Anthony Dominic Scotto
Jan. 13, 1927 - May 1, 2013
Livermore, California

Anthony was born at home, in Brooklyn, NY to immigrant Italian parents. He graduated from Saint Francis College where he received a degree in history, one of his passions. After discharge from the Army he joined his father and 4 brothers at the family wine shop, thus beginning his 30-year career in the wine industry. He pursued all aspects from retail, to wholesale, to importer but his true love was winemaking. But his true passion was the love for his family. Anthony is survived by his five children; sons Anthony, Dominic, and Gregory; and daughters, Felicia Barbalinardo and Monica Chappell along with 23 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother; Fr. Dominic Scotto, Chaplin at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio. The family would like to also say a special thank you to Dr. Apte for showing honor, and empathy, Anita Sharples of Heritage Estates as well as his devoted caregivers Agnes and Katie. All who knew him will miss his faith-filled and generous spirit. Friends and family are invited to a vigil and visitation on Thursday, May 9, 2013 from 6-8 p.m. at Graham-Hitch Mortuary in Pleasanton and a funeral service at St. Charles...

Ashley Kay Cligny
Feb. 16, 1991 - April 28, 2013
Pleasanton, California

Ashley Cligny took her last breath peacefully early Sunday morning with her mother and father by her side. Ashley was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in October of 2011 while attending the University of California at Davis after transferring from Washington State University at the end of her sophomore year. Ashley was described as an “old soul” and enthusiastically lived the typical life of a college student – attending class, playing soccer, making and nurturing friendships and always wanting to spend time with family. In many ways, Ashley will be remembered most for her courageous battle with the disease that would take her life but not conquer her spirit, as she taught us to be positive not negative, loving not bitter and to marvel at the power of her spirit to overcome her circumstances. Ashley leaves behind her mother and father, Tani and John Cligny; Sisters, Jonalin McCollum and Janelle Cligny, brother-in-law Matt McCollum: niece Alice McCollum; father James Loughmiller, brother Chase Loughmiller as well as grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. A celebration of Ashley’s life and Mass is planned for Friday May 3rd at 11:00 AM at Saint Augustine’s Catholic Chur...

James Peter Campana
Sept. 3, 1926 - April 26, 2013
Sonora formerly Pleasanton, California

James Campana, 86, of Sonora, CA died peacefully on Friday, April 26. He was born to the late Arthur and Katherine Campana, September 3, 1926, San Francisco, CA. Jim attended Balboa High School and was written up in the SF Chronicle as "the Tommy Dorsey of Balboa High." He received a BA and MA in Music in 1956 from San Francisco State University. He was married 59 years to his late wife Rosemary, and they lived in Pleasanton, CA 37 years before retiring to Sonora, CA in 1996. Jim was hired in 1959 as the Band Director at Amador, and taught until he retired in 1979. Mr. C. was passionate about making a difference in his students’ lives. In 1975 he founded the Amador Valley Jazz Festival and after his retirement, it was renamed the Campana Jazz Festival, which he attended faithfully every year. Jim was an active member of St. Patrick’s Church of Sonora, and SIRS. He traveled with his wife, family, and friends throughout his retirement. He enjoyed playing golf and dining at Caesar’s Restaurant of San Francisco with family and friends. Jim is survived by four children: Lisa Garon, of Pleasanton, Terri Campana, of Palenville, NY, Tina Wilbur, of Sonora, Paul Campana, of Fremont...

Marilyn R. Wright
Oct. 16, 1944 - April 26, 2013
Pleasanton, California

Marilyn Rita Egelhofer-Wright went to be with our Father in Heaven on 4/26/13. She was born Oct. 16, 1944 in Palo Alto, CA to Raymond & Rita Egelhofer. She is already missed greatly by her children Matthew (Liz) Wright and Beth (Joel) Wright-McCarty. Nephew, Raymond (Megan) Egelhofer-Tracy. Her grand-children, Michael, Casey-Elizabeth and Shane, were all adored, along with her great-niece, Lorelei. Our mom will also be missed by numerous other family members and friends. Although our mom battled cancer multiple times, and of varying types over the years, she died of natural causes at home because her body was just “plain tired”. She lived in Pleasanton, CA for most of her adult life and loved the community of friends she had there. Mom was a feisty fighter of cancer and although she was weak in the body from past treatments she continued to work full-time for AT&T as a Financial Analyst until her death. We are also proud to say she was an accomplished CPA and private tax accountant. Our mom enjoyed travel and has been all over the world on cruises and various trips mostly with her grand-daughter as her faithful travel companion. Mom was intrigued by different cul...

Ruth Stewart
Oct. 12, 1912 - April 21, 2013
Livermore, California

Ruth Matthies Stewart passed away peacefully on April 21, 2013. She was 100 years old. Ruth was born in Rochester, NY, where she lived until she & her husband retired in 1981. They relocated to Stockton, CA, and later to Sun City West, AZ. They moved to Pleasanton in 2000. Ruth was predeceased by her beloved husband Cliff in 2001, and brothers Bill, Dick, & Art Matthies. She is survived by daughter & son-in-law Wendy & Steve Ping of Pleasanton, and grandchildren Shawna Ping (Kailua, HI) & Eric Ping (Denver, CO)....

Hans James Hansen
March 14, 1957 - April 17, 2013
Pleasanton, California

Hans James Hansen, 56, of Pleasanton, passed away on April 17 surrounded by his family. Hans was born to Howard and Virginia Hansen in Pleasanton, where he lived his entire life except for his years away at college. He met his wife Jill at Amador and they were married for 35 years. In his thirties, he became a Christian, which became the cornerstone of his life. His belief was the source of his incredible strength and optimism through his years of illness. Hans was a brilliant engineer, earning many patents, and truly enjoyed going to work every day. He will be remembered for his fantastic sense of humor and ability to make friends wherever he went. He is survived by his daughter Katrina (Seth) High of Boulder, CO, his son Aaron (Barbara) Hansen of Coronado, his daughter Sarah Hansen of San Francisco, and his daughter AnnMarie (Nicholas) Smith of Woodland Hills. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, at Cornerstone Fellowship in Livermore. Donations in Hans’ name may be made to Hume Lake Ministries (www.humelake.org) or to Gospel for Asia (www.gfa.org)....

Marian "Kay" Richter
July 5, 1941 - April 1, 2013
Pleasanton, California

Marian "Kay" Richter died on April 1, 2013 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Bismarck, N.D. on July 5, 1941 to Elsie and Emil Goetz of Hazen, N.D. She graduated as Salutatorian from Hazen H.S. in 1959 and continued her education at North Dakota State in Fargo with a degree in English. She met the love of her life, Jerry, in high school. They were married in Hazen on August 24, 1962. Her daugther, Susan, was born in 1966 at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. and her son, Jeff, was born in 1968 in Albuquerque. After five years in New Mexico, the family moved to Pleasanton, CA in 1970 on a job transfer for Jerry. Kay was involved in 4-H as a leader when her kids were young. Church was an important part of her life. She taught Sunday School, mentored middle school kids and enjoyed singing in the church choir. Kay found joy in volunteering for Senior Support, Hope Hospice and Operation Christmas Child. She worked part time at Macy’s for 13 years. Kay experienced kidney failure in 1998 and was on dialysis for 5 years before receiving a kidney transplant in Nov. 2003 from a living donor. She received her cancer diagnosis on March 4, 2013....

Cecile Wun-Sze Lee
May 13, 1966 - March 28, 2013
Pleasanton, California

Pleasanton resident and physician Dr. Cecile Wun-Sze Lee passed away at home surrounded by her family on March 28, 2013 at the age of 46 after a courageous five-year battle with an aggressive form of breast cancer. She was born in Hong Kong on May 13, 1966, and moved with her parents to the United States at the age of one. A 1984 graduate of Cherry Hill East High School in New Jersey, she earned a bachelor’s of science degree with a major in bio-resource science at the University of California, Berkeley where she and Hank met and later married in 1992. She attended Tulane University Medical School with Hank in New Orleans, earning both her medical degree and a master’s degree in public health in 1993, becoming the first physician in her family. She completed her residency in dermatology at Tulane Medical Center in 1997. Cecile and Hank moved to Pleasanton and opened their practice, Pacific Dermatology. She was also on staff at ValleyCare Medical Center. Dr. Lee cared for her patients as if they were family members. In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening, cooking, reading, exercising, Tai Chi, knitting, Chinese painting, playing the piano and spending time with her family and...

