ClassNotes

Herbert E. Clark ’50 passed away on August 31 after a stubborn and valiant battle with cancer. He was born prematurely on August 23, 1925 to Harold and Ursula Clark while they were vacationing in Los Angeles. Clark grew up in Phoenix and graduated early from St. Mary's HS to be drafted for WWII. He served proudly with the Navy's 7th Pacific Fleet and was stationed in the Philippines. After being honorably discharged in 1946, Clark earned a bachelor's degree in business from Santa Clara University. In 1958, Clark married Mary Rita Reid. He purchased Old Pueblo Office Supply from his mom and moved it to Tucson, where it was known as Clark Office Products. He was proud to be a small business owner and served as president of the Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Better Business Bureau. Clark was active in the Tucson Rotary Club, and was a charter member of Elks Lodge 2532. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, member of VFW and the D-M Military Affairs Committee. Clark exemplified honor, honesty, and love of country and its service members. He was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. He was an avid fisherman and aircraft enthusiast, and he taught his children by example. He is preceded in death by Mary Rita, his wife of 46 years, his parents, and sister Carol. Clark is survived by sisters Anne Mullan and Margie Fleming of Phoenix and Marian Hebets of Menifee, CA, daughters Maureen, Jeanine (Harold), Anne Marie (Jeff), son Reid (Holly), and 7 grandchildren who miss him terribly. Clark had many truly fantastic friends too numerous to name, and we are humbly grateful to them for their kindness and support. 

Harold Anthony Toso '50  passed away at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, Calif. on March 10, 2010 at age 81.  Harold was born in Stockton. He lived in Moraga, Calif.  He graduated from St. Agnes Grammar School, St. Mary's High School, and the University of Santa Clara. He and his twin brother Harvey (known in sports circles as the "Toso Twins") were outstanding at baseball and basketball at St. Mary's, and both earned all league (CIBA) baseball honors for two years while playing (on full baseball scholarships) for the Santa Clara University. Harold was inducted into the St. Mary's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006.  Survivors include his wife, Carol;  his daughters, Marisa Brown (Fritz) of Portage, MI, Anna-Christina Newby (Kevin) of Moraga, CA; his brother, Gilbert Toso (Carole) of Modesto; his grandchildren, Tate and Chance Newby; twins Spencer and Caroline Brown; his nieces, Erica Toso-Middaugh (Scott) and Gina Toso-Poggi (Jon); his nephews, Anthony Toso (Danette), and Michael Toso. Harold was preceded in death by his father, Guido E. Toso; his mother, Vitorina Toso; his twin brother, Harvey J. Toso.

