran LOVED to dance and did so often and with great joy. The most special aspect of Fran was that she lived her life with joy and enthusiasm, and those of us whose lives she touched were truly blessed....

Lee Roy McGalliard
Sept. 8, 1930 - March 3, 2012
Pleasanton, California

Lee Roy McGalliard Pleasanton (formerly of Cupertino) Lee Roy McGalliard, 81, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2012 with his daughter by his side. Lee was born in Miami, FL and raised in Pelham (Cotton), GA. As a young boy he worked in the fields picking cotton, as a grocery bag boy, in a diner and at the Coats & Clarke thread mill. He played semi-pro baseball and retained his love of the game throughout his life. In 1950 he joined the Navy serving on the USS Boxer during the Korean War and was stationed at Moffett Field. Near the end of his enlistment he met Nita at a dance in Stockton and they married 6 weeks later. Upon Lee’s honorable discharge they moved to Pelham, GA for a brief time before returning to CA where they lived in the Bay Area throughout their lives. Lee retired as Battalion Chief after 30 years with the Moffett Field Fire Department. A part-time job in 1963 at the Saratoga Horticultural Foundation grew into a passion for Lee. The knowledge he gained inspired him to start Lee’s Landscape & Maintenance which he ran for over 40 years before relocating to Pleasanton in 2006. It was his nature to teach anyone with an interest how to prune and care for...

William Andrew Evans
Oct. 25, 1936 - Feb. 25, 2012
Pleasanton, California

William Andrew Evans William [Bill] Evans of Pleasanton, CA, [formerly of Saratoga, CA] passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 25, 2012. Bill was born on October 25, 1936 to William and Josephine Evans in Chicago, IL. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Mary Jo (Penny) Nichols Evans; children; Son, Bill Evans (wife Linda, daughters Mary and Kristina); Son, Michael Evans (wife Debbie, son Michael, daughter Rebecca); Daughter, Carol Kelly (husband Roland, sons Trevor, Garrett & Ryan); Daughter, Nancy Becker (husband Ron, son Grant, daughter Jordan). Brother-in-law, Fred Nichols, wife Pat & son David. He was brother to Patricia Thompson and Joyce Evans. Bill was a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the United States Air Force. He served in the Strategic Air Command Unit and later served in Vietnam. He logged over 2000 hours of flight time in the cockpit of B47’s and C141’s. He loved seeing the world from the air. He received the Meritorious Service Metal for outstanding service. Bill earned his Bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University and his Master’s Degree from the University of San Francisco. His career after the military included Engineerin...

Angelita Chacon Martinez
April 4, 1915 - Feb. 11, 2012
Alameda, California

Angelita Chacon Martinez passed away on February 11, 2012 with her family by her side. Angelita was born 4/4/1915 in Tucson, Arizona where she met the love of her life Pedro Martinez. They moved to California and settled in Alameda and they were married for 66 wonderful years. Angelita is survived by her Daughter, Diana Jean and her Son In-Law Robert Schwerin, her three Grandchildren Tony, Richy and Danielle and her Great- Grandchildren Nicole Danner and Preston Peel and many nieces and nephews. Angelita is preceded in death by her husband Pete Martinez, her sisters Eva Hynson & Cassie Rueda and her mother whom she always spoke about. Angie enjoyed bowling in a senior league once she had retired and traveled with her husband and daughter to many different places around the world. Angie recently resided at the Parkview, Memory Care in Pleasanton where she participated in many activities the last three years....

Irma Harmeson
May 1, 1915 - Jan. 15, 2012
Pleasanton, California

Irma Harmeson, 96, of Pleasanton, died peacefully on January 15, 2012 in Livermore, CA. Irma was born in 1915 in Sidney, Illinois. In 1938 she received a Business Degree from the University of Illinois. She married Robert H. Harmeson in 1940. Irma enjoyed being a homemaker, raising her children and spending time with her grand and great-grandchildren. In Illinois, she worked at Western Union, Collegiate Cap and Gown, and sold Fashion Two-Twenty cosmetics. Music was important to her as she played both the piano and organ. She and her husband loved to dance. Throughout her life she was active in community women's organizations, her church, multiple military organizations, and Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity. Irma and Robert retired to Mesa, AZ where they enjoyed many years of travelling and pursuing their hobby - genealogy. After her husband's death, she moved to California and continued her visits to family and friends. Irma was preceded in death by her parents; brother; her husband; infant daughter; and son, Leigh. She is survived by her children: Raynor; Terry; Linda, and Leigh’s wife, Janet. She also leaves behind her five grandchildren; and seven great-grand...