Helen Georgatos
April 25, 1932 - March 20, 2013
Pleasanton, California

Helen Georgatos was born in Greece on April 25, 1932. Her parents, Marianna and Demostenes Pagulatos had five children. Married in 1952 to Jerry Georgatos, Helen had her first son Dean, in August, 1953, six days after a devastating earthquake on Cephallonia. After having her second son Dennis, the family immigrated to the United States and took up residence in Pleasanton in 1956, where Helen’s husband worked at the Standard Cheese Company. Helen worked at several laundries while her sons went to school. Helen and her husband remained in Pleasanton the rest of their lives; first renting a home on Rose Avenue and then buying a home in Pleasanton Heights. Jerry sustained a debilitating back injury while working at the Cheese Factory. No longer able to do the heavy lifting required in making cheese, they purchased the Bottle Shop, a liquor store in nearby Fremont. She was also a fantastic cook, preparing tantalizing Greek cuisine and serving it along with her quick wit. Jerry and Helen worked together almost every day at the store, building a devoted stream of customers and supporting each other through 26 years of their ownership. After selling the store, Helen and Jerry took ...

Larry J Sozzi
May 2, 1947 - March 1, 2013
Pleasanton, California

Larry Sozzi, 65, passed away March 1, 2013. He now has joined his mother Violet. Larry is a retired SF Firefighter of 20 years. He had a love for baseball & golf. He is survived by his wife Debbie, children Rick & Roxanne, daughter in-law Michelle, his father of 94 years Louis Sozzi, his brother Gary & wife Kathy, his sister Diane Pini & husband Dan, his brother in-law Rob King & his wife Cindy & nieces & nephews. Larry will truly be missed. The family gives thanks to Hope Hospice, Dublin, CA. Private service...

Jean Marie Pimentel Silva
Feb. 13, 1930 - Feb. 23, 2013
Pleasanton, California

Jean Marie Pimentel Silva, 83 years old, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2013. Jean was the respected Matriarch and Star of her family. She was a great wife, an incredible and amazing mother to her four children and the absolute best grandmother to seven and great-grandmother to four. Her family was her world. Jean loved being a mother and grandmother and was actively involved in all of their lives. One of her greatest joys was treating her family to breakfasts and dinners, surprising her children and grandchildren with special family trips to Hawaii, crocheting sweaters and blankets for all and making the best cookies ever. Jean never admitted to spoiling her family, but rather said “her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were just very well loved”. Jean was known for her hard work, incredible generosity and thoughtfulness. She had a very entertaining sense of humor and had a real zest for life. Jean loved to read, bake, play bingo, bowl, play cards, chat with friends and volunteer at the Ridge View Commons Senior facility…just to name a few. Jean was blessed with many wonderful friends and dear family members. She was loved by all, and she will be ...

Allen Ellis Fairchild
Aug. 26, 1922 - Feb. 21, 2013
Livermore, California

Allen grew up in Collins, MS and joined the Navy during WWII. He had many hair-raising stories of military service as a young man and enjoyed entertaining friends and family with these stories. He spent most of his life in the Bay Area with his family, which included his wife Doris, who predeceased him, and his children, John Fairchild, Mary (Mal) Cameron, and Anne Miller. He traveled the country for many years with his second wife, Beulah. He also leaves well-loved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He left for his current eternal home with a white shirt on and a smile on his face. Services will be held at Graham-Hitch Mortuary in Pleasanton on 3/3/13 at 2:30 p.m....

Richard Hovis
May 31, 1930 - Jan. 9, 2013
Pleasanton, California

Richard M. Hovis died at home on Wednesday, January 9, 2013. Rick was born on May 31, 1930 in Boyers, PA. He was married and started his family in Chicago, before moving to California in 1966. Rick began his aviation career in the US Navy as a radarman and was an air traffic controller with the FAA for 32 years. A Pleasanton resident since 1967, he was a member of the local Catholic community, was active in marriage encounter, and helped begin Hope Hospice in 1980. He leaves behind Mary, his wife of 57 years; children Rick, Steve (Chris), Sherry; grandsons David, Luke (Jesse and Lane). We love you Pop and will miss you....

Perry Russell Coe
April 25, 1962 - Jan. 5, 2013
South Lake Tahoe, California

Perry Russell Coe, a former Pleasanton resident, passed away in South Lake Tahoe at the age of 50, a victim of fibromyalgia. Perry was born in San Mateo and grew up in Pleasanton. He graduated from Amador Valley High School. He spent his career in the aviation industry. While employed at National Airmotive, Rolls Royce and United Airlines, he performed aircraft maintenance as well as reciprocating and jet engine maintenance while holding applicable Federal Aviation Administration ratings. As a licensed pilot, he enjoyed flying small airplanes. Perry’s hobbies included motorcycling, kayaking, trading precious metals and traveling the world. His favorite travel destination was Barcelona, Spain. He created original art pieces using iron, silver and plastics. Over the years, he had a number of girl friends, but preferred staying single. He loved living at Lake Tahoe or near the ocean. His friends and family will miss his sense of humor, generosity and thoughtfulness. He is survived by his father, Kenneth Coe, his mother, Ruth Pauline Coe, his sister Laura Drake; uncles Scott Coe (Dorina) and Eugene Sprague; nieces Leanne Drake and Michelle Drake, nephew Allen Drake; ...

Michael Wesley Dean
Aug. 5, 1946 - Jan. 2, 2013
Pleasanton, California

Michael Wesley Dean passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 2, 1213, at the age of 66 with family members at his side. Michael is the 6th of 7 sons of Stanley and Irma Dean who preceded him in death. Michael is survived by his daughter Melissa and brothers Stan, Jim, Ron, Bobby, Jerry, Tom and wife Susie, and a long list of nieces and nephews and their children. Michael’s music career spanned over 50 years as an entertainer, song writer and recording artist. He will not be forgotten, as his music will play on forever. Fortunately Michael was able to attend the Dean “Dozen of Cousins” family reunion on Dec. 15th in Las Vegas which over 100 family members and friends attended. Michael did his final performance which everyone loved....

Fannie Annis
May 11, 1920 - Jan. 1, 2013
Pleasanton, California

Fannie Lambert Annis passed away on January 1, 2013, after suffering a stroke on December 31, 2012. We knew she would make it to New Year’s Day! At the time of her death, Fannie had been living in Livermore for 1 ½ years after residing in the same house in Pleasanton since 1950. Fannie was born Fannie Arnold Lambert in Superior, WI, on May 11, 1920. Shortly thereafter the family moved to Duluth, MN, where Fannie attended elementary schools, East Junior High School and Central High School. Fannie then graduated from Duluth State Teacher’s College (now the University of Minnesota at Duluth – UMD) in 1942 with a bachelor’s degree in education. Fannie spent two years teaching in upper Michigan, one year teaching in San Francisco, CA (during World War II), one year teaching in Niles, CA and then 19 years teaching at Alisal Elementary School in the Pleasanton School District. Fannie always taught third grade, ostensibly because “the math was too difficult in fourth grade.” She loved being a teacher and was always able to look at the humorous side of events in the classroom. Fannie retired in 1977 to be able to travel the world. In March of 1939, Fannie Lambert met Warren Annis…the ...