Galen R. Norquist ’50 died at the Idaho Elk's Rehabilitation Hospital in Boise, Idaho on Friday, June 11, 2010 at the age of 84. Galen was born June 2, 1926 in Boise, Idaho, the son of Roy H. and Golda P. (Sullivan) Norquist. He attended Park Grade School and North Junior High School in Boise, and was graduated from Boise High School in 1944. He attended and was graduated from Santa Clara University in 1950. Galen served two years in the US Army Air Corps as an Athletic Instructor during WWII, in Florida and at Headquarters 20th Air Force on the island of Guam in the Pacific Ocean. In 1946 he was recruited by the New York Yankees Baseball Club and was offered a professional baseball contract or a four year athletic scholarship at a selected university of his choice. He was a four-year varsity letterman on the Santa Clara University Baseball team in the California Intercollegiate Baseball Association. He played two years of summer baseball during college for the nationally recognized Bellingham, Wash., semi-pro baseball team, in the Northwest League. Following graduation he signed a professional baseball contract with the San Francisco Seals of the Pacific Coast league and played one season of professional baseball. He married Jean Cora Travenshek in Bellingham, Wash., on June 25, 1949. In 1951 he joined his father at Western Steel Mfg. Co., Boise, Idaho. The company fabricated and supplied the structural steel components for many major industrial, commercial and institutional construction projects throughout Idaho, the Pacific Northwest, Northern Nevada and Northern California. He served as President and General Manager until semi-retirement in 1993. Galen was a member and served as president and director of the Pacific Northwest Steel Fabricators Assn., member of the American Institute of Steel Construction, an Associate member of the Idaho Associated General Contractors, a former member of the Boise Junior Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Boise Chamber of Commerce. He served 19 years on the Idaho State Selective Service Appeals Board. Galen also belonged to the Boise Rotary Club, The Boise Lions Club, Masonic Lodge #60, Scottish Rite Bodies, El Korah Shrine and the American Legion. He coached Boise American Legion Baseball, Boise Little League Baseball and was the playing director and coached Boise Boys Baseball. He was on the Board of Directors of the Idaho Golf Angels and coached Hillcrest Grade School Basketball. He was a member and served on the Board of the Boise State Bronco Athletic Association and was a Boise State Football and Pavilion lifetime member. Galen also belonged to the Hillcrest Country Club, the Arid Club and the First United Methodist Church, Cathedral of the Rockies. He enjoyed all sports, both as a participant and as a spectator, and especially enjoyed watching his two granddaughters, Carlee and Summer, participate in their numerous athletic activities. After retirement he and his wife Jean spent winters in Scottsdale, Ariz., and their summers in McCall, Idaho. He is survived by Jean, his wife of 61 years; daughter Kelli and husband, Derek Brummett, of Sacramento, Calif.; son Stephen and wife, Diane, and cherished granddaughters, Carlee and Summer, all of Boise. 

Frank Volpe M.D. '50, F.A.A.P., F.A.C.P.E., 80, passed away peacefully July 15, 2010 in Las Vegas. A resident of Henderson, Volpe was a native of San Jose, Calif. He attended Bellarmine College Prep, Santa Clara University and the Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University in Chicago. After a professional medical career spanning almost 40 years, (1954 - 1992), Volpe's retirement activities included volunteer work with children and families in crisis. Preceded in death by his first wife, Aileen McGinty Volpe, he is survived by his second wife, Polly Horton; sister, Yvonne Volpe Bernard of Minden; and by his six children, Marcia Cali (Ron), Karen Volpe (Fred Holcomb), Cynthia Ashworth (Allen), Mark Volpe (Nancy), Michael Volpe (Jennifer), and Mary Volpe (Rena Popma); as well as Polly Horton's two children, Debbie Thurston (Bill), and Mark Horton. He was the proud grandfather of 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and one great great-grandchild. 

Frank R. Britton Jr. ’50 died Saturday September 18, 2010. Born March 4, 1929, in Point Loma, California, he was a long-time resident of Imperial Valley. After graduating from University of Santa Clara, he served in the Korean War as a lieutenant in the artillery. Frank owned Britton & Company and served the importing and exporting community for more than 30 years. He later became a private investigator. Frank was a member of the Elks Club and the Calexico Rotary Club for more than 40 years. He is survived by his long-time companion, Arlyn Duval of Imperial; former wife, Elizabeth Britton of El Centro; daughters, Madeline Contreras and husband, Matt of El Centro, and Anne Gradek and husband, Bruce of Cloverdale; son, Frank R. Britton III and wife, Janice of La Mesa, California; grandchildren, Roberto and Elise Contreras and Cole and Alitha Gradek.

Frank Druding '50 on January 29, 2010. Father, mentor and engineer; he graduated from Santa Clara University in 1950 and later served on the Board of Regents. He was a visionary in the early years of software development for the Aerospace industry with far reaching accomplishments. He will be missed by his wife of 59 years, six children and 11 grandchildren. A service was  held Feb. 4 at St. Claire Mission Chapel at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery with a reception following at the Adobe Lodge. The family would request in lieu of flowers donations be made to Disabled American Veterans (www.dav.org) or The Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund (www.freedomalliance.org).

