ClassNotes

James Frank Schmiederer ’61, MBA '63, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away with his family by his side on Tuesday, May 14, 2013.

He graduated from Santa Clara University in 1961. He worked as a stock broker then moved to Fresno in 1976 to farm with his brother-in-law, Bill Coit '64, MBA '66. Together they ran a successful farming business. Those who knew James will remember his kind and quiet demeanor. He was well respected for being true to his word. His generosity touched many.

He truly loved his family and made it his priority to keep the family together. He leaves behind his wife, Dayle; his children and their spouses, Jeffrey, Kendra, Krista '90, Sharolyn, Francois and Anthony; his grand- children, Antoine, Taylor, Stephane, Blake, Kilina, Chanel, Hannah and Christina; and his brother, Bob MBA '65.

Charles "Chuck" J. Larson Sr. ’61, 82, of Oro Valley, AZ, formerly of Sunnyvale, CA and Grass Valley, CA went to heaven on April 9, 2013 surrounded by family. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on February 22, 1931. He was preceded in death by his parents, Meta Anderson and William Larson Sr. and brother, William Larson Jr. A Coast Guard Veteran, Charles graduated in 1961 from Santa Clara University with a BS in Electrical Engineering. He was married to Elizabeth (Betty) Essner Larson in 1951, and over their 61 years of marriage, he worked at Varian, Lawrence Livermore Lab, Plasma Kinetics and EBT in the Bay Area. He retired to Grass Valley, CA and Oro Valley, AZ in 2004. Although he was a husband, dad, uncle, brother, coach, friend, his favorite title was ""Poppy,"" the name given to him by his 11 grandchildren. He is survived by his children, Cathy Cattaneo (Andy), Charles Larson Jr. (Patrice), William Larson (Patti) and Teri Pierce (Lawrence); adored and missed by his grandchildren, Elizabeth Cattaneo, Meg and Steven Larson, Ashley (Ulm), Victoria, Chelsea and Tyler Larson, Lauren, CJ, Zack and Billy Pierce.

Joseph David Cusick MBA ’63 Oct. 18, 1929-Mar. 27, 2013. A resident of Los Gatos, he passed away at home in Los Gatos, of melanoma. He is survived by his loving and supportive wife of 61 years, Kathryn Vermilya Moore Cusick, their eight children Stephen, Anne, Eileen, Michael (Joyce) Joseph (Nanette), Mary, James (Michelle), and John (Eiko), 14 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Joe was born in Chicago on October 18, 1929, to Joseph M. and Rose Gerrity Cusick. He came to California to attend Stanford University, where he was a member of Delta Upsilon fraternity, Sigma Delta Chi professional journalism organization, Navy ROTC, and the football and wrestling teams. After receiving his degree in 1951, he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Princeton off Korea. He was trained as a pilot in Pensacola, FL and was assigned to fighter squadrons at Moffett NAS. While on night maneuvers in July 1954, his jet experienced a flameout; he guided the aircraft away from residential areas and made a crash landing in a cherry orchard in Sunnyvale. He continued to fly jets and antisubmarine aircraft at Alameda NAS as a reserve officer. Joe had a long career in military aerospace, first at Lockheed Missiles and Space Company for ten years and then as a civilian manager at the Air Force Satellite Test Center, both in Sunnyvale. He was Chief of Operations at the time he retired in 1991. He received an MBA at Santa Clara University in 1963, was a Sloan Fellow at the Stanford Business School in 1972-73, and received an MS from San Jose State University in 1976. Joe met his wife Kathy at Stanford, and after graduation both were active volunteers for the university. He was a fundraiser for over 50 years and served as chair/co-chair for numerous alumni conferences and class reunions. He served as chairman of the Associates of the Stanford University Libraries and was a board member of Stanford Associates. He received the Gold Spike Award in 1973 for distinguished volunteer service and the Stanford Associates Award in 1995. He was also a member of the Block S Society, Buck-Cardinal Club, Alumni Association, and Founding Grant Society. Joe loved to travel, beginning with his teenage road trips throughout the western United States and Mexico. After retirement, he and Kathy traveled throughout Europe and to other destinations such as Japan, China, Australia, and South Africa, frequently as part of biennial reunions with his Stanford Sloan Program classmates and spouses. He was also active in the Saratoga Men's Club, Los Gatos Rotary, and the Los Gatos Museum Association. 