Anne Donnellan
Oct. 10, 1920 - Jan. 1, 2013
Pleasanton, CA

Anne Donnellan passed away peacefully on New Year’s Day. Anne was born on a farm outside of Cleveland, Ohio. During World War II, she worked at Alcoa. After the War, she, her husband Bob, and their three children moved to Southern California, where she lived for 30 years. Upon Bob’s retirement from Lockheed, Anne and Bob moved to Paradise, Calif. Bob predeceased her in 1993. In 2006 Anne moved to Pleasanton to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Jim Zarrillo. Anne had a wonderful circle of friends and was very active. She most enjoyed playing poker at the Pleasanton Senior Center every week. Anne is predeceased by her husband, Bob and son, Danny. She is survived by her son Dennis, who lives overseas; her daughter Donna Zarrillo of Pleasanton; her grandchildren Matt Tibbetts of Apopka, Fla., Julia Edge of Portland, Ore., Dana Donnellan of Paradise, Calif., and Angela Donnellan. In addition, she is survived by her three great-grandchildren, Angela, Hannah and Sydney. Anne will be very missed by all who knew her. Services and burial will be in Paradise. A memorial service will be planned at a later date in Pleasanton. ...

Don L. Chalmers
Jan. 27, 1937 - Dec. 31, 2012
Oakland, California

Donald Leroy Chalmers was born Jan. 27, 1937 at Children's Hospital in Richmond, CA. Don was a lifelong resident and native of Oakland, CA. He attended Manzanita, Brett Harte, and graduated from Oakland High in 1955. Upon graduating from high school, Don enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was eventually assigned to "The Strategic Air Command Headquarters Band." Don always said these were the best 4 years of his life. After leaving the Air Force Don worked for H.C. Capwells for a number of years until he retired in 2001. It was then that Don, through his best friend Jack Smith, rediscovered his love of music. After 30 years he picked up his beloved clarinet and joined the "Pleasanton Community Band." Later he became a member of the "Walnut Creek Concert Band", the "San Ramon Symphonic Band", as well as several other smaller groups. Don was a member of "The United States Air Force Musicians Alumni Assoc." and "The Worldwide International Military Music Society." His signature piece of music was "Memories of You" by Benny Goodman. Don is survived by his adopted family: Pat Smith; Vern and Jackie Brooks; Debbie, Mike, Brett, Cole, Carrie, Carter, and Cooper Bennett; a...

Nicholas Raymond Gigliotti
Dec. 9, 1928 - Dec. 30, 2012
Pleasanton, California

Nicholas Raymond Gigliotti, 84 resident of Pleasanton for 40 years died Dec. 30, 2012. Born Dec. 9, 1928 in Pittsburgh, Pa. to Giuseppe and Catherina Gigliotti, he was the youngest of six children and was preceded in death by all his siblings and parents. Nick graduated from Connelly Vocational HS in Pittsburgh, Pa. He furthered his education at the Triangle School of Drafting. His career began at LK Comstock, both in Pittsburgh and the Bay Area before retiring in 1991 after 31 years. Nick served in Army National Guard during the Korean War. Nick was transferred to California in 1973 which was the “best move he ever made for his family”. There was no more “snow to shovel” and he could golf year round! He devoted his life to his wife, children and family with an ultimate love. Nick was a member of the "dawn patrol" at Castlewood Country Club for nearly 35 years. Nick is survived by his loving wife Diane of 57 years, his devoted children Teresa (Mark) McCloskey of Farmington, N.M., Nick (Cindy) Gigliotti of Pleasanton, Ernie (Karen) Gigliotti of Houston, Texas, Paul (Kim) Gigliotti of Pleasanton. Ten grandchildren: Nicole Tyson of Grand Prairie, Texas, Lorra Williams (Jordan) of...

Howard Clemens Hansen
March 20, 1922 - Dec. 27, 2012
Pleasanton, California

Howard Clemens Hansen, 90, died December 27, 2012 at his home in Pleasanton. His wife of 69 years, Virginia, was at his side when he died. He will be fondly remembered by his children, Nancy (Peter) Mills of Tracy, Tuny (Art) Dunkley of Pleasanton, and Hans (Jill) Hansen, also of Pleasanton. Howard is survived by his sister Ann Marie Mix of Palo Alto, as well as eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. The Hansens were early settlers in Pleasanton. Howard’s father immigrated from Denmark in 1912 and in 1919 invested in two dairies in Pleasanton. Howard would ultimately run one of those dairies (The Hansen & Giger Dairy), located on Hopyard Road. In 1966 when the business was no longer viable, the land, the cattle and the equipment were all sold. Howard spent his retirement years maintaining his beautiful garden and tinkering with his collection of Model T cars. He and Virginia traveled extensively, most notably to Denmark where they kept up ties with the extended Hansen family. He was a fine mechanic and could fix anything. In later years when he was weakened by the effects of Parkinson’s Disease, he still managed to run the house from his recliner. Howard spent his...

Jim Blades
Dec. 23, 1919 - Dec. 25, 2012
Pleasanton, California

Jim Blades, 93, died Dec. 25, 2012, at his Pleasanton home with his wife of 68 years, Margaret, and his family at his side. He will be fondly remembered by his children, John, Annis, Liz and Rick; grandchildren Lisa, Brian, Tony, Olivia, Skye, and great-granddaughter, Daisy Elizabeth. Jim was born in Chicago on Dec. 23, 1919. His parents moved to Brooklyn in 1931 where Jim attended Brooklyn Tech in preparation for MIT. It was in Brooklyn that Jim joined the Police Athletic League, and was the oldest known living member of PAL. Jim joined the Navy during WWII, and after his discharge married Margaret Annette Moore in Montreal on Dec. 19, 1944. Both Jim and Margaret’s families were from the Caribbean. Jim met Margaret on the island of Barbados where her family lived when he was 8 and she was 5. Jim and Margaret initially settled in Brooklyn where son John was born in 1946. They moved to Orinda in 1947, where Jim found employment at the UC Berkeley Radiation Laboratory. By 1954, the family had grown to include Annis, Liz and Rick, so the family moved to a larger home in Danville. The family moved again in 1971 to Pleasanton, this time to find a special home that could also a...

Norma Carolyn Briere
Sept. 20, 1930 - Dec. 24, 2012
Pleasanton, California

Norma Carolyn (Campbell) Briere, 82, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2012 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Norma was born in Wauregan, Conn., on September 20, 1930. She moved with her husband and three children to Long Beach, Calif. in February 1962. She worked for many years in the insurance industry and ended her career working in containerized shipping. She moved to Pleasanton in 1989 and resided here until her death. She was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and was a ValleyCare Auxillary volunteer for many years. She enjoyed Dixieland Jazz and spent many weekends attending jazz festivals with her husband and friends. Norma was preceded in death in by her husband, Cletus Paul (Pete) Briere. She is survived by her daughter Kathryn (Roy) Schamanski of Tacoma, Wash., son Michael (Jamie) Briere of Lakewood, Calif. and daughter Sheri (Mike) Baldwin of Pleasanton; grandchildren, Melissa Schamanski, Emily (Ryan) Trivett, Nathan Briere, Cole Briere, Kevin Baldwin, Nick Baldwin and great-granddaughter Claire Ann Trivett....

Mary Wiitala
July 19, 1930 - Dec. 23, 2012
Pleasanton, CA

Mary Edwina Wilcox Theodore Wiitala died Dec. 23, 2012 at Eden Medical Center, Castro Valley, Calif. She was born in Maysville, Okla. to Joseph Martin Wilcox and Henry Idel Frizzell Wilcox, both of Oklahoma. Mary is survived by her sister Laveta Fagundes, 81, recently of Tracy, Calif. and brother Grady "Jimmy" Wilcox, 80, of Pleasanton; her daughter, Nancy Theodore Heredia of Temple City, Calif.; her son, Richard Theodore of Apple Valley, Calif., 3 granddaughters, 2 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Joe and Idel Wilcox, husbands, Ed Theodore and Robert Wiitala and son Bobby Wiitala. She came to California in 1941 with her family, arriving in Pleasanton in early 1943. Her father owned, trained and raced Thoroughbred horses at Northern California, county fairs and in Phoenix, Ariz. She lived in Pleasanton for 69 years. Visitation will be held at Graham-Hitch Mortuary, Pleasanton, CA on Friday, Jan. 4 from 2-5 p.m. Services will be held at Graham-Hitch Mortuary, Saturday Jan. 5 at 9:30 a.m. Burial will immediately follow at Pleasanton Pioneer Cemetery on Sunol Blvd....