Franco W. Giudici '50 passed away on June 20, 2010 of leukemia at age 81.

Eugene John Fisher '50, resident of Los Gatos and beloved husband, father, and Santa Clara University professor, passed away peacefully at his home on July 17, 2010. He was 85 years old. He was born and raised in San Francisco. He served in the U.S. Army during WW II in England and France. He graduated from Santa Clara University in 1950 in Mechanical Engineering and later got a M.S. degree from Stanford. He married his wife Rita in 1952. He is survived by his wife and children, Kathleen and (Bruce) Patrick, Lois Anne, Margaret and (Mark) Stanish, Tim and (Lois Jean) Fisher and Dan Fisher, five grandchildren, and two great grandchildren; and his sister, Olivia.  H began his career as a design engineer at Dalmo Victor and continued at FMC.In 1954 he was invited to teach in the Mechanical Engineering Dept at Santa Clara University. This was the beginning of a 37-year career in which he dedicated himself to developing students into engineers and young adults into responsible professionals. In 1991 he received the University's Brutocao Award in recognition of his overall teaching excellence in the Jesuit tradition. He was a dedicated volunteer helping wherever needed at St. Mary's Church, Habitat for Humanity, Billy Jones Railroad, and any friend with a project. He will be remembered for his good humor, perpetual smile, and trademark bow tie. He will be dearly missed. Read more about Prof. Fisher on the SCU School of Engineering website.

Edward Joseph Farrell '50, J.D. '55 died on January 18, 2011. He was born in Sacramento, Calif. on May 7, 1929 to Bess and Leo Farrell, M.D. Edward Farrell, a fourth generation Californian, who was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Mary Ann. He is survived by his children Leo Farrell ’81, Suzanne Farrell ’82, Michael and Tim Farrell; and grandsons Evan and Dylan Fagundes. Edward is survived by his sisters Mary Kehew and her husband, Roger; and Frances Vitulli and her husband, Frank; sister-in-law Kathy Anapolsky and her husband Larry. He was preceded in death by his sister, Harriet Farrell. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Edward was a graduate of Christian Brothers High School (1946) and Santa Clara University (1950). He received his law degree from Santa Clara University in 1955. He served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War in 1952. He married Mary Ann Morris in 1958 who preceded him in death in 2009. At the time of his retirement in 2001, Edward was the senior partner of the Farrell, Fraulob and Brown law firm in Sacramento. His many and varied interests included a lifelong love of books and a reputation as a voracious reader on a wide array of subjects. His impressive breadth of knowledge along with his capacity as a truly gifted storyteller helped him educate, entertain and inform friends and family memorably for decades. He retained these abilities, as well as his renowned sense of humor, right up until his passing. His devotion to physical fitness found him biking on Sacramento's bike trails well into his 70's and strolling his Land Park neighborhood well after his 80th birthday. An intense interest in travel took him from Finland to France, Malaysia to Morocco, but summer vacations with family at the beach in Rio Del Mar were always his favorite.

Dr. James Buckley '50 was "the last of the Mohicans," as one former patient described him, a renowned family physician on the Peninsula cast from a classic mold. He often would treat three generations of the same family and made house calls in a 1960 VW Beetle with a spotlight for finding addresses after most doctors had stopped the practice, former patients said.  Dr. Buckley died peacefully at his Redwood City home on April 8. He was 82. Known for his quirky sense of humor, Dr. Buckley was also widely recognized for his uncanny ability to diagnose tough cases. "He must have got 50 calls a day from other doctors asking him to diagnose stuff," said Tim Alfred, a patient and friend of Dr. Buckley's for more than 30 years. "He was unbelievably good."  Dr. Buckley was born June 21, 1927. He graduated from Bellarmine College Preparatory and served as a navigator in the U.S. Navy in 1945 before graduating in 1950 from Santa Clara University, where he played football on the team that won the 1950 Orange Bowl.  He graduated in 1953 from Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University in Chicago, and married Winnie Brisbois the same year.  The couple raised 12 children in their Redwood City home.  Dr. Buckley established his practice in Belmont in 1959, joined the staff of Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City, and treated patients for 50 years. He was an adjunct professor for Stanford Medical School.  "I'm still here because he kept me going," said Gerald Colombi, 86, a patient for 35 years.

