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1943
Lyman C. Lundell '43 died on April 19, 2009.
Lorenzo "Larry" Abrusci ’43, a resident of Alameda, chose Nov. 24, 2012, a beautiful and sunny day to pass from this life to the next at 92 years old. Several generations of family and friends called him "Papa." Larry was born in Oakland, Calif. on July 20, 1920 to Frank and Rosa Abrusci. He attended Castlemont High School in Oakland. Larry briefly attended Santa Clara University then went to serve our country in WWII, in the early ’40s. He was a 1st Lieutenant Bombardier flying in B-17's. Larry completed over 65 missions and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war he farmed on Bay Farm Island in Alameda, and then proceeded to become a successful business man in Oakland as an owner of City Tire and A-Tire. Larry is survived by his devoted wife Lily Abrusci, his daughters Penny Stevens and Vicki Silveira, his son-in-laws Alex Stevens and Rich Silveira, his step children Danny Beconcini and Carol Weston, his grandchildren Debbie Gunning and Tracy Silveira, and his great-grandchildren Cooper and Alexandra Gunning. Larry was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy Abrusci, his grandson Mark Stevens, and his sisters Isabel Reicks and Irene Sindicich.
John M. Kennedy Jr. '43 on March 23, 2009. A third generation native San Franciscan, John was born on July 31, 1921. "Jack" attended St. Ignatius Prep, then graduated from Santa Clara University. He joined the army as a First Lieutenant in World War II and served as an artillery pilot with the Seventh Army in the European Theatre. Upon his discharge he joined the family firm of Kennedy-ten Bosch, Printers & Lithographers, and later became president of the company. He was a member of the San Francisco Rotary Club, the San Francisco Advertising Club, and the downtown Olympic Club. He was a former member of the Presidio and California Golf Clubs and a current member of the Meadow Club of Fairfax. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marilyn Dana Kennedy, daughter Dana Kennedy Kimsey (Michael), sons John and Brian (Deborah Bjonerud) and grandchildren John Michael Kimsey, and Taylor, Jill and Alex Kennedy, his brother Richard Kennedy of Greenbrae, and his beloved four-legged companion, Max. He was predeceased by his daughters Kathy and infant Frances. He was a gentleman of honor, integrity, unlimited but gentle humor and blessed with a true Irish Tenor Voice. He is terribly missed by his family and vast array of Friends. "May the road rise to meet you, may the winds be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, the rain fall soft upon your fields, and, until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of His hand."
John Anthony Chiment ’43, Lt. Colonel (retired), passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 21, 2012. John was born in Dunsmuir California on Oct. 7, 1921, the oldest son of Giuseppe and Angelina Chiment. He graduated from Dunsmuir High School in 1939, received a bachelor's degree, maxima cum laude, from Santa Clara University in 1943 and master's degree in nuclear physics from Princeton University in 1949. After a 21-year career in the Army, he obtained a J.D. degree from Western State University in 1974. He worked with Gulf General Atomics and Hughes Network Systems until his retirement in 1991. John was very active with the Rancho Bernardo Lion's Club, serving as the Chairman of the Sight Committee. He worked tirelessly to provide free eye examinations and prescription glasses for children and adults in need. John was also active with the St. Michael's Catholic Church Knights of Columbus. John was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Fides Chiment; six children, nine grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.
George Falkenthal '43 on December 29, 2009.
