ClassNotes

Robert C. Schwalbe ’74, M.A. '79, a resident of Santa Clara, was born in 1952 and died in January 2013. Robert was first introduced to Yosemite by his parents Marge and Bill Schwalbe, and his love of the park continued throughout his childhood with the adventures he shared with his siblings Ronald, Joan ’65, and Richard. Beyond his love of nature, Robert was a generous and compassionate human being. He loved life and enjoyed serving the community by volunteering at St. Justin's during the holidays and Yosemite in the fall. His positive, infectious spirit will be missed greatly by his adored wife, Linda, and beloved children Matthew, Jenna, and Roxanne. 

George Konrad Godlewski MBA ’74 was a long-time resident of Saratoga and died August 18, 2012, after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was 80 years old. Born Feb. 22, 1932, in Bayonne, New Jersey, George spent 35 years as an aerospace engineer for Lockheed Missiles and Space in Sunnyvale, where he was known for his problem-solving abilities and technical know how. A graduate of Villanova University, who also earned an MBA from Santa Clara University, George came to California in the 1950s while serving in the Army. He was stationed at Fort Cronkhite near San Francisco. After eating Christmas dinner outside in his shirt sleeves, he decided to settle in the Golden State. An avid cyclist, George spent several years as the president of the Santa Clara Valley Bicycle Association. He campaigned for safer streets for bicyclists and encouraged businesses to accommodate their employees who chose to bicycle to work. George is remembered as a chivalrous, old-world gentleman with a love of classical music and all things scientific and historical. He was preceded in death by his wife Katherine Norman Godlewski, his parents, and a brother, Carl Godlewski. In 1989, four years after the death of his first wife, George married Carol Levitt of San Jose, Calif. He often said that he considered himself very lucky to have found love twice in one lifetime. Carol was a devoted wife and great source of comfort to George. In addition to Carol, George is survived by a sister, Bernadette Godlewski, daughters Liz Godlewski Irons, Ann Godlewski, and Katie Godlewski Keene, sons-in-law Randy Irons, and Aaron Keene, grandsons David and Matthew Irons and Trent Keene, granddaughter Sophie Keene, stepson Richard Brooker, stepdaughter LouAnn Dykuizen, her husband, Joe Dykuizen, and step grandchildren Josh and Matt Dykhuizen. The family appreciates the wonderful care George received at Vintage Silver Creek and the hospice team from Vitas.

Elizabeth Ledyard Pitzer ’74, resident of Aptos, 59, passed away at her home in Aptos, Calif., on May 30, 2012, after a long illness. Born in San Jose on Nov. 29, 1952, she lived her entire life in her home state. She is survived by her mother Maryjane Ledyard, her daughter, Emily (Joseph) Figliomeni, two grandsons, Zachary and Gabriel, four siblings, Anne, James, Jane and Margaret, two nieces, Lisa and Kate, and nephew Brian. She is preceded in death by her father, Benjamin. Betsy graduated from Santa Clara University, where she studied art history. This led her to a lifelong interest in the visual arts and spending some years as a dealer and interior designer. She was also a connoisseur of great food and an expert cook, a skill that her immediate and extended family greatly appreciated. She is much loved and missed by her family.