Adrienne Claire Riley
July 22, 1954 - Dec. 17, 2012
Pleasanton, California

Adrienne was born in Willows, California, to Howard and Wilma (Wells) Detling. She passed away on December 17, 2012, at Eden Medical Center, Castro Valley, with her husband, Mike, and their children Kevin, Megan, and Amy at her side. After graduating from Enterprise High School in Redding, California, in 1972, Adrienne attended the University of California at Berkeley, where she met and married Michael Lloyd Riley on September 7, 1974. Adrienne earned a BS degree in Nursing and a BA degree in Human Development from California State University, Hayward. Adrienne began her career as a Registered Nurse in 1981 with Kaiser Hospital Oakland; and since 1995 has been associated with the Maternal Child Department at Valley Care Medical Center in Pleasanton. Adrienne enjoyed reading, sewing, traveling, shopping, San Jose Sharks hockey, Cal football, and playing Bunko. Adrienne's passion in life was her family; especially her love for her three children, and her granddaughter, Madison. Adrienne is survived by her loving husband, Mike; devoted children- son Kevin, his wife Stacey Powell Riley, and their daughter Madison of Brentwood; daughter Megan and husband Patrick Bowen of...

William (Bill) N. Lorentz
Dec. 6, 1928 - Dec. 15, 2012
Boulder City, Nevada

William "Bill" N. Lorentz, of Boulder City, a kind and gentle man, active in his community and church, passed away Dec. 15, 2012. He was born Dec. 26, 1928 and raised on a ranch near Augusta, Montana. Bill went on to a diverse life and career. Bill earned money for college as a concrete worker on Hungry Horse Dam as well as in the Air Force ROTC program. Bill received a Bachelors Degree in Chemical Engineering from Montana State in Bozeman, Montana and went on to work in nuclear engineering designing power plants and nuclear submarines. His professional career also included operating a landfill and recycle program for the City of Santa Cruz as well as a Popcorn Store on the wharf in Santa Cruz. Bill had many hobbies ranging from scuba diving, canoeing, bird watching to wood carving and loved traveling in his RV with Lee. Bill was an active partner in a Christmas Tree Farm in northern California which lead to an amazing variety of family adventures and lifelong friendships. Bill is survived by his wife, Natha Lee; siblings, Henry and Lew; and blended family of 4 children with his first wife Mary Ann and three daughters with his second wife Natha Lee. There are no words t...

Carroll Dale Steele
Feb. 9, 1937 - Dec. 7, 2012
Acampo, California

Carroll Dale Steele was born in Alden, Minnesota, the son of Melvin and Irma (Schmidt) Steele. He grew up in Alden on a farm and graduated from Alden High School. He enlisted in the US Army when he was 18 and served in an active and reserve role from 1955-1961. He lived in Albert Lea, MN and Minneapolis, MN until he was 36 when he moved to California with his family. He got degrees at Foothill College in Los Altos, CA and San Jose State University, San Jose, CA (MBA). Among some of the places he worked are: Streater in Albert Lea, MN; Control Data in Minneapolis, MN, Mosinee Paper Mills in Wausau, WI; Measurex in Cupertino, CA; BTI in Sunnyvale, CA. On Sept. 7, 1991, Carroll was united in marriage to Jo Hesterly at Immanuel Lutheran Church in San Jose. They lived in San Jose until 2000, when they retired and bought a small ranch in Acampo. It is here where Carroll started collecting vintage John Deere tractors and built a barn to house all of them. Carroll loved playing softball, as he was on as many as 3 teams at any one time. His greatest passion was being surrounded by his family. Carroll died Dec. 7, 2012 at Kaiser Foundation Rehabilitation Center in Val...

Richard Behiel
June 6, 1932 - Dec. 5, 2012
Dublin, California

Richard Behiel passed away peacefully December 5, 2012 surrounded by family at ValleyCare in Pleasanton, CA. He was 80. Richard suffered complications due to breaking several ribs after a fall in October while doing yard work at home in Dublin. Richard, the 2nd of 8 children, was born June 6, 1932 in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada. He left the family farm in 1959 and moved to Oakland with his sister Lorraine and her husband Lee Dansereau. Richard and Lee, and several others of the Behiel family, would eventually retire as union carpenters. He was especially proud of his work on the Oakland Coliseum, BART Tube, SJSU Business Tower, and building his first house in the Oakland hills. Richard married Yvonne Lapointe in 1961 and moved to Pleasanton in 1970 to raise their four children. Richard moved to Dublin in 1982 during a divorce. Richard enjoyed Canada-USA family reunions, annual Father’s Day picnics, and spending time with family and the great neighbors of Hillsdale Drive throughout the 1970’s. He spent his retirement working in his home workshop, helping others, having coffee with friends after a workout at the gym, and watching as many of his grandchildren’s sporting...

Jacqueline Woodruff
Nov. 29, 1940 - Nov. 30, 2012
Pleasanton, California

Jacqueline Fougeray Woodruff passed away the day following her 72nd birthday on November 30, 2012 following a long battle with pancreatic cancer. She was in her Pleasanton home, surrounded by loved ones. Born November 29, 1940 in Philadelphia, Pa., Jackie grew up wanting to see the world. As a “service brat” she lived in many parts of the U.S. and North Africa before joining the Air Force as a young woman. She was granted admission to attend medical school at the University of Hawaii when her path took another turn, toward high tech engineering where she excelled at layout engineering at companies such as Texas Instruments and Mostek. Following her service in the Air Force, Jackie remained passionate about serving her community wherever she resided. She was active in CASA (assisting foster kids) in Dallas, Texas, the Washington Park Zoo in Portland, Ore., the Volunteers in Policing in Thousand Oaks, CASA in Alameda county and the Pleasanton Volunteers in Police Service program. Those who knew her will remember her as a beautiful, courageous, artistic and unbelievably well read individual. A staunch supporter of the fine arts, Jackie was also an amateur archeologist, ac...

Stephanie Ann Miller
Jan. 26, 1947 - Nov. 27, 2012
Brentwood, California

Stephanie Ann Miller loved to travel. She climbed Machu Picchu, walked the Great Wall of China and visited European countries from England to Russia. The one-year resident of Brentwood died suddenly Nov. 27, 2012, at the age of 65 when a case of the flu worsened into pneumonia. She and her husband, Robert Van Miller Sr., celebrated their one-year anniversary on Nov. 5. Prior to Brentwood, Miller lived for 10 years in Danville and before that lived in Pleasanton for many years. A native of Oakland, Stephanie was born at Kaiser Hospital in Oakland on Jan. 26, 1947. She grew up in San Lorenzo and was a cheerleader before graduating from San Lorenzo High School. During her years in San Lorenzo, she spent summers with her maternal grandmother on her farm in South Dakota. She went to work for the Oakland Police Department and served in a variety of roles before retiring after 20 years. She then moved onto to a marketing position with the Port of Oakland at the Oakland Airport. After 15 years, she retired from the port. Throughout her careers, she traveled widely. Italy and England were particular favorites. She met Robert through an official matchmaker about 2 ½ years ago. Bob wa...