Gerald "Jerry" A. Ritthaler ’63, MBA ’70: December 5th, 1941 - February 22nd, 2013. Jerry, to his three sons, family, and countless friends, lived life with boundless enthusiasm. He was known to start conversations with a family member, close friend, or perfect stranger (soon to be a friend) by telling them about the best food he's ever had in this life, the greatest game or play he's ever seen, the nicest person he's ever met, or something very simple to the rest of us that simply amazed him. Pops would end the story with the declaration, How cool is that? It sounded like a question, but it was more of a statement about his zest for life and optimism. His enthusiasm was contagious and brought a smile or a laugh to everyone who came into his life, each and every day. Born on December 5, 1941 to Jaconda and Philip Ritthaler in Sacramento, CA, Jerry was destined to make friends and make a strong 1st impression from the day he was born. He grew up in the Sacramento area and attended college at Santa Clara University where he earned a Bachelor's and Master's Degree. After college, he had a successful business career in sales at General Foods, Sunshine Biscuits, and Kroger. Jerry's Bay area roots were an early indicator of one of his great loves in life  sports. From the time he could yell and listen to a game on the radio, he developed a great passion for sports, and this passion never wavered for a second. He cheered early and often for the Raiders and Athletics because of his strong California ties, and he never stopped cheering for his beloved Oakland teams, but he added many teams in Georgia to his shirt and hat collection when he moved to Georgia in 1979. Once his three boys Mike, Mark, and Matt attended and graduated from the University of Georgia, he was destined to be a life-long Dawgs fan. Pops also had enough spirit in his heart to add the Falcons to his list of football teams he pulled for. Sundays in the fall were never dull with Jerry around, and he always had the game on and a rooting interest in the outcome no matter who was playing. One of Jerry's other great sports loves was baseball. He started out an Oakland A's fan while in the Bay Area, but after moving to Georgia, he quickly adopted the Atlanta Braves as his favorite team. Pops was always ready to head to the ballpark and watch his beloved Braves with anyone who would go with him. No matter how many times they broke his heart in October, he was ready again the following spring, enthusiastic and full of optimism. When he was not in Atlanta, he was always looking for a good deal on some tickets so he could catch the local team and enjoy a few cold ones at the ball park. Pops also brought this love for baseball to his family. He coached his sons in little league baseball in Scotts Valley, CA, teaching them the fundamentals and never missing a game, but more than anything he taught them a love for baseball, sports, and competition. Pops kept the family baseball tradition and love of sports alive with his grandchildren, attending Matthew's baseball and hockey games, Katie's softball and gymnastics, Daniel's baseball and basketball, and Evan's baseball games. He was a fan of his sports teams and an even bigger fan of his boys and grandchildren. Later in his life, Jerry had the good fortune to meet Marilou, who became his wife in 2011. They enjoyed a loving and devoted marriage for 2 + all too short years, but they filled that time up with passion, laughter, and a great appreciation for the opportunity to find true love late in life. Jerry and Marilou shared their devotation to their Catholic Faith and attended church and bible study regularly together. The marriage of Jerry and Marilou also allowed two families to meet each other and become one as Mike and Daniel, Mark and Mary Beth along with Katie and Matthew, and Matt and Kim were able to meet Michelle and Scott Whitehead and their children Erin and Evan to create a new and loving family. Jerry's gift of bringing people together will never be forgotten. Pops was a father figure to many of his sons' close friends in the Dunwoody, GA area. Now and forever, all of those who were fortunate enough to meet Pops will remember him for his stories. He never bragged about himself, but he never stopped telling proud stories about his sister Phyllis and her husband Scott, the good people he met through his charitable work, the love he had for the choir at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Historic Sweet Auburn, and whomever he was going to meet tomorrow. Jerry had an opinion on everything and it was almost always a positive, kind, and hopeful one. Pops will be greatly missed but never forgotten. If the question is, How cool was that man? The answer is The Coolest of them All.ö We will hear his joyful voice in our heads for the rest of our lives. When Pops passes thru the gates of heaven, a crowd will welcome him. Some will have known him well, others simply heard he was coming, and then he will get back to work checking on his earth bound family and friends. Jerry is survived by his wife, Marilou Ritthaler, of Alpharetta; sons, Mike Ritthaler, of San Rafael, CA, Mark (wife, Mary Beth) Ritthaler, of Atlanta, Matt (wife, Kim) Ritthaler, of San Francisco, CA, step-daughter, Michelle (husband, Scott) Whitehead, of Cumming; grandchildren, Katie Ritthaler, Matthew Ritthaler, Daniel Ritthaler, Erin Whitehead, and Evan Whitehead; sister, Phyllis (husband, Scott) Keilholtz, Sacramento, CA and Nephew Erik Keilholtz (wife, Melanie and daughter, Amalia) of Vallejo, CA. 