Doanld M. Perlenda '50 died in Santa Rosa on March 15, 2011. A native of Santa Clara, he had his college years interrupted by his US Army service in the European theatre during WWII. After graduating from SCU, he worked in agriculture, first with the State of California and then with Moyer Chemical Company, both in San Jose, and after 1958 in Watsonville, retiring in 1992. During his retirement, Don traveled extensively and was a longtime member of the St Joseph's Catholic Community. He is survived by his daughters, Pam '73 and Debbie, and his step-children Tim Reding '74, Terry Reding, and Carol Reding Sisney '82.

Donald Emmanuel Kane '50 lived joyfully and died unexpectedly on July 24, 2011 from a ruptured aortic aneurysm. Don was born and raised in San Francisco. He graduated from Galileo High School where he excelled in both academics and athletics, earning him a basketball scholarship to the University of Santa Clara. He graduated from Santa Clara with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Don was later inducted into the Galileo Sports Hall of Fame. He was noted for his unbroken school record in the high hurdles and for never losing a race in four years of high school. He remained a long time member of the school's athletic support group, the Bronco Bench. Between high school and college, Don served one year in the United States Navy at the end of World War II. He had a long and successful career in the corrugated box industry, managing plants for Owens Illinois and National Container Corporation. In 1966, with three partners, he founded MARK Container Corporation where he served as President and CEO until retiring in 2000. Don was preceded in death by his first wife Doreen (Yates) Kane, son, Steve Kane and son, Rick Kane. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years Joan (Nystrom Grover) Kane, daughter, Cheryl Kane, daughter, Candice (Kane) Railsback (and her sons Randy and Dylan), son, Mike Grover (wife Kara and sons Wesley and Aaron), son, Bob Grover (wife Laurie and son Brian), daughter Carrie (Grover) Fross (and her daughter Natalie and her children Liliana, Jesse and Isabella), son Chuck Grover (wife Shannon, daughter Katelyn, son Kevin). For over 57 years, Don was very active in Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Castro Valley. This included coaching CYO basketball and heading the Saint Vincent De Paul Society chapter. Don was a great husband, great father, great friend and a pretty good golfer. He was extremely gregarious and generous. He loved to talk with people and to help whenever he could. He maintained friendships for a lifetime including his friends from high school and college. He and his frequent phone calls will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Dennis H. Rosaia ’50, born 05/26/1924 and died 05/20/2012 peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family just a few days before his 88th birthday. Beloved husband of 62 years to Lillian, loving father of Dennis (Chris), Lynne, Wayne (Cathy) and David (Kim) Rosaia. Proud Nonno of Gina (James) Collins, Dan (Deana) Rosaia, Lauren and Lindsey Rosaia, Derek Rosaia, Vanessa and Rebecca Powers and Kevin and Gary Patzelt. Adoring great grandfather of Grace Collins. Dear brother of the late Roy and Thelma Rosaia. Survived by many relatives here and in Italy. Dennis was born in South San Francisco to Italian immigrants Dante and Ernesta Rosaia and graduated from SSF High School in 1943. He entered the Merchant Marine Service, traveled around the world as a cadet and graduated as a 2nd Assistant Engineer from the Merchant Marine Academy in Great Neck, Long Island, New York. Following his service, he attended Santa Clara University, graduating with a degree in industrial engineering in 1950. In 1949 Dennis married his home town sweetheart, Lillian Sani and from their modest beginnings in a Quonset hut near campus, they began a rich family and business life together. Dennis established D&M Liquors in 1954 on Grand Avenue and grew a thriving business first with his partner Mario Pieretti, later as a sole proprieter, and finally as proud partner with his 3 sons in D&M Liquor and Deli on Spruce Ave. He believed that the family that worked together, stayed together. Extremely civic minded, Dennis was a highly respected and active community leader, serving as President of the SSF Downtown Merchants Association, President of YMI Council #32, Past President and Director of SSF Rotary Club, 16 year Board member of SSF Conference Center, SSF Parking Commission, member of Italian Catholic Federation, SIRS Branch #91, Italian-American Citizens Club, and SSF Elks. Dennis was a man of great Catholic faith and an active parishioner of All Souls Parish, serving as the head of the Rebuilding Committee following the 1964 church fire, chairing parish festivals, numerous fundraisers and still recently serving on the Finance Committee for the "Fixing God's House" campaign. He thrived being around people and was at every community event possible, working the room and charming everyone with his warm personality. He never missed the annual Santa Clara Engineering Class of 1950 reunions. Throughout it all, Lillian was at his side- behind the counter at D&M, raising the children, working at All Souls events, hosting exchange students, traveling the world and caring for him for nearly 63 years. She fulfilled his final wish by being the last face that he saw in this life. Dennis was a loving and encouraging father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Christmas Eve at Nonno's was an event he planned to the smallest detail-song sheets, trivia contests, games, great food-it was his "command performance" every year. Dennis endured health problems over the years but rarely let illness slow him down. His determination and enthusiasm for life helped him fight back time after time. During his final illness, Dennis was in charge until the end, planning his funeral, enjoying all the delicious foods he had been restricted from eating, holding court with the family, and tenderly saying his loving goodbyes to his family and close friends. 