Eugene Edward Kloppenburg '43, devoted husband and father of six, died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 90 on November 12, 2009, in Sacramento, Calif. Eugene was born in San Francisco to Eugene C. and Ana Belford Kloppenburg on May 11, 1919. He was buried at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California, on November 19, 2009. Gene is survived by his wife Vera; his children Ruth Olivas, Susan Price, Peter, Anne, Jane and Thomas; his son-in-law Ralph Price; his grandchildren Jason, Cynthia, Sarah, and Susie; and his great-grandchildren Sayde, Elsa, Eli and Eden. Gene, a third-generation Californian, graduated from St. Ignatius College Preparatory in San Francisco and attended Santa Clara University where his engineering studies were cut short by his decision to enlist in the Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet. He later went on to serve in the European Theatre of World War II as a communications officer with the rank of 1st Lieutenant. After returning from overseas in 1946 to his young wife of three years, his beloved Vera, and his first-born child, he resumed his job with Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Co. begun one year prior to his enlistment, and remained with the company until his retirement in 1977 as a staff engineer. Of the many jobs Gene held after retirement from Pacific Telephone, his last job at Emigh Hardware gave him the most joy and satisfaction. Gene was a gifted pianist and vocalist, and an accomplished illustrator and draftsman. He had a passion for building and woodworking - creating bookcases, furniture, patios, and landscapes, even building his own stereo system; and a great love for growing things - fruit, vegetables, and flower gardens of exquisite beauty. He also developed and printed his own photographs and enjoyed sailing his Santana 20 on Folsom Lake with his son and daughters. Gene was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. He was courageous, compassionate, and selfless to his last day. His lifelong devotion was always to his family and his home.
Duane Crawford '43 passed away peacefully on July 7, 2010 in his home in Aptos, Calif. The consummate gentlemen, Duane was a loving and dedicated husband, father, and educator. Those who knew him will always remember Duane as soft spoken, warm hearted and caring. Born in 1920 in Palo Alto, Calif., Duane attended SCU on a baseball scholarship. After graduating in 1943, Duane entered the United States Army. A WWII combat veteran Duane served in the XX Corps of Patton's 3rd Army. Upon returning home in 1945, Duane began his professional baseball career, playing for the Ventura Yankees, Salem Senators, Denver Bears, and Portland Beavers of the Pacific Coast League. After retiring from baseball, Duane became a teacher in Palo Alto and Menlo Park, and he earned his M.Ed from the University of San Francisco. Duane met Patricia Hagerty during a vacation to Ensenada, Mexico, and they were married in 1958. Moving to the Pajaro Valley in 1960, Duane was principal at Amesti School and Freedom School. He retired from education at Bradley Elementary School in 1985. Duane was an avid volunteer throughout his life, working with many church groups, Grey Bears, and Senior Network Service. Duane was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Patricia Crawford, and his beloved daughter, Nancy Crawford Kniffin. He is survived by his son, David Crawford, his loving caretaker, Nirmala Crawford, his son-in-law Kurt Kniffin, and his five grandchildren: Betsy Kniffin, Patrick Kniffin, John Kniffin, Aliyah Crawford, and Sean Crawford, all of Aptos.
Anthony "Tony" Pelosi '43 passed away peacefully in his home on September 20, 2011. Pelosi grew up in San Francisco and attended St. James Catholic School where he had “many rulers broken over his knuckles.” He attended Santa Clara University where he played basketball for all four years, and helped his team earn their name, "Magicians of the Maplewood." He graduated with a business degree and then joined the Army. He and his wife Aline were married in St. Joseph of Cupertino church on August 5, 1945. After living in Los Angeles for ten years to help his parents with their restaurant, Pelosi returned to Cupertino to teach math at Bellarmine College Preparatory. He was a teacher there for 40 years, 20 of which he also served as the varsity basketball coach. Pelosi also served on the Cupertino City Council for three years and was Mayor in 1961. Pelosi is survived by Aline, his three sons, including Paul '73 and John '86, three daughters, 16 grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.
Alfred Mason ’43 of Saratoga, Calif., passed away May 9, 2010.
Albert R. Santucci ’43 died January 12, 2012 in Sacramento, Calif., at the age of 90.
Dearly beloved husband of Florence Santucci, wife of 68 years, loving father of Stephen Santucci ‘68 (Lauren) and Russell Santucci ‘70 (Janet), cherished grandfather "Gramps" of Stephen Santucci Jr. (Peggy McNiel), Amy Leonard (Brian), Dominic Santucci (Kristy), Tracy Alldred (Derek), and Sara Santucci, great-grandfather of Matthew, Patrick, Isabella, Sophia, Juliana, Vincent, Ella, Jake and Cody.