Monica L. Van Wegen
April 20, 1979 - Dec. 25, 2011
Pleasanton, California

Monica L. Van Wegen, an Amador Valley High School track star who motivated countless others, died on Christmas morning after a five-year battle with brain cancer. She was 32. Monica was able to live an inspirational and fully functioning life until her final weeks. Her life was always filled with tremendous energy and enthusiasm to enjoy every day to its fullest. The enthusiasm was very contagious and fun to be around. Her energy found an outlet in running. She started by winning the 400-yard rabbit run at Valley View School and the 400-yard race at the Hershey Nor Cal Meet in San Jose, both while in the fourth grade. She ran competitively with great success for 11 years. She ran for fun and fitness for her entire life. Through running, she discovered her life’s work and passion as a fitness trainer and physical therapist. The running, school and work took Monica to Eugene, Ore., San Diego, Chico, Los Angeles, Tiburon and Sun Valley, Idaho. Monica recorded many accomplishments at Amador Valley, including: 1997 NCS 800 meter champion; 1996 Amador HS 4x400m relay team that was 8th fastest in the nation, 3:45.94; 1996 Amador HS NCS Championship Cross Country team; EBAL 20...

Elizabeth Jean Tremblay
May 20, 1919 - Dec. 14, 2011
Pleasanton, California

Elizabeth Jean Tremblay, an expert and enthusiastic bridge player, died Dec. 14, 2011 in a San Jose senior care home. She was 92. Betty traveled widely to pursue her passion for bridge, playing tournaments as well as casual matches with friends. After living in Southern California for many years, she moved to Pleasanton about 30 years ago so they could be close to their grandchildren. She lived in Pleasanton for 25 years before moving to senior housing in Livermore and then San Jose so she could be closer to her daughter. Mrs. Tremblay was born May 20, 1919 in Madison, Wis. and spent her high school years in Glen Ellyn, Ill. where she graduated from Glenbard High School. She then enrolled in Beloit College in Michigan and graduated four years later. She moved to Chicago and worked as a proof reader for legal documents. While riding the train into Chicago, she met her husband-to-be Eduardo Tremblay. They had been married 55 years when Eduardo passed away in 1999. They had three children, Michael, Julie and Joel. Growing up, Julie recalled, “Michael and I always knew that mom and dad were there for me. No matter what I did, I knew I was always loved and supported by the...

Paul Joseph Nappo
May 7, 1950 - Dec. 13, 2011
Pleasanton, California

Paul was born and raised in Oakland, CA and was a longtime resident of Pleasanton, Ca. He passed away peacefully December 13, 2011 surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Angelo Nappo and in-laws Rudolph and Evalyn Peters. Paul was a devoted, loving husband, father and Nonno to wife Debra, daughter Stephanie (Josh), son Nicholas and granddaughter Hayden. Loving son to Frances Nappo, brother Thomas (Faye), Marilyn and Marlene (Ted) brother in law to David (Laurie), Denise and Ron (Christina). Favorite and adored uncle to many nieces and nephews as well as communal father to countless others. He also leaves behind many loyal, devoted lifelong friends. Paul was a proud member of Fratellanza Men's Italian Club and a devoted machinist at Koffler Electrical. His greatest joy's were outdoor activities, music, playing with the kids, time with family and friends and being with the love of his life, Debra!...