Armand E. Ferrante '50 died Dec. 20, 2009.

Anthony C. Bregante ’50, a true gentleman with great love and integrity, was born in San Diego on July 1, 1928. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Jan. 13, 2011, after a long courageous battle with Mesothelioma cancer. Growing up in Little Italy, the son of Anthony and Ester Bregante, Anthony started working at a young age as a delivery boy for his family seafood business, Sunset Seafood Company Cocktails. After graduating from St. Augustine's High School, he earned his bachelor's degree from Santa Clara University. Shortly thereafter, he started a career with Great American Federal Bank that lasted over 30 years. Anthony found and married his soul mate, Kathleen Fleming, on June 29, 1969. Together they built their dream home and raised four beautiful children, instilling values (FAITH and FAMILY) for which they are forever grateful. Although Anthony's passions included fishing in the Eastern Sierra and cooking, it was meaningless if these moments and memories were not shared with his FAMILY. Anthony was loved by all who knew him. His never-ending love and passion for his FAITH and FAMILY will never be forgotten. Preceded in death by his parents Anthony and Ester Bregante, Anthony is survived by his wife Kathleen and their four children, Christina, Julianne, Anthony and Paul, and eight grandchildren, and brother Richard, his wife and their two kids.

Allen Miller Elmore '50 on August 13, 2008.