Born on December 9, 1921 to Albert and Esther Santucci in San Francisco, he grew up in the Marina district. Al was a graduate of both Saint Ignatius High School in 1939 and Santa Clara University, class of 1943. An All-American Football Player, and member of SCU’s Athletic Hall of Fame, he is best remembered and loved by his Bronco buddies as "Snooch". They remained close friends through the decades and shared over and over again the fun memories of those good old college years centered around football.
Al's name remained synonymous with Santa Clara football and the Little Big Game years. Despite professional draft interest by the Chicago Bears (his real love was for the 49ers), Al had completed ROTC training while at Santa Clara and entered the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant after he and the love of his life, Florence, were married in 1944.
After a brief stay in Paris, Texas, Albert went off to the War, serving his country with honor. Fighting in the Battle of the Bulge in the Field Artillery as Forward Observer. Al was wounded and held captive as a POW in Germany for several months before returning home to his beloved family. He received the Purple Heart for his outstanding bravery and courage in defending his country.
Al worked in the family linen supply business, Peerless Linen, until 1997, serving as chairman of the Board of New San Francisco Laundry.
His love of golf afforded him many wonderful years as a member of the Presidio Golf Club and the Olympic Club where he also served on its Board of Directors. He was a member of the Pacific Club of San Francisco and spent many hours in fundraising with the men's club for Riordan High School and the Marianists where his sons attended school. The Jesuit Community and SCU Bronco Bench were naturally favorites of his.
Active in all of his sons' sports, he later became his grandchildrens' strongest supporter on and off the field throughout their grammar school, high school and college years. "Big Al's" physical strength was only a small indication of his inner strength and gentle heart. His warm smile, sense of humor and above all, unconditional love and care of his family will forever be remembered and cherished.
1944
Ulysses Stephen O'Connor '44 died Oct. 25, 2009. He was known as Steve or the ""Big O," and he enjoyed his life to the fullest. He was someone you would not forget once you met him. He loved playing cards and spending time with his grandchildren. Steve was preceeded in death by his wife Illa Ruth O'Connor and his oldest daughter Christine Bredy. Steve was a Lieutenant during World War II. He was a Seabee with an award for being a Navy Expert. Upon his return he went back to school at the University of Santa Clara and played collegiate basketball. Later he became a successful Civil Engineer in Stockton. In 1972 he moved to Santa Cruz and sold real estate until he retired. We will all miss him especially his Sunday night steak BBQ's. He is survived by his sister Joan DeMoro, his three daughters, Barbara Hanson, Stephanie Woodward, and Diane Humphrey, His grandchildren, Mike Bredy, Deborah Bredy, Jeff Bredy, Mathew Humphrey, Perry Humphrey, Rachel Humphrey, Wells Woodward, Annikka Berridge, and great grandchildren Lucas and Vaughn Bredy. A private service was held on October 28, 2009 at the San Juaquin Catholic Cemetery in Stockton.
Thomas J. Doyle '44 on March 13, 2009.
Fr. Robert Henry Passalacqua ’47, Nov. 6, 2012. He was 90 years old at the time of his death, having served as a priest of the Diocese of San Jose for nearly 30 years.
Robert Henry Passalacqua, the son of Henry and Blessilla Passalacqua, was born in Milan, Italy, on January 17, 1922, while his father, Henry, was on a singing tour of Europe. After attending schools in Healdsburg, Calif., he entered Santa Clara University in 1940. His education was interrupted by service in the U.S. Army from 1943 - 1946. After the war, Lt. Passalacqua returned to Santa Clara and earned a Bachelor’s degree from Santa Clara University and was the recipient of the Nobili Award (years later, in 1985, the Ignatian Award for community service). Following graduation, he attended Stanford University and earned his teaching and administrative credentials and a master’s degree.