Robert Daniel Stoik
July 30, 1959 - Nov. 26, 2012
Pleasanton, CA

Robert Daniel Stoik, 53, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family following an 11 year battle with cancer. Bob was born and raised in Bloomer, Wis. and graduated from Bloomer High School. He earned a secondary education degree from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. His careers with Milton Bradley/Hasbro and Nintendo promoted his kid at heart attitude. He coached his daughters’ various sports teams and loved bicycling and running. Bob is survived by his loving wife Catherine; devoted children Courtney, (Cal State Univ.-Chico) and Hannah, (Amador Valley High School). Bob is also survived by his mother, Audrey Stoik (Wis.); mother and father-in-law, Rose and Lee Cowan (Ill.); four sisters, four brothers and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are father, Frank Stoik and nephew, Cale Stoik. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Friends and family are invited to a memorial service on Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 3:30 pm at Valley Community Church on 4455 Del Valle Parkway, Pleasanton, Calif. In lieu of flowers memorials can be sent to the American Cancer Society or Hope Hospice....

Sharry Bautista
Dec. 25, 1942 - Nov. 10, 2012
Pleasanton, California

Sharry Bautista passed away on Nov. 10, 2012. She was born on Dec. 25, 1942 in Valentine, Nebraska to Joy and Orville Greene. Her sister Donna was born 3 years later. Sharry married her former husband in 1961 and had 2 daughters, Kelly and Stacy. She was very active in her community for many years: serving 14 years on the Castro Valley Board of Fire Commissioners, volunteering at Laurel Grove Hospital, serving as Auxiliary president for 2 years and serving 1 year on the Alameda County Grand Jury. In 1987 she met and married the love of her life, Joe Bautista. They moved to Pleasanton in 2000 into a home that Joe built. They loved to travel, especially cruising. They had been on 25 cruises, visited more than 80 countries, 6 continents, and had planned to go Antarctica in February. They belonged to Castlewood Country Club where she played golf. She also had a great passion for gardening and spent many hours nurturing the plants in her yard. One of her favorite times of the year was football season where she would attend Raiders home games and watch the Nebraska Cornhuskers play college football. Sharry loved her family and her step family. She is survived by her loving husband, J...

Brenda Jane Murphy
Oct. 13, 1964 - Oct. 22, 2012
Livermore, California

Brenda Jane Murphy passed away on October 22, 2012 at the young age of 48. Her final days were spent surrounded by her caring parents, loving children and extended family. Brenda was born October 13, 1964 in Livermore, California and was the only child of Adrian Senneff and Tony Gonzales. She grew up in Pleasanton graduating from Amador High School in 1983. Brenda proudly served her Country in the United States Army for several years before beginning her family. Brenda worked as an Administrative Assistant for over 10 years and loved being a stay at home mother when her boys were young. She enjoyed listening to music, reading a good book, watching scary movies with her Mom, shopping with her Aunt Cindy and visiting with family and friends. Brenda had a special bond with animals, especially with dogs and loved dog sitting for her Auntie Norma & Uncle Danny as well as her Dad and step-mom. Brenda is survived by her parents Adrian & Jerry Senneff and Tony & Pam Gonzales; her sons Adam Woodbury, Brycen Murphy and Cory Murphy; her daughter-in-law Katrina Woodbury and granddaughter, Addison Woodbury. She also leaves behind her brothers Antony Gonzales and Ed Gonzales; her niece...

Robert Walter Decker
May 26, 1950 - Oct. 21, 2012
Pleasanton, California

Bob Decker passed away unexpectedly at home in Pleasanton, Calif. of heart failure on October 21, 2012. Born in Pittsburg, Penn., Bob’s family moved to the Bay Area in 1959 and he was a resident of Pleasanton for the last 35 years. He worked in the grocery business for 40 years, the last 25 at Sara Lee. Bob is survived by his wife Janice, son Stephen of Livermore, son Kristopher (Jennifer) of Castro Valley, sister Arlene (Gene) of Reno, Nev., brother-in-law Mark Anderson of Alexandria, Va. and granddaughter Hailey Decker. He is preceded in death by his parents Florian and Herman Decker, mother-in-law Marilyn Anderson, and father-in-law Harry Anderson. He enjoyed many outdoor activities, but his latest passion was duck hunting with his long time friend Alex. A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, November 26th, 5 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton, 4001 Stoneridge Dr., Pleasanton. Donations can be made to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice....

Maurice C. Cook, Jr.
Jan. 12, 1939 - Oct. 11, 2012
Pleasanton, California

Maurice C. Cook Jr., 73, died surrounded by his family on October 11, 2012 in Walnut Creek, CA. Maurice was born January 12, 1939 in Long Beach, CA to Maurice C. Cook, Sr. and Theola Mae Cook. In his younger years, he was an active member of DeMolay and later became a Second Degree Mason. He married Susanne Vivion in 1959. During the winter months he enjoyed taking his family hunting and fishing and in the summers they waterskied and raced speedboats. When he retired from his QA engineer profession, he became a local favorite with school-aged children as one of Pleasanton’s school crossing guards. His 5 foot tall Harbor Seal mascot, “Harbie”, could be seen by pedestrians and passing cars each day. Local newspapers even put his photo in the paper, highlighting him as a local colorful character. In his later years, he stuck closer to home and became content raising farm animals on his acre of property in rural Pleasanton. He often supplied fresh eggs for breakfast events at their neighborhood church, Faith Chapel. Maurice is survived by his wife of 54 years, Susanne V. Cook; daughters and their husbands, Cheryl and Stuart Craig, Carol and John Styles; five grandchildren, Ji...

Marcia Haug
Feb. 18, 1929 - Oct. 7, 2012
Indianola, Washington

Marcia was born February 18, 1929 in Seattle, Washington to Norman E. and Ruth Hunter Churchill. She died peacefully on October 7, 2012 in her Indianola, WA home. Marcia lived a life of purpose and integrity; printed words barely scratch the surface of legacy of compassion and love she leaves to her friends and family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Marcia was a loving wife and mother, a true friend and doting grandmother whose optimistic character shined through in all she said and did. To Marcia’s family, she found happiness in sharing meals together, embarking on weekend trips of adventure with her grandchildren, and random moments of silliness and good laughs. To her friends, both far and near, Marcia was a genuine companion with a listening ear to all. Marcia grew up in Sunnydale and Seattle, WA, attending Highline High School and graduating from Seattle’s Lincoln High School as a member of the class of 1947. The following fall, she entered the University of Washington (U.W.) where she pledged as a member of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. Marcia lived in her sorority house during her enrollment at the U.W. and enjoyed many moments of laughter, fun, and eti...

Carol Linda Ghilardi
Dec. 24, 1948 - Oct. 3, 2012
Pleasanton, California

Born on Christmas Eve, in Burlingame, CA, Carol was a surprise gift to her parents, John and Elizabeth Aguiar, as they had two older children. Though her life was cut short by Alzheimer’s and cancer, she managed to be that gift to her family, friends, and community. Most of her life was lived here in the Bay Area, though she spent her high school years in Costa Mesa, CA, where she graduated valedictorian. Returning to the Bay Area, she got her BA at the University of San Francisco and her MS in Marriage and Family Counseling at Cal-State Hayward. While attending graduate school, she began working for the City of Pleasanton as the secretary for Pleasanton Fire. She loved that job and kept it for 20 years, while at the same time caring for people as a licensed psychotherapist, in practice with her husband, Jim. They met while she was an intern at what is now called Axis Community Health Care. In 1987 they married and opened their office, Arroyo Counseling Services. Holding down two jobs, Carol still found time to volunteer; pioneering St. Augustine’s Aid’s Ministry, and doing prison ministry at the Federal Correction Institute and Santa Rita Jail. She also helped organize “The ...

Arleen Ann Neu
Dec. 25, 1936 - Sept. 23, 2012
Pleasanton, California

Arleen Neu was called gently home to Heaven on Sept. 23, 2012 surrounded by her loving family. Born in Templeton, Iowa, she was a 25 year resident of Pleasanton. She is survived by her loving husband LaVern Neu, five children, 16 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and their families. Services were held....