Jean Lois Bell
June 16, 1929 - Dec. 2, 2011
Pleasanton, California

Jean L. Bell, 36-year resident of Pleasanton, California, passed away peacefully in her sleep Friday, Dec-2., here in town, surrounded and comforted by all of her closest family. She was preceded in death by her husband William Kenneth Bell in 1993, and is survived by their only child Douglas K. Bell, of Pleasanton, her daughter-in-law Deirdre A. Bell, and her three grandchildren whom she adored: Kandice D. Bell (Livermore), Victoria C. (Bell) Monical (Pleasanton), and Devin D. Bell (Pleasanton). Jean was born and raised in Lebanon, Indiana. She received her bachelor’s degree in music education from Northwestern University, Illinois, and spent 40 years teaching grade school and middle school band. After retiring in Pleasanton, she attended Lynnewood United Methodist church, enjoyed playing the recorder with friends, was a student of the Art Made Easy class at the Pleasanton Senior Center for many years, enjoyed travelling, and loved watching TV sports. She was immensely kind and friendly to all, kept her humor right to the end, loved the Lord, and was the best mother a man could ever have....

Jared Alan Johansen
Oct. 14, 1984 - Nov. 30, 2011
Pleasanton, California

Jared Alan Johansen, beloved son of Alan and Christy Johansen unexpectedly passed away in his sleep early Wednesday morning November 30, 2011 at his home in Pleasanton, California. He was 27 years old. Jared grew up in Pleasanton and loved his many friends and teachers at Walnut Grove Elementary, Harvest Park Middle School, and Amador Valley High School. Jared was well known for his fun sense of humor and wit and his love of learning. He was a great brother, husband, father, son, a gifted athlete, dedicated scholar and respected friend. Jared was an avid fan of the San Francisco 49ers, Giants and the Warriors. He spoke Spanish fluently and served a two year voluntary mission for his church in Washington D.C. Jared attended college at both BYU and the University of Utah, earning a degree in Economics in 2009. He was married in the Portland Oregon LDS temple in 2008 to his adoring wife Tiffany Bleak. During the past 2 years, Jared loved his work and associates at the law firm of Gunderson Dettmer in Redwood City. He and Tiffany were happily looking forward to law school next year. Jared is survived by his wife, his 17 month old daughter Reese and another baby daughter Ja...

Robert "Bob" Werner
Aug. 5, 1929 - Nov. 30, 2011
Pleasanton, California

Robert "Bob" Werner, longtime resident of Pleasanton, peacefully passed away Nov. 30, 2011. He was born in Oakland on Aug. 5, 1929. He graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a degree in electrical engineering and became an army lieutenant when he graduated. He went on to work at the Lawrence Livermore Lab for 30 years, during which time he made trips to the Bikini atoll and the Nevada test site. He was a ham radio operator, had his pilot’s license, and liked to snorkel and ski. For the past 13 years his face lit up whenever he was with his eleven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Janet Huffman Werner. He is survived by his three daughters, Holly (Sergio ) Arce , Krista (Chad) Friesen , and Anjanette(Greg) Lundell , his grandchildren, Linda, Lisa, Joshua, Lucinda and Lydia Arce; Caleb, Katie, Daniel and Isaac Friesen; James and Calvin Lundell. He will be missed by his brother, Bill (Nancy) Werner, and by his sister, Nelda Olson. Friends and family are invited to attend services. Burial is planned for Dec. 9 at 2pmat the Felton Cemetery. A memorial service will be held on Dec. 10 at 10 am at Cedar Grove Church in Livermore....

Jack David Lauderback
Sept. 22, 1926 - Nov. 26, 2011
Pleasanton, California

Jack David Lauderback Sept. 22,1926 - Nov. 26, 2011 Resident of Pleasanton, CA. Born in Portland, Oregon. Grew up in the Gresham area. Graduated from Estacada High School. Attended the University of Oregon at Eugene. Served in the Army and was stationed in the Philippines and Japan. Graduated from the University of Miami in Coral Gables Worked for Pacific Finance in Portland Ore. Married Leslie Rae Lauderback on May 28, 1954 Transferred to California in 1956 while working for Pacific Finance. Later worked for American Saving and Bell Savings. Survived by Leslie, his wife of 57 years. Three children James Robert Lauderback, David William Lauderback, Lynn Metcalf. Grandchildren Jacqualynn Metcalf, Tara Metcalf, Lily Metcalf, and son-in-law Royal Metcalf. Brother Robert Lauderback and sister Judy Lauderback Barrett. Predeceased in death by parents Kenneth and Lillian Lauderback and brothers James and Richard Lauderback. Private services will be held at Graham-Hitch Mortuary in Pleasanton, CA on Sat. Dec. 3 from 2-4pm. The family would like to thank the Veterans Community Living Center in Martinez CA for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made t...