Richard Paul Rossi '44 died Oct. 30, 2009. A resident of Burlingame, he was born in San Francisco on Nov. 6, 1922. Loving and devoted husband of 62 years to Virginia, father to Paul, Anne Shelley (Terry), Carlo (Missy), John, and Lynne Horiuchi (Gordon). Survived by ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by daughter Sarah Ellen, grand-daughter Kristen Lynne, sister Elena Long, and daughter-in-law Alice Rossi. He is also survived by brother Robert (Evelyn) and numerous nieces and nephews. A 1944 graduate of Santa Clara University School of Engineering and a devoted parishioner of Our Lady of Angels Parish for sixty years. Mr. Rossi was the grandson of Pietro Carlo Rossi (Amelie), wine-maker and first president of Italian Swiss Colony Wines. Son of Robert and Nellie Rossi, he graduated from St. Ignatius High School (Class of 1939) and retired from Binks Mfg. after a career that spanned 49 years as Branch Manager. The patriarch of four generations, Mr. Rossi was proudest of his family and friends; he loved traveling, spending time at his summer home at Asti in Sonoma County and also enjoyed his semi-annual vacations to Hawaii.
Hon. Michael L. McInnis ’44 died on September 21, 2010. It is with great sadness that the family of Michael L. McInnis, Solano County Superior Court Judge, retired, announces his passing. Mike died in accordance with his wishes: quietly, comfortably, and quickly, with his family by his side. He was 87 years old. Born in Fairfield, he was the only son of the late Leo and Elsie McInnis. He graduated from Armijo High School, the Santa Clara University, and the University of San Francisco School of Law. His college was interrupted by World War II, when he served in the United States Army as a First Lieutenant in the Field Artillery. Upon passing the bar, he put up his shingle and was a sole practitioner in Fairfield for 25 years. In 1979 he was appointed to the bench of Solano County Superior Court, Dept Four. His chambers were in what was once his high school. He liked to say he didn't travel far, but he covered a lot of ground. Mike's greatest love was his family, particularly his grandchildren. He loved to play golf and travel. He was so happy to travel to Scotland with his wife and dear friends and play the course at St. Andrews. He was a fifty year plus member of the Olympic Club, San Francisco, as well as Green Valley Country Club. He was an accomplished drummer with the Armijo High School and Santa Clara bands, and enjoyed playing in the annual Kiwanis shows. His love of travel took him all over the world. Through his many pictures, we see the beautiful countries and people he met along the way. Mike will be lovingly remembered by all his extended family and friends for his outgoing manner, his ability to extract detailed information about themselves, and a genuine interest in them. Mike was a member of the California Judges Association, American Bar Association, Solano County Bar Association, Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce (President 1970), Kiwanis Club of Fairfield (President/Lt. Governor), Santa Clara University Association, to name a few. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Loretta; daughters Mary Scully (Mike) of Napa; Elizabeth Ann Lewczyk ’86 (Tom) of Petaluma; and Loretta's children Doug Richardson (partner Cindy) of Sacramento, Jeffrey Richardson (Dawn) of Vacaville; and Marianne Richardson of Fairfield. His cherished grandchildren are Meghan and Matt Scully, Kathleen, Laura and Will Lewczyk, and Joshua, Jason, and Audrey Richardson.