Bruce John Boldrin M.S. ’66 passed away quietly at his home on March 26, 2013, after a long crusade against bone cancer and Leukemia. It was not unanticipated, but arrived sooner than we had hoped. He was grateful for these last few precious weeks together surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was a very bright light in this world, and will be missed by the countless people he helped and inspired. Born in Glendale, California on August 28th, 1938 to John Albert Boldrin and Dorothy Helen Boldrin. Bruce grew up in Texas and in Van Nuys, California. He graduated from Van Nuys High School (1956). He went on to complete a B.S. in Electrical Engineering at San Jose State and an M.S.E.E. from Santa Clara University. He worked for Lockheed Missiles and Space, Raymond Corporation, Eaton-Kenway, and Daifuku America roles included Engineer, Project Manager, Sales Engineer, and Corporate Accounts Manager. Bruce was preceded in Death by his parents and youngest son Brendan. He is Survived by his loving wife of 48 years Virginia L. Boldrin, brothers Glen (Elfy) and Peter (Jackie), sister Bonnie (Richard), two sons Ryan (Tanya) and Ethan, nine grandchildren: Randy, Kaysha, Megan, Samantha, Diana, Curtis, Isaac, Sara, Kaden, and one great-granddaughter Chloe.

Robert Lee Metcalf MBA ’68, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, educator passed away peacefully on February 7, 2013. Robert was born December 29, 1926 in Denver, Colorado to Donald Metcalf and Alice Martin Reich. Robert, known as Bob by friends and co-workers, served in the Maritime Service and the U.S. Army. He worked sixteen years in business and industry which included assisting in the development of laser technology, development of the prototype video tape recorder and machine manufacturing. Robert received his Bachelor Degree from San Francisco State, his Masters from Santa Clara University and his Doctor of Education from Oregon State. Robert taught Business at Blue Mountain College, Pendleton OR, he was Dean of Vocational Education at Ft Steilacoom Pierce College, and Dean of Vocational Education and professsor of Business at Clark College in Vancouver, WA. Robert was a member of the Wally Byam Caravan Club(Airstream) of Olympia and spent ten years as an active fulltime RV-er traveling the United States, Canada and Mexico, then cruising to points around the world. Bob was a member of the Olympia and Tacoma New Horizons Bands. Bob is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty and his children Martin (Lori) Metcalf of West Valley, UT, William (Becky) Metcalf of Jacksonville, FL, Kelley (John) Rogers of Park City, UT and Maggie Westover of Vancouver, WA, and his grandchildren Jessie, Hallie, Jason, Scott, Jake, Alex and Kylie and three great grandchildren Preston, Scarlett and Snow, his brother Dr Richard Reich of Carson City NV and his sister Jo Ann (Jim) Cornelius of San Diego. 