Eugene Wilfred Gadd
Dec. 15, 1931 - Sept. 22, 2012
Pleasanton, California

Eugene Wilfred Gadd, age 80, went to be with the Lord on September 22, 2012. Eugene was born to Wilfred and Ellen Gadd on December 15, 1931 at Trinity Lutheran Hospital in Kansas City, MO. Gene is survived by his adoring wife Mitzie, his seven children: Mike Gadd (Anne), Cathy Perotti (John), Patty Santin, Rebecca Walker (Jon), Jeff Gadd (Jennifer), Kevin Gadd (E'Lese), Brett Gadd (Ashlee), and his ten grandchildren: Rachael, Emily, Eric, Cameron, Brian, Kelsey, Austin, Jason, Jessica, and Everett. He was the oldest of three boys; he leaves brother Bob behind (Overland Park, KS), and was preceded in death by brother Dick. Gene was also cared for by in-laws Bob and Anne Turner. An accomplished Eagle Scout, Gene served in the Navy during the Korean War from 1951-1955 as a plane director on the USS Philippine Sea (CVA-47). While on the ship, Gene tried out for basketball and baseball, and was selected for both teams. He was also very proud to be chosen for the 1954 San Diego Naval Air Station “Skyraiders” basketball team. After his honorable discharge, he continued playing basketball and baseball for the University of Missouri Kansas City, where he graduated with a business de...

Peter Wong
Sept. 13, 1948 - Sept. 18, 2012
Pleasanton, CA

Peter Wong, 64, of Pleasanton, California, passed away peacefully September 18, 2012, at Stanford University Medical Center. He was surrounded by family and friends. He was born September 13, 1948, in Taishan, China. He immigrated to New York City when he was 18 years old, moving to California in 1980. He has been living in Pleasanton since 1988. He worked as a communication technician for over 40 years with AT & T. He retired in 2009. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Linh Wong of Chalfont, PA; daughter, Christine Wong of San Jose, CA; grandchildren, Emma and Grant Wong of Chalfont, PA. A memorial service, burial and celebration of his life was held September 25, 2012, at Alta Mesa Memorial Park in Palo Alto. He will always be in our hearts and minds forever. He was the kindest and most compassionate soul. A beloved father and best friend, he was the greatest person we know. Dad, till we are able to hold you again, enjoy the fishing up there, we hear it's great! We love him so much!...

Robert Allen Wright
Feb. 5, 1943 - Sept. 15, 2012
Pleasanton, California

Robert Allen Wright, loving husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 15. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, September 22 at The Pleasanton Senior Center at 4:00 pm on 5353 Sunol Blvd. He was born in Temple City, California on February 5, 1943 to Barbara and William Wright. His family moved to Lafayette in 1950 where he graduated from Pleasant Hill High School. He went on to attend Chico State where he met some of his life long friends. He proudly served in the National Guard from for 6 years. Through the guidance of his father in law, Stephen Roark, he learned the trade of Electrician. He had a passion for his work and excelled at everything he did. He retired from the Electrician’s 595 in 2002 and went on to teach in the Apprenticeship program. He married the love of his life, Marilyn, in 1966 and they moved to Pleasanton in 1971 where they established roots within the community that he loved and together raised their children Laura, Stephen and Michael. While in Pleasanton Bob was involved with the City Planning Commission and the Rotary Club. Bob and Marilyn recently celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary. H...

Patricia "Tricia" M. Martin
March 7, 1995 - Sept. 14, 2012
Pleasanton, California

Patricia M. Martin (Tricia), 17, moved on to paradise on Sept. 14, 2012. Born in Walnut Creek, CA, she is survived by Kathleen Martin (mother) and preceded in death by Brian Martin (father). Tricia's short life was filled with trips to the beach and Disneyland, and cruises to the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska and Hawaii. She loved listening to music, creating art, watching scary movies and hanging with friends. Tricia also loved animals including her three cats Sparklie, Herbie and Zephyr and her dog Kimmy (big black kitty). A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, at Graham-Hitch Mortuary, 4167 First Street, Pleasanton, CA. Donations may be made in her memory to SuicidePreventionLifeLine.org or Tri-Valley Animal Rescue (TVAR)....

Doris Eleanor Mitchell
June 29, 1929 - Sept. 9, 2012
Pleasanton, California

Doris Eleanor Mitchell, 83, passed away peacefully Sunday Sept. 9 surrounded by family. She was born June 29, 1929, in Oakland, Calif. She grew up in Oakland and graduated from Oakland High School. After graduation with a degree in Social Work from San Francisco State University, she was employed as a social worker for Alameda County. She met her future husband Phil K. Mitchell through a friend and co-worker, Doreen Mitchell, who is married to Phil's brother. Doris and Phil were married on April 19, 1958. While her husband served in the United States Air Force, the couple moved to various duty locations, including Ohio, Massachusetts, and Washington, D.C. The couple settled down in Pleasanton, where they raised their three children, after her husband’s military retirement. They moved to Red Wing, Minn. in 2010 to be closer to their son Don and his family. Doris enjoyed traveling with her husband and family. Her favorite destinations included Mendocino, Lake Tahoe, and especially Carmel, where she and Phil honeymooned. Doris and Phil were charter members of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Doris treasured her family and will always be remembered for her generous spirit and her ...

Robert "Van" Vannatter
March 8, 1921 - Aug. 27, 2012
Scotts Valley, California

Robert Lee Vannatter, Jr., died peacefully in his sleep at home in Scotts Valley, CA on Monday, August 27, 2012. He was 91. Born in Gauley Bridge, West Virginia on March 8, 1921, Vannatter met his wife, Avis May Whitlock (1935-1975) in San Diego, CA, and they married in 1953. They had three children, who survive him: Michael Vannatter, Susan Vannatter-Prang, and Daniel Vannatter. An engineer by profession, Robert worked in the aerospace field in Burbank and Sunnyvale, CA for more than 35 years. During WWII, Robert saw service in the 82nd Airborne, 507th Paratrooper Division of the US Army. The country of France recently awarded him a Chevalier (Knight) medal of the Legion of Honor for his heroic efforts during the earliest hours of the Normandy invasion on June 6th, 1944. He will be missed....

Lily Ann Joberg
Jan. 17, 1923 - Aug. 23, 2012
Pleasanton, California

Lily Ann Dowall Joberg died on August 23, 2012 at the home of her daughter, June Kowallis of Providence, Utah. She was 89 years old. She was born in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, the only child of William and Pauline Reynolds Dowdall. She spent her childhood in Morrison, Illinois and much of her adulthood in the Bay Area of California. She met Elgin A Joberg and was married on February 14, 1945 in San Francisco. They were blessed with three children, June Joberg Kowallis (Rodney) of Providence, Utah, Jeanne Joberg Brown (Doyle) of Moses Lake, Washington and David Joberg of Walnut Creek, California. She lived in Pleasanton, California for 49 years, where she raised her children and attended the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elgin, a granddaughter, Ann Marie Kowallis and a grandson, Kelsey G Brown. She leaves behind her 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren....

Linda L. Ansell
Jan. 20, 1941 - Aug. 22, 2012
Pleasanton, California

Linda Louise Ansell passed peacefully on August 22, 2012 at her home in Pleasanton, California. Linda (née Massey) was born on January 20, 1941 in Cannelton, West Virginia. She was the 6th of 13 children and the 3rd of four girls. Her father, James Morris Massey, known as Maurice, was orphaned at a young age and worked in the coal mines of Kanawha County, West Virginia from the age of 11. Linda loved living in the countryside and said as a child she never considered herself poor. They had fresh vegetables from a huge garden the family kept and collected wild berries with her sisters. They canned everything and never went hungry. After graduating from Parkersburg High School, Linda worked for the government processing punch cards before she decided to move to California when she was 21 to live with her oldest brother, Jim, his wife Joan, and their young children. She was looking for a new life and found it in Santa Maria, CA. She loved working with numbers and soon found a job working as a teller at the Bank of America in Santa Maria. There she met Kathleen Silva who was soon to be Kathy Jones and her best friend. The two of them were still known for giggling and long ta...