Walter Lewis Dunkley
Feb. 15, 1918 - Nov. 11, 2011
Pleasanton, California

Walter Lewis Dunkley, 93, died November 11, 2011 in Pleasanton, CA surrounded by his family. Walt was born February 15, 1918 in Olds, Alberta, Canada. He will be fondly remembered by his family, Dave and Cheryl Dunkley of Weatherford, TX, Art and Tuny Dunkley of Pleasanton, CA and Ken Dunkley and Catey Low of Montecito, CA, as well as six Dunkley grandchildren: Shana, Blaine, Michael, Dan, Paige and Claire. His loving wife of 64 years, Virginia M. Dunkley, “Ginie,” predeceased him in 2008. Walt and Ginie raised their family in Davis, CA, and spent many retirement years together at Eskaton Village in Carmichael, CA. During their married life they enjoyed wonderful times with their three sons and six grandchildren as well as worldwide travel.. For the past three years, Walt lived in Pleasanton, CA. His family will cherish the memories of his positive and cheerful outlook, bright smile and sharp intellect. He was a source of pleasant optimism and good humor for all who knew him. No services are planned. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Hope Hospice in Dublin, CA....

Richard Edward Hessel
March 15, 1951 - Nov. 5, 2011
Pleasanton, California

Richard Edward Hessel, Ph.D. March 1951 - November 2011. After a two year battle with cancer, longtime Pleasanton resident Dick Hessel gently passed away at his Pleasanton home at the age of 60. Dick was born in Cincinnati, Ohio to Otto and Ruth Hessel. After earning his Ph.D. from the University of Cincinnati, Dick shared his love of engineering as a professor at the The University of Cincinnati and Clarkson University, before moving into the private sector. Dick's career in the computer industry led him and his family to the Silicon Valley, where they settled in Pleasanton. The beloved husband of Connie Hessel for over 30 years, Dick is survived by his wife and two daughters, Andrea Kline Simon, 28, wife of Paulo Kline Simon; Kendra Hessel, 19; brothers Jim and Steve Hessel of Cincinnati; and his four cats. A true connoisseur of jazz music, the blues, and a lover of cats, Dick was also a weekly tennis player who will always be fondly remembered for his impressive beard and warm sense of humor. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Hope Hospice, so that the less fortunate may share in the same degree of love and care that Dick receiv...

Anthony Leroy Rose
Sept. 9, 1944 - Oct. 31, 2011
Pleasanton, California

Anthony Leroy Rose beloved husband, father, grandfather, and loyal friend too many, was called home by the heavenly father on Monday, October 31st, 2011. Tony was born on September 9, 1944 to the parents of Antone Rose and Rose B. Rose, of San Jose, CA. He has one brother Donald E. Rose, now deceased. On April 27, 2011 he married his soul mate, Sharon Jean Rose. He is survived by his two sons, Michael and Daniel, and three daughters, Jeanna, Justina, and Janella, and eleven grand children. In 1963 he graduated from Oberfelt High School and then spent the six years as a reserve in the Army National Guard 159th infantry. However, hot roding was his true passion. Tony was one of the original seven founders of the “P Town Push Rods Club” in Pleasanton, CA. He admired and collected hot rods for many years of his life. Overall, his most prized accomplishment was being a proud grandfather of eleven and soon to be twelve wonderful grandchildren that would make his eyes light up....