Paul F. Ward MBA ’68 ws born December 7, 1942. A resident of San Jose, Paul F. Ward lived an active and vibrant life for 70 years when he passed on Friday, Feb. 22 after battling Lou Gehrig's Disease/ALS. His enthusiastic and warm nature left an imprint on all who knew him.  Paul was born in San Francisco and lived in the Mission District where he spent an adventurous youth. When 14, he moved to Burlingame to attend Mills HS. This is where he fell for his wife of 49 years, Lynn Musso. He attended San Jose State and Santa Clara University where he received his MBA. He went on to a successful career in high tech, which included Eimac, Memorex and Verbatim where he patented the double-sided floppy disc. He was a passionate outdoorsman who loved skiing, fishing and backpacking. He hiked the TYT, JMT and much of the PCT in addition to summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro at age 68. He was a fierce competitor on the golf course, a backyard vintner and a dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather.  Paul is survived by his wife, Lynn, daughter Kerri Antes '89, son Bryan MBA '04 and grandsons Drew, Will, Bennett and son-in-law Todd Antes '88, MBA '92. He is also survived by his sisters, Laurie Krassilnikoff of San Mateo and Diane Gartner of Pleasant Hill. His go-for-it, can-do attitude and caring spirit will be sorely missed but never forgotten. 

Kenneth "Ken" Carlin ’68 was born Sept. 15, 1944, in San Francisco to George and Maebelle (Gard) Carlin. He passed away on March 21, 2013, of complications of amyloidosis. Ken lived in the Puget Sound region for more than 40 years, residing on South Whidbey since 2003. He purchased a homestead cabin in the Woodland Hall community in Clinton in the mid-1980s that he completely refurbished and made his home.

Kenneth was married for 40 years and is preceded in death by his first wife Ellen Mary(Marz) Carlin, and preceded also by his sister Dorann Bellotti. He is survived by his second wife Nancy Hepp his daughters Mari(Jeremiah) Apana of Shoreline and Elise(Korbett) Miller of Snohomish, brother Ronald, sister Georgia and seven grandchildren. 

A man of varied interests and strengths, Kenneth studied for the priesthood with the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) from 1962-66. After leaving the Jesuits he worked briefly in social work. Ken then studied carpentry and worked as a General Contractor for 25 years, including running his own award winning business in Seattle construction and remodeling high end homes throughout the region. Ken obtained masters degrees in Pastoral Ministry and Theological Studies from Seattle University, where he also completed a course in spiritual direction from the Institute for Theological Studies. Ken was a registered movement therapy practitioner with the Institute for Transformational Movement as well. In mid life, Ken returned to school at the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon, becoming a naturopathic physician. he practiced medicine in Langley, Clinton and Waldron Island, always looking for the most natural approach. 

Ken's hobbies and pastimes included community service, family history research, bicycling, hiking, travelling, gardening, music, and reading, especially philosophy psychology and spirituality. Ken loved a good meal time with his family, and he was a frequent volunteer with organizations that work to improve health and community. His love of learning, his call to service and his investigations of spiritual meaning and practice were strong throughout his life.

Dr. Claudia Borello Alexander M.A ’68, 78, of Vienna, Va., passed away  Feb. 20, 2013. She was born to the late Marco and Irene Borello, October 4, 1934, in San Jose, California. Claudia graduated with a B.A. from San Jose State University; an M.A. from Santa Clara University; and a Ph.D. from Kansas State University. She was an Associate Professor Emeritus of English at Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana, where she taught for 17 years. She also taught at Leigh High School in San Jose, California and Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. While at Southeastern Louisiana University she was active in the Arts directing and acting in plays for the SLU Theater Department and the Columbia Theater Players. For the English Department she directed an annual Renaissance Banquet which was always memorable. Claudia was passionate about both Literature and Teaching. She loved introducing students to all kinds of literature and history. She defended classic literature with tireless energy. Interested in Women's Studies she received grants to present papers and give classes on the subject. She researched and edited The Quotable Woman by Elaine Partnow. Claudia's family was most important to her, she devoted her life to them. She is survived by her brother, Leonard F. Borello, of Saratoga, California; three children, Eric Alexander of Atlanta, Georgia; Ariel O'Heeron, of Orlando, Florida and Adrienne Lutz of Vienna, Virginia. She also is survived by seven grandchildren, a great-grandchild, five nieces, six nephews as well as several grand nieces and grand nephews.