Alfred Moses Leonetti '50 passed away in the comfort of his home and surrounded by family on June 3, 2011, after a short illness. He was a long time resident of Morgan Hill and San Martin and known for his over 50 years of community involvement. He graduated from San Martin Elementary School, and Live Oak High School. He served in the United States Army from 1944 to 1946, and earned a BS in political science from Santa Clara University in 1950. Al was first elected to public office in Morgan Hill community as a city council member in 1956. He served as mayor of Morgan Hill from 1958 to 1960 and was a member of the planning commission from 1966 to 1969 and in 1974 completed his second 4 year term as a city councilman. Al was a member of the Santa Clara County Transportation and expressway committee which was responsible for establishing a master expressway system for the entire county. Al was also a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Morgan Hill Merchants Association, Morgan Hill Swim Club Parents, Morgan Hill Choraleers and American Field Service Student Exchange Program. He was an active member of The MH Rotary Club for 56 years and was a founder and board member of the South Valley National Bank. He was the first president of the first Parish Council at St. Catherine's and was involved in building the existing church and school. He was also a charter member of The Knights of Columbus, the Italian Catholic Federation, and an active member of the Full Blooded Italian (FBI) organization. In addition to his civic participation, he was a successful businessman in Morgan Hill, owning a variety stores, Lucky Liquors and The El Toro Shop. He was the son of Alfred Leonetti and Emily Ungaro (both deceased) and the loving husband of Bonnie Leonetti (deceased). He is survived by his sisters Vera Lico and Lorraine (Ray) Caruso, daughters Leslie Leonetti (John McCoy) '73, Lisa Leonetti (Allen Gillespie), Laurie Leonetti (Dean Olmstead) and grandchildren: Laurel Leonetti, Andy Leonetti, Elena Guevara, Victor Gillespie (Brianna), Maycen Gillespie and Olin Olmstead.

Longtime resident of Morgan Hill and San Martin Alfred Moses Leonetti '50 passed away in the comfort of his home and surrounded by family on June 3rd, 2011, after a short illness. He was a well-loved and long time resident of Morgan Hill and San Martin and was known for his over 50 years of community service. He graduated from San Martin Elementary School and Live Oak High School. He served in the United States Army from 1944 to 1946 and earned a BS in political science from Santa Clara University in 1950. Al was named "Man of the Year" in Morgan Hill in 2006, but started his life in the public by being first elected as a Morgan Hill City Council member in 1956. He served as Mayor of Morgan Hill from 1958 to 1960 and was a member of the planning commission from 1966 to 1969. In 1974, he completed his second 4 year term as a City Councilman. Al was a member of the Santa Clara County Transportation and Expressway committee which was responsible for establishing a master expressway system for the entire county. Al was also a member of the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce, Morgan Hill Merchants Association, Morgan Hill Swim Club Parents, Morgan Hill Choraleers and American Field Service Student Exchange Program. He was an active member of The MH Rotary Club for 56 years and was a founder and board member of South Valley National Bank. He was the first president of the first Parish Council at St. Catherine's Church and was involved in building the existing church and school. He was also a charter member of The Knights of Columbus, the Italian Catholic Federation, and an active member of the Full Blooded Italian (FBI) organization. In addition to his civic participation, he was a successful businessman in Morgan Hill; most well known for owning Lucky Liquors and The El Toro Shop. He was the son of Alfred Leonetti and Emily Ungaro (both deceased) and the loving husband of Bonnie Leonetti (deceased). He is survived by his sisters Vera (George, deceased)Lico, and Lorraine(Ray) Caruso, and will be missed forever by his daughters Leslie Leonetti, SCU 1973(Jock McCoy, SCU 1970), Lisa Leonetti (Allen Gillespie), Laurie Leonetti (Dean Olmstead) and grandchildren: Laurel Leonetti, Andy Leonetti, Elena Guevara, Victor Gillespie (Brianna), Maycen Gillespie and Olin Olmstead. Funeral service was held on Friday, June 10, 2011, at 10:00 A.M., at St Catherine Church in Morgan Hill. Private inurnment. Heartfelt thanks to his dedicated caregivers: Oscar, Cyntia, Ely and Edwin and Hospice of the Valley for their tender care during Al's final days. Donations to Hospice of the Valley are appreciated.

Albert B. Draper '50 passed away on May 5, 1999. 