Stephen Berger
March 3, 1936 - Oct. 24, 2011
Pleasanton, California

Stephen Isaac Berger March 3, 1936 – October 24, 2011 Resident of Pleasanton California Steve Berger died at home on Monday, October 24, at age 75. He was born in New York City to parents Abraham and Hilda Berger, their only son. Steve won a scholarship to Julliard School of Music for cello and attended boarding school in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, where he was a soccer player. Steve served in the United States Air Force, stationed in Japan. After his military discharge, he completed his schooling at University of Hawaii. It was there he discovered his passion for flying, earning his pilot’s license. During this time, he supported his new hobby by working as manager in the original Chuck Steak House along with the owner and his wife. During his career, Steve worked for six airlines, most notably Flying Tigers and World Airways for 20 years, where he was Vice-President of Sales and Marketing. It was during his time at Flying Tigers that Steve met the charming flight attendant who would become his wife, Joyce Mohr. The high point of Steve’s World Airways career was when he spent 8 months in Viet Nam, airlifting out U.S. troops. Steve later went on to work for Royal Cruise lin...

Lisa Renee Schneider-McKenna
April 2, 1970 - Oct. 19, 2011
Pleasanton, California

Lisa Renee Schneider-McKenna, Age 41, of Pleasanton passed away with family by her side after a short battle with cancer. A Bay Area native Lisa grew up in El Sobrante CA and attended De Anza High School in Richmond, CA graduating in 1988. Lisa had many careers in the medical field including front office, bookkeeping,insurance and paralegal. Lisa enjoyed drawing, ceramics, cooking and taking yearly trips to Disneyland with her sons. Lisa was a beautiful mother who devoted her life to her children to make sure they always came first in her life. Lisa is predeceased by her twin sister Cheri and is survived by her two sons, Brandon and Dylan, her mother Lottie, father Kenneth, and her brothers Kenny and Michael....

Steven Frank Pahler
Feb. 6, 1970 - Oct. 19, 2011
Livermore, California

Steven Frank Pahler, who taught thousands of Tri-Valley young people and adults to drive through his Precision Driving School, died Oct. 19, 2011 at the age of 41. Steve owned Precision Driving School for 11 years. His family recalled how effectively he worked with students who were scared about learning to drive. He also taught a number of non-English-speaking adults. “He was so patient when he was teaching,” said his brother, Ryan. “Although, he did tell us about the times he had to grab the steering wheel on the freeway and take over.” Steve loved to cook, whether it was his specialty, prime rib, or on the barbecue. He always prepared the turkey for Thanksgiving. An avid Oakland Raider fan, his apartment is loaded with Raider memorabilia, including a football autographed by Coach John Madden as well as helmet signed by all of the members of the 2002 Super Bowl squad. In his spare time, he loved to ride his Harley as well as camp and hike. His favorite vacation destination was Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Born Feb. 6, 1970 in Fullerton, CA, Steve moved to Pleasanton in 1984. He was a varsity swimmer and graduated from Foothill High School. He earned the rank of Eagle Sco...

Evalyn Taylor Peters
March 6, 1931 - Oct. 15, 2011
Oakland, California

Evalyn Peters, a longtime Oakland resident passed away peacefully on October 15, 2011 in Pleasanton, CA. Her husband Rudolph Peters preceded her in death in May 2011. Evalyn is survived by her loving children, David Silva (Laurie), Denise Hallock, Debra Nappo (Paul), and Ron Peters (Christina). She leaves her adored grandchildren, Nicole (David), Stacy (Steve), Lindsay (Gentil), Stephanie (Josh), Nicholas, Jordan and Gavin, and great grandchildren Michael, Cameron, Cole, Anthony, Chayse, Adriana, Hayden, Claire and Evan. She was a loving sister to Doris Bowman, Judy Ellis, Karl Taylor and Linda Cooper. Dear sister in law to Ron and Joy Peters. Favorite Aunt to many nieces and nephews and surrogate mom to many. She also leaves her loyal and lifelong friends, Tom (deceased) and Mary Mowbray, Bill and Ann Taylor and Jay Naas. Evalyn was a member of the Oakland Garden Club and volunteer with the Oakland Food Basket. She enjoyed spending time in her garden and painting, but her greatest joy in life was time spent with her family and friends....