Judy Avellar
March 1, 1945 - Aug. 19, 2012
Dublin, California

Judith Lynn Avellar passed away peacefully, with her children present on Sunday after a valiant battle with cancer. She will be sorely missed by many. Judy was born in New York and relocated to Mountain View, CA in the late 1950's. She moved to Pleasanton in 1977, then settled in Dublin for the last 15 years. Judy has been a business professional for the majority of her life, managing several different organizations throughout her career. Her passions in life were traveling, decorating, cooking and spending time with her family and friends. Judy is survived by her brother Steven Urban of Corona, CA; daughter Tammy Slabaugh and husband Eric; son Craig Hagenbaugh and wife Rachel; granddaughter Taylor Slabaugh, all of Tracy CA. Friends and Family are invited to attend a "Celebration of Life" at Beeb's at Las Positas Golf Course in Livermore, CA on Saturday, August 25th at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations be made to Hope Hospice, 6377 Clark Ave., Dublin, CA 94568....

Arline Mills
June 8, 1922 - Aug. 17, 2012
Tracy (former Pleasanton resident), California

TRACY—Arline Mills, a long-time Pleasanton resident, died here at her daughter’s home on August 17, 2012. She was 90. Mrs. Mills moved to Pleasanton in 1952 with her husband, Frederick “Ed” Mills, and they lived in the same home on East Angela Street for more than 55 years until Ed died in July 2008. The only child of Charles and Alice Clifford, she was born June 8, 1922 in Dunmore, PA. She graduated from Dunmore High. She was the valedictorian of both her 8th grade class and her high school class of 1942. She was active in Girl Scouts and achieved the organization’s highest honor, the Golden Eaglet Award. After moving to California, she was a leader and a trainer for 30 years with the Girl Scouts. While raising her children, she volunteered with the Amador Valley High School Parent-Teacher Association and was named an honorary life member in 1967. She was active with the PTA throughout her girls’ education. She also was honored by Rainbow for her service and led a variety of charitable activities in Pleasanton. After graduating from high school, she attended and graduated from the Palmer School of Business in Scranton. She worked as a secretary in Scranton and, ...

Ronald Duane Haug
Nov. 17, 1926 - Aug. 14, 2012
Indianola, Washington

Ron was born November 17, 1926 in Cando, North Dakota to Christoffer August Haug and Susanna Olson. He passed away August 14, 2012 at a memory care community in Silverdale, WA. The Haug family moved to the Pacific Northwest during the great depression, and Ron graduated from Seattle’s Lincoln High School class of 1943. He played basketball on the varsity team and spent many happy hours playing softball at Lower Woodland Park. In the fall of 1943, Ron entered the University of Washington (U.W.) and played varsity basketball his freshmen year. After completing one year at the U.W., Ron entered the Coast Guard and served as a radioman on troop transport ships between San Francisco, CA and the Asian War Zones from 1944 through 1946. Upon honorable discharge from the service, Ron returned to the U. W. to earn his BS in Zoology. He entered Dental School at the University and in 1953 earned his DDS. He practiced general dentistry for five years and then returned to the U.W. to earn his Orthodontic Degree in 1960. During his studies at the U.W. Dental School, Ron met Marcia Churchill and they were married June 14, 1952 at the Florence Henry Memorial Chapel in Seattle. They ...

Sharon Van Heusen
Jan. 21, 1965 - Aug. 4, 2012
Former resident of Pleasanton, California

Beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend passed away on Saturday, August 4, 2012 in Clovis, CA after a brave fight against melanoma. She is survived by her husband Bill, son William, father Bob Apple and wife Mary, mother Joy Williams and husband Bill, brother Jimmy Apple, Aunt Denice and Uncle Sam D'Andrea and family, Uncle Larry and Aunt Ruth Apple and family, Aunt Barbie Wilson, Aunt Diane Apple, as well as other relatives and friends too numerous to list. She was preceded in death by infant son James Kirk Van Heusen in April 1993. Shari was a devoted mother and wife, a generous, loving spirit who brought light to the lives of so many. She took the lead in an assortment of civic and school activities from supporting our troops in the Middle East to bringing about the eScrip program at Alisal Elementary School. Shari also home schooled her son William up through high school. She enjoyed people, talking, reading, writing, arts & crafts and helping to bring about positive changes to our lives. She was excited about life, motivational and inspirational to those that knew her. Her love, support and care will be long remembered. Shari is very much missed by so many!...

Patricia J. Cortez
Feb. 25, 1928 - July 29, 2012
Fairborn, Ohio

Patricia Baker Cortez CORTEZ, Patricia J. age 84 of Fairborn, Ohio, passed away Sunday, July 29, 2012. Pat was born to the late Galen and Gladys Baker on February 25, 1928 in Casstown, Ohio. She married Robert Cortez on April 1, 1967 in Fairborn, Ohio. Pat worked as a Civil Servant at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio retiring after 26 years of service. She was a strong supporter of the arts and military affairs activities in the Dayton region and lifelong member of the Officers’ Wives Club at Wright Patterson Air Force Base as well as Eglin AFB, Florida, and Hickam AFB, Hawaii. Pat is survived by her husband, Robert Cortez; son, John W. McCance; granddaughters, Lauren and Katie McCance. She was preceded in death by her older brother William G. Baker formerly of Springfield, Ohio; survived in death by her younger sister Judith (William) Pantle of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania; and sister-in-law, Wanda Baker of Tampa, Florida. A private funeral is scheduled for August 3, 2012. The family has requested in lieu of flowers that donations be made in her name to any of the following organizations: Miami Valley Military Affairs Association Foundation, c/o Greene Giving, 25 Greene Street Xen...

Matthew Michael Lyon
April 16, 1970 - July 27, 2012
Walnut Creek, California

Matthew Michael Lyon died unexpectedly Friday evening, July 27, 2012 while hiking to meet Boy Scouts from Troop 820 as they completed a 30-mile backpacking trip on the Pacific Crest Trail. Matt was born in Salt Lake City on April 16, 1970. He was raised in Pleasanton, California and graduated from Amador Valley High School. He served a two year mission in Guatemala for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Following his mission he attended UC Davis where he earned degrees in Economics and International Relations. He married Eleanor L. Valencia on September 15, 1995 in the Oakland LDS Temple. He worked for Accenture for 16 years. He is survived by his wife Eleanor, children Connor, Jordan, Maxwell, and Sierra, parents Michael and Susan Lyon of Pleasanton, brothers Nicholas (Chelsea), Daniel (Holly), and Christian of San Francisco, niece Madison and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. Matt lived a life of selfless service to others and filled many church roles, including his most recent as the Bishop of the Walnut Creek II Ward. Matt enjoyed exploring the California coast, backpacking, gardening, home improvement projects, and spending time with his family ...

Harold Garden
Oct. 30, 1912 - July 22, 2012
Riverbank, California

Harold W. Garden died July 22, 2012 at the age of 99. He was born to Joseph and Sarah Garden in Stoney Creek, Connecticut. He graduated from San Francisco State. He was a longtime teacher at Pleasanton Grammar School, beginning his career there in the early 1940's. Garden taught 7th grade and it was his favorite grade to teach. He was a teacher and principal for 33 years. He retired as principal from the Oakland School District. Garden also was a probation officer for 8 years. Garden loved to teach and help children and adults learn to read. He believed people should read at all times. He had a great sense of humor, and loved life. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Sally and Save Van Houten (Riverbank), grandson Joseph Crume (Germany), granddaughter Mickie Crume and great-granddaughter John Crume (Moscow, Russia). Deegan Funeral Chapel in Escalon handled private services for the immediate family, including burial at St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Escalon, CA....