William James Robert Lemke ’51 passed away on August 6, 2012. He was born on December 8, 1927 and is survived by sister, Emilie L. Williams, and numerous nephews, nieces and their children and grandchildren. Mr. Lemke attended Saint Louis; graduated from Punahou in 1945; Santa Clara University in 1951 and attended University of San Francisco Law School. He was a veteran of World War II. He married Elizabeth Stephens, a Punahou classmate, and a San Francisco College for Women graduate who later got her teacher's certificate and taught in the San Francisco Bay Area. She was descended from a Kama'aina Family, Napopohoehou, Baker and Booth. She passed away in California in January, 1983. Mr. Lemke worked for various CPA firms in Hawaii and California. In California, while attending Law School, he worked for A. Stanley Dollar Subsidiary (Globe Wireless Company). He later worked for McKesson & Robbins for 15 years and 15 years at Haas Brothers (liquor distributors) in the San Francisco Bay Area. He retired in 1984 and returned to Hawaii, the land of his heritage. On his Father's side, has German Grandparents who settled here in the 1880s. Grandfather was a tailor and father was a buyer for Hackfeld and later Amfac for a period of over 53 years. On his mother's paternal side, he was descended from Napopuhoehou whose daughter married Pervier and settled in Maui in the 1800-1810 period. On his Mother's maternal side, he was descended from Nahiolea, Kahokua,Kahalewai and Robinson ancestors. Mr. Lemke was a member of the German Benevolent Society of Honolulu, Punahou Alumni Association, Santa Clara Alumni Association and the Knights of Pythias.

Walter Alexander Whitnack '51 passed away on September 4, 2011. He gave his encouragement, kindness and laughter to his family and friends, including his time and talents to the community. Walter Whitnack was a "Man Of Value." Bravely and with dignity, Walt succumbed to his final resting place after a lengthy battle with complications from heart disease. Walt received a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Santa Clara University, after which, he served in the U.S. Army. He joined the California Department of Transportation, serving as a design engineer for 39 years. His passions were traveling, golf, gambling, computers, telling jokes, and his beloved Labrador Retrievers. His legacy lives through his wife, Natalie, brother, Edwin, beloved children: Jeff, Chris, David, Kim, Michelle, Brett Allen; six step children, ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Mary Whitnack, five sisters and former wife, Ann Riggs.

Thomas M. Byrd ’51 passed away on August 22, 2011. Born on October 11, 1926, Byrd graduated from Santa Clara University with a bachelor of science commerce. He is survived by wife, Irene and children, Thomas, Stephen, Nancy, and Laura.

Silvio Giusti '51 passed away on August 19, 2011. He was raised in Santa Rosa, Calif., the son of Frank & Masilia Giusti. Following graduation from Santa Rosa High School, he joined the Army and fought in the battle of Okinawa during WWII, the deadliest battle of the Pacific war. His division, the Deadeyes, received the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism. Giusti graduated from Santa Rosa Junior College and Santa Clara University. He was an Electrical Engineer at Bechtel Corporation for 40 years and Chief Electrical Engineer in the SF Power Division. Although Giusti spent most of his time in the SF office, he also worked in the Middle East and in many states throughout the US. Giusti always enjoyed playing ball with his sons and coaching Little League. He enjoyed his 60+ year friendship with the members of the Santa Rosa TBO golf group and always looked forward to lunch with the ""Big Eat"" group in SF. He was a Senior Member of IEEE-PES and could always be counted on to be an usher at the 8 am mass at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. Always a Giants fan, he attended games and enjoyed listening to Giants and 49er games while working in his yard. He took pride in his many and varied fruit trees. Giusti leaves his wife, Bea, sons, Gary (Sherrill), Steve (Celeste) and Mike (Chelsea) and grandchildren, Nicholas, Nathan, Matthew, Alison and Kaelyn, his brother Aldo and sister-in-law Lorraine and many loving nieces and nephews. His brother Dominic preceded him in death.

Robert M. Falasco ’48, J.D. ’51, retired Merced County Superior Court Judge and Los Banos native, has died. He was 89 years old.

One of five children born to Dominic and Theresa Falasco, he was elected to the Justice Court in 1958, where he served until 1977. In 1977, he was appointed to Merced County's Municipal Court, and served until his appointment to the Superior Court in 1982. He retired in 1985.