Louis Frank Boitano, Nov. 22, 2008. A native of San Jose, he left Santa Clara to fight in the Pacific Theatre during World War II, serving as a personal bodyguard to General Douglas MacArthur. He was present in Tokyo Harbor on Sept. 2 1945, when Japan surrendered to American forces. He returned to finish his undergraduate studies at SCU in 1947, earning a degree in business. During his time on campus, he received the Nobili Award, the University's top academic distinction. Shortly after graduating, Lou embarked on a lifetime mission of teaching and building a business, pursuing both with passion until his final days. In 1947 he received his public accounting license and the opportunity to student-teach at his alma mater, SCU. He later became a professor and his teaching career would last 25 years at Santa Clara. In 1952 he obtained his CPA license and five years later entered into partnership with Fran Sargent. This business relationship would develop into today's Boitano Sargent & Lilly. He was a member of The Knights of Malta, Serra Club of Santa Clara, The Knights of Columbus, Catholic Charities, and was on SCU's Board of Fellows. He received the Ignatian Award from the University for his commitment to helping others. He is survived by four children: Frank '68, Mark '71, Steven '77, and Julie Robson '83; and four step-children: Kathy Bridgman, Nancy Podesta, Sharon (Terry) DiCarlo, and Joan (Dan) Crowley; 23 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
John C. McPhee '44 was born Oct. 9, 1921 and passed away in Moraga, Calif., on Thursday July 23, 2009. He was a 44-year Moraga resident. John was a US Marine veteran of WWII. Survivors include his wife of 63 years Rosemary McPhee; daughters Rose Mary Lobato and Kathleen Gaston; son John J. McPhee; as well as eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
James W. Dolan '44 on August 13, 2009. James was a retired rancher and resident of Bozeman, Montana. He is survived by hiw wife of 64 years, Jean, five children, including Ruthann '77, 10 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
James E. Delehanty ’44, 90 years young, passed away peacefully on Feb. 21, 2012, one day before his hero George Washington's birthday. He was surrounded by his much beloved wife of 63 years and his loving family. Jim was born in San Francisco to Alice Armstrong and James E. Delehanty Sr. in 1921. He attended Grant Grammar School and was a proud member of Boy Scout Troop # 14. After graduation from Lowell High School at age 16, he worked for Wells Fargo Bank for two years before heading south to Santa Clara University. During his second year at Santa Clara, he joined the Navy and was sent to the Philippines as a lieutenant in the Sea Bees. At the war's end, he completed his civil engineering degree at University of Texas in Austin. It was here that, by a stroke of Irish luck, he met Norma Stratton, former Sweetheart of the University and the life-long sweetheart of his universe. They were married in San Francisco and then moved to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba where Jim worked as a civilian engineer at the naval base. It was here that their first child, James Burke, was born. Following their time in Cuba, Jim and Norma moved to Texas, where their children Paula and Brian '76 were born. They then moved back to California, settling in San Mateo. In the sweet California sunshine, the family grew by four more: Kevin, Molly, Megan MBA '90 and Dan. Though he was trained as a civil engineer and ran his own roof decking business in Texas, Jim began new careers in California, working as a manufacturer's representative and a property developer. He maintained a true family business, where his sons Brian and Burke, as well as his daughter-in-law Mary Lee '77, continue to work. Besides his love of wife and family, Jim was sustained by his voracious appetite for the written word, particularly his interest in Irish history and the novelist, Vladimir Nabokov. He had a keen interest in jazz music, especially savoring the works of Coleman Hawkins and Benny Goodman. Into his eighties his passion for the game of tennis kept him fit, competitive and immensely satisfied. He also enjoyed a weekly game of dominoes with his buddies and loved warm sweaters, sunshine and French-fried potatoes. Norma and Jim charted many miles traveling throughout the world. Jim was a member and one-time president of both the Burlingame Chamber of Commerce and the Burlingame Rotary Club. He served on the Mill's Hospital board for 17 years and during this time was instrumental in the merging of Mills and Peninsula Hospitals. He was also a member of the Peninsula Tennis Club, the Burlingame Country Club, the Pacific Union Club, the Hillsborough Racquet Club and the Green Valley Country Club. Jim believed that nothing surpassed the importance of family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, father in law, and friend whose witty, kind and honorable presence will never be forgotten by those who knew him. He is survived by his wife Norma, his sister, Helen Bofinger and her daughter, Peggy, seven children, four daughters-in-law, two sons-in-law, seventeen grandchildren and four great grandchildren. We will always remember the twinkle in his eye, the way he made us laugh and the dignity, honesty and devotion that were the hallmarks of his well-lived life. The family deeply appreciates all the comforting words, thoughts, prayers, meals, flowers and other kindnesses that have been sent. They give great comfort and ease the pain from losing Jim. We would like to express a special thanks to Kalolaine Wight, Silvia Flores and Colin Delehanty '09 whose care for Jim in the last several weeks brought us all amazing comfort and peace.