John William Vincent
June 1, 1928 - July 18, 2012
Pleasanton, California

On July 18, 2012,John Wm. Vincent went to join Jesus in Heaven. He was 84. John was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada June 1, 1928. He grew up in Transcona, Manitoba, Canada. He graduated from the United College in Winnipeg in 1950 with a degree in Psychology/Sociology. Shortly after graduating, John moved to California, worked on the Southern Pacific Railway and then was drafted into the U.S. Army at the beginning of the Korean War. After basic training, he was sent to Germany as a psychiatric/social worker. Upon discharge in 1953, he became an elementary school teacher. John spent his entire teaching career in the Menlo Park School District, teaching many grade levels with specialties in math, history and biology. He also served as one of the three District Principals. Early in his career, he left the district and spent a year teaching in a native school in Cordova, Alaska during the pre-statehood year of 1959. Academically, John completed a B.A. at the United College, an M.A. in Educational Administration at San Jose State and a second M.A. from Santa Clara University in Family Counseling. He was an accomplished pipe organist, having studied under Herb...

Maureen Mulholland O'Hare
Aug. 30, 1952 - July 8, 2012
Pleasanton, California

Maureen Mulholland O'Hare, a 27 year resident of Pleasanton, passed away suddenly of natural causes on July 8th, 2012. Maureen was an empathetic soul who felt for those who were marginalized, poor or suffered from the ravages of war. Her warm smile, great heart and sense of fun were especially evident in her playfulness with children. Maureen was born in Brooklyn, New York on August 30th, 1952. She lived in Brooklyn, Florida, Lompoc and San Jose as the family relocated while her father worked on the missile programs. Maureen graduated from Leland High School in San Jose in 1970. She worked twenty years for Pacific Bell as a Staff Engineer. Maureen retired after the birth of her second child to concentrate on raising her children. She volunteered at Hillendale and Alisal schools where she particularly enjoyed teaching about Art History. She was a member of the inaugural St. Augustine parish neighborhood faith formation groups and loved dancing and museums. Maureen enjoyed traveling and frequently visited Ireland, the birthplace of her parents. Maureen is survived by her children Shannon and Brendan, her husband William, her mother Johannah Mulholland and her brother Rory Mulh...

Kathleen Ann Palmer
Feb. 4, 1951 - June 17, 2012
Pleasanton, California

Kathy Palmer, a 30 year resident of Pleasanton, died suddently on June 17, 2012. She was born in Portland, OR on February 4, 1951. Kathy is survived by her loving husband of 39 years, Jim, daughters Kristy (Elvis) Aviles and Karey (Scott) McAlpine, sisters Patti Harvey and Terry McArdle, and grandchildren Jascylette, Elvis Jr. and Elijah, and nieces Tiffany, Jen, Julie, and Michelle, and nephew Matt. Kathy was an avid sports fan, loving both the SF Giants and 49ers. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her friends and family. A private celebration of life will be held on Friday....

Andrew A. Salem, Jr
July 8, 1930 - June 9, 2012
Arnold, California

Andy (81) passed away on June 9, 2012 at his home in Arnold, CA. A mass will be held on July 14th at 10:00am at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Pleasanton, CA. He is survived by his wife of 60 years Anne; children: Steve (and Sandy) Salem, Vince (and Moya) Salem, Lisa (and Charlie) Giolzetti; grandchildren: Jeff, Michelle, Kyle, Brianni, and Brandon; great-grandchildren: Mckenzie, Ariana, and Mia; sisters Jeanette Aldi, Clara Williams. Preceded in death by sister Annette Horkan. Andy was born July 8, 1930 in New Haven, Connecticut to parents that had immigrated to the United States from Italy. When he was 2 years old, the family moved to Southern California (Hollywood) where he was raised. In 1952, he married and moved to the San Fernando Valley (Sun Valley) where he lived for many years. In 1975, he moved to Pleasanton, CA. He retired in 1992 and continued to live in Pleasanton until 2004 when he moved to Arnold, CA....

Alexander Woodruff
Dec. 6, 1987 - June 7, 2012
San Francisco, California

Alexander Woodruff. Alex died of a heart attack on June 7th in San Francisco at the age of 24. Alex moved to Pleasanton from Thousand Oaks in 2000 with his family, and was a 2006 graduate of Village High School. He was born in 1987. Alex is survived by his parents, his sister Claudine, brother Scot, nieces and nephews, Kate, Wil, Charlie, Chloe, Harrison and Bennett. Donations in his memory will be welcome at mccsf.org....

Dorlene F. Alves
Oct. 17, 1933 - May 31, 2012
Pleasanton, California

Dorlene F. (Garcia) Alves passed away on Thursday, May 31, 2012 after a long battle with dementia. Dorlene, or "Doe" as she affectionately called by family and friends, was born and raised in Pleasanton. She graduated from Amador High in 1951 and married Edmond (Ed) Alves, the love of her life, on June 20, 1954. Dorlene was a homemaker most of her life. Raising, loving and supporting her children throughout their lives were her joys and her vocation. Do what makes you happy she would say. Dorlene was preceded in death be her son, Jeffrey Alves in 2009, her sister, JoAnne Holden in 2008, parents, William and Mrytle (Frager) in 1984. She leaves behind her husband, Edmond, of 58 years of marriage, her daughters, Janell (Richard) Anderson of Mountain View, CA, Jennifer (Steve) Dowden of Keller, TX their four children, Katie, Jackie, Maddie & Samuel, daughter in-law, Blanca Castillo-Alves, her two children, Isabel & Anthony of Simi Valley, CA, her brother Donald (Lillian) Garcia, their three sons, Steve, Mike, and Ronnie, her nephew Warren (Kathy) Holden, their children Chase and Kayleen. A private family grave site service will be held on July 14 at St. Augustine's cemetery i...

Ethel L. McDonald
Jan. 25, 1922 - May 25, 2012
Pleasanton, CA

Ethel McDonald passed away on May 25, 2012, at Valley Memorial Hospital, in Livermore, CA, of natural causes. She was 90 years old. Ethel was born in Calamus, IA, to Mike and Clara Thiel. On July 4, 1943, she married Kenneth H. (Mac) McDonald in Cape Girardeau, MO. In 1948 they left Iowa and moved to Washington State for the next 49 years. In 1997 they relocated to Pleasanton, CA. Ethel worked as a dental assistant for many years, as well as serving as office manager for their family automobile dealership. She was involved in many service organizations and was a former president and life-member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She was also a member of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church. In addition to love of her family, Ethel’s greatest enjoyment came from arts & crafts, specializing in decorative egg art, and writing cards and letters. Ethel was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years and one sister. She is survived by her son, Ken McDonald (Barbara); two grandsons, Ken McDonald (Shari) and Jeff McDonald (Keri); and 5 great-grandchildren: Allison, Kelsey, Davis, Sean, & Cameron; a sister (Lois London) and many nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held at Schu...

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....

Sage Lenhart Pattie
June 5, 1956 - May 11, 2012
Pleasanton, California

Sometimes sorrow comes unexpectedly. In the midst of a valiant fight against cancer, Pleasanton psychotherapist Sage Lenhart Pattie passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 11, 2012 as a result of complications from the treatment in her battle with colon cancer. Sage loved life to its fullest and embraced life with gusto even amidst the most difficult of times. Her joy, ready laugh, and deep empathy will be missed by all who crossed her path. She was a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice in Pleasanton. She was widely known and appreciated for applying her practical therapy techniques along with discerning listening skills to help change lives. People often expressed appreciation for the gentle humor she brought to her work. She had planned to bring to her practice the unique skills developed in recent studies with Cathryn Clerc at Hippocrene Springs – integrating horses as partners in the therapeutic process. Sage was born in Palo Alto and was a graduate of Palo Alto High School. During this time she was active in both Girl Scouts and Sea Scouts. Sage received her B.S. degree in Nutrition from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. After moving to Souther...

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...

Harbans Singh
Oct. 15, 1934 - Dec. 20, 2009
Ludhiana, India

In the loving memory of our beloved father Not a day goes by when we don’t remember you. Thank you for the light of knowledge you have given us. It has not only enlightened our lives but the lives of the ones you have touched by sharing your knowledge with whoever you met on the journey of your life. We all miss you and wish you could be with us to share the joys and happiness of our lives and your grandchildren. We all love you, remember you at every step of our life and salute you for making us what we are today....