Dorothy Bernice Jolette
Feb. 6, 1916 - Oct. 13, 2011
Pleasanton, California

Dorothy Bernice Jolette passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 13. She had been ill for the past three weeks but had enjoyed 95 years of a very good life. Born in Menominee, Michigan, she spent almost all of her first 75 years in Niagara, Wisconsin. Her husband Ray, preceded her in death in 1979, two brothers, Sonny and Lester Tappy, sister Joyce Kellerman, also preceded her in death. In 1991 she moved to Pleasanton, California where she began a new life, living near her son Barry and daughter in law Carole. In addition to Barry and Carole, she is survived by grandson Tim Jolette, his wife Debi and great-grandchildren Caitlin and Danielle, who live in Eldorado Hills, California. Her second grandson, David Jolette, wife Stacy and two other great-grandchildren, Nicole and Ryan, live in Denver, Colorado....

Michele Fast
May 21, 1964 - Oct. 12, 2011
Seal Beach, California

Michele Daschbach Fast, 47, passed away in Seal Beach, California on October 12, 2011. Michele leaves, Patrick, her loving husband of 24 years; and their three children, Patrick, 20, a senior at CAL; Laura, 18, a UCLA freshman; and Lisa, 16, a junior in high school. The youngest of six children, Michele is survived by her parents, Howard and Leonore Daschbach; sisters and brothers, LeeLee Cusenza of Pleasanton, Lisa Fuerst, Laura Pitchford, and Mark Daschbach, of the Pennisula, and Rooney Daschbach of Sunset Beach. Michele also leaves behind her father-in-law, Stephen Fast, seven brothers- and sisters-in law, 15 nieces and nephews, three of Pleasanton, and two great nieces. Her Labrador Otis, has also lost his most loyal companion. Michele was born at Stanford Hospital and attended St. Raymond Elementary School and Sacred Heart High School in her local community. She graduated from UC Santa Barbara where she met her husband Patrick. Michele and Patrick settled in Seal Beach where they lived and raised their family for the past 16 years. Michele was a very dedicated sports fan. She stepped up to the plate supporting the teams of her children, nieces, and nephews. Michele w...

Robert (Bob) Charles Cannon
June 20, 1959 - Oct. 9, 2011
Oklahoma City, OK

Robert (Bob) Charles Cannon Former Resident of Pleasanton Bob Cannon, 52, of Oklahoma passed away unexpectedly Oct. 9, 2011. He was born in Buffalo, New York to Patsy and Charles Cannon on June 20th, 1959. He lived in Tonawanda, New York; Denver, Colorado; Placentia, California; Dayton, Ohio; Pleasanton and area cities, California and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was a member of the first graduating class of Foothill High School (1977). He excelled in tennis and golf and played on his high school team all 4 years. He traveled competitively for tennis. Bob joined the Army after high school and was stationed in Germany where he met his wife Maggie and married in 1982. He worked 20 years for Farmer’s Insurance (Dublin, CA and Oklahoma City). Moving up through the ranks, his last position was as a Software Development Lead. Bob always enjoyed a variety of sports and began running over the last five years. He participated in many marathons, ranking extremely high in many of his races. Even though he moved to Oklahoma 12 years ago, his devotion to the San Francisco 49ers never changed. He loved a variety of music and celebrated anniversaries with his wife at jazz fes...

Joyce Elaine Meyer
June 25, 1937 - Oct. 3, 2011
Pleasanton, California

Joyce Elaine Meyer, a resident of Pleasanton for 44 years passed away on October 3, 2011. She was 74. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held Saturday, Nov. 5 at 1:30 p.m. at Centerpointe Presbyterian Church, 3410 Cornerstone Court, Pleasanton. Joyce was born June 25, 1937 on the way to the hospital from the family farm outside Assiniboia, Saskatchewan. She graduated from Assiniboia High School in 1955. She finished high school while living with friends and then enrolled in nursing school. She graduated in 1958 after putting herself through Regina College and the hands-on training at Moose Jaw Union Hospital. She was recognized at graduation with honors. Joyce moved to California from Canada in 1962, living on the Peninsula and then Pasadena where she met and married Rod Meyer. When Joyce was 39 she gave birth to her son, Ken. They moved to Pleasanton in 1977 and Joyce joined the maternity room team at Valley Memorial Hospital in Livermore. After Joyce and Rod divorced, she raised Ken as a single mother, supporting them working as a Charge Nurse. ValleyCare Medical Center opened in Pleasanton in 1991, just three blocks from hom...