Francis Buzz Meagher, Dec. 19, 2008. The former baseball player was enshrined in the SCU Athletic Hall of Fame.
Edmund Peter Coony '44 passed away on March 28, 2009 at the age of 86. He was born in Alhambra, Calif. on August 8, 1922 to Charles S. Coony and Agnes Coony. Ed served his country in the United States Army during both World War II as 1st Lieutenant Field Artillery Unit Commander in the 244th Field Artillery Battalion Germany and the Korean War. During his service he earned seven distinguished service medals. He graduated from Loyola High School and Santa Clara University and he was a member of the Fighting Forties. In 1948 he met and married the love of his life, Mary Catherine Dougherty Coony. Ed worked for Union Oil Company of California for over 38 years during which he helped open the Alaska Pipeline. Ed actively pursued his lifelong interest in sailing and he loved jazz music. His dedication to family brought him great joy and his lifelong connections to his large circle of friends augmented his rich and fulfilling life. Throughout Ed and Kay's 51-year marriage they were active members of S.S. Felicitas & Perpetua Catholic Church, San Marino, and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, Newport Beach. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Catherine Coony; his brothers, Fr. Charles Coony, S.J., Fabian Coony, Paul Coony and his sisters, Harriet Coony, Janet Coony and Mary Freymuth. He is survived by his children Peter Coony of San Pedro, California and Bridget Baldwin of Newport Beach and his grandchildren, Catherine Baldwin and Brian Baldwin.
1945
Rob Minister '45 on July 6, 2009. Republican Central Committee; founder and president of the Nevada Haygrower's Association; and an officer in the Nevada Cattlemen's Association. After retiring from ranching in 1976, Rob became very active in Lyon County and northern Nevada civic affairs. He was appointed by two different Nevada Governors to the State Board of Equalization and served 1981 - 89. He was the founder and head of the Mason Valley Economic Development Council, which he led from 1976 - 1986. The council promoted new industry and good paying jobs in rural Nevada. He was intimately involved with the Lyon County Republican Central Committee for over 60 years. He is survived by his son, David and his wife, Regina of Lafayette, Calif.; two granddaughters, Shelby and Paige Minister; his brother, Bolton F. of Yerington, and by many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Ione of more than 50 years in 1997. Family and Friends may sign the online guest book at www.FRFH.net
John Joseph "Jack" Hurley Jr. ’45, born April 3, 1924, in Oakland, Calif., passed away Aug. 10, 2012 in Stockton. Mr. Hurley graduated from Saint Mary's College High School in Berkeley, California in 1941. He attended Santa Clara University from 1941 until 1943 at which time he enrolled in the Marines. Initial military training was done through the V12 Program at College of the Pacific from 1943 until 1944. While at Pacific he played football for A.A. Stagg earning All-Coast Honors in 1944. Upon graduation from
Pacific Mr. Hurley was sent to boot camp at Parris Island South Carolina then to the Marine Corps Air Station at New River North Carolina. The remainder of his training was at Quantico Virginia and Camp Pendleton in San Diego. During World War Two he spent one year on the island of Guam. Following the war he attended the University of San Francisco School of Law from which he graduated in 1949. In 1950 he married Barbara Mary Boden in San Francisco and joined the Stockton law firm of Honey and Mayall. In 1954 he was made a full partner of the firm.
Mr. Hurley is survived by Barbara his wife of 62 years, five children, Karen Escabar (Stephan, Scott and Suzanne), Babs Silva (Dave) (David, Matthew, Kevin, Allison, Mark and Brian), John Hurley ’77 (Ryan and Lauren), Brian Hurley ’79 (Mary Ursula) (Caroline) and Leslie Bailey (Craig).
He was a member of the Stockton Golf and Country Club, on the board of the Delta Blood Bank, and past president of the San Joaquin County Bar Association.
