Santa Clara Magazine

Sydney Byron Darington ’86, of Fremont, Calif., passed away July 21, 2011.

Philip Chike  Nchekwube '83, MBA '86 on March 8, 2010. A native of Aguleri in Anambra State, Nigeria, Chike was born in Lagos to Georgina Nchekwube and the late Matthias Nchekwube. He returned to Aguleri at the onset of the Nigerian civil war and completed his secondary school studies at All Hallows Seminary in Onitsha. Chike then moved to the United States in 1979 and subsequently obtained his undergraduate degree in accounting and an MBA from Santa Clara University in California where he graduated with distinction as the class valedictorian. He also held a law degree from the University of California at Berkeley and worked at various times as an accountant at Xerox, an attorney at the global law firm of Jones Day in Washington DC, a business owner of three GNC stores in northern California, a deputy prosecutor in Lake County, Indiana and a professor of Business Law and Accounting at St. Francis University in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Left to mourn Chike are his wife, Miranda Nchekwube sons, Ikenna and Nnamdi Nchekwube; mother; brothers, Emeka and Chiedu Nchekwube; sisters, Angelina Ivenso, Uju Nchekwube, Victoria Nchekwube; in-laws, along with countless other friends and family members who were blessed to have known him. Chike had a good wit and enjoyed long conversations with friends and kin, championing the aspirations of the Aguleri people in the diaspora, and being with his family. He touched the lives of many people with his smile and generosity, and maintained his trademark sense of wit and stubborn integrity all the way to the end.

Peter C. Hellwig ’86 on Feb. 2, 2008.

Michelle Kenealey Corbett '86 passed away peacefully, with her loving family by her side, on January 26, 2010, in Oakland, at the age of 45. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert A. Kenealey in 2004, and her mother Eileen Kenealey in 2007. She is survived by her adoring husband, Kevin, adoring daughters Katie and Megan, loving sisters Maureen Matteri, Danielle Kenealey and Joelle Kenealey, loving aunts Irma Burnett and Mary Mahoney and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws. Michelle attended Epiphany elementary school and St. Rose Academy High School in San Francisco. She graduated from Santa Clara University in 1986 and married her true love, Kevin, in 1990. She was a long time parishioner of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Oakland, where her children attended school. She was very active in numerous parish events and activities,most especially those involving the school and the WINGS organization. She co-chaired the school auction twice. Michelle was known for providing sound advice and good counsel to many, especially to her fellow school moms with whom she worked and played and developed many deep friendships. Her favorite things to do were spending time with her large group of family and friends, cooking, traveling, socializing and hosting parties and events. She will remain forever an important part of the loving and supportive community of St. Theresa parish and school. Her many and varied friends will know that they need only to listen carefully whenever they wish to hear her familiar, easy laugh and when they wish to seek her advice and counsel which she will continue to give freely.

Marc Thomas Friscia '86 April 6, 1964 - August 5, 2010. Cherished son of Natalie Friscia and the late Carl Friscia, adored father to Natalie Friscia, loving brother to Tony (Linda) Friscia, Tina Clark (Steve), and loving uncle to Antonio Friscia, Michelle Rosecrans, Chris Friscia, Denise Gewecke, Karen Wilhelm, and survived by grand nephews, nieces, cousins, many friends, especially Lydia. He attended St. Vincent de Paul Grammar School, St. Ignatius College Prep, and Santa Clara University, and received a MBA from University of San Francisco. Marc loved to cook and entertain family and friends. He enjoyed traveling. He will be missed. He lit up our lives!

Marc Thomas Friscia ’86 died on August 5, 2010. Born on April 6, 1964, he was the cherished son of Natalie Friscia and the late Carl Friscia, adored father to Natalie Friscia, loving brother to Tony (Linda) Friscia, Tina Clark (Steve), loving uncle to Antonio Friscia, Michelle Rosecrans, Chris Friscia, Denise Gewecke, Karen Wilhelm, survived by grand nephews, nieces, cousins, many friends, especially Lydia. Attended St. Vincent de Paul Grammar School, St. Ignatius College Prep, Santa Clara University, received his MBA from University of San Francisco. Marc loved to cook and entertain family and friends. He enjoyed traveling. He will be missed. He lit up our lives!

Bruce Ruffin MBA '86 died on June 11, 2011 at O'Connor Hospital in San Jose at the age  of 54. For the past two years, Ruffin fought lung cancer showing those around him how precious each day is. He will be remembered fondly for his patience, quick wit, sense of humor, intelligence and friendly charm. Ruffin is survived by his devoted wife of 23 years Cheryl Koshiro, his adored children Travis Ruffin and Lauren Ruffin, his parents Paul Sr. and Leona Ruffin (Suffern, N.Y.), sisters Valerie Mathews (Nyack, N.Y.) and Lorna Conley (New Port Richey, Fla.), brother Paul Ruffin Jr. (Orange, N.J.), eleven nieces and nephews, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Ruffin was born on December 13, 1956 to Paul and Leona Mae Ruffin in Suffern, N.Y. Raised in a military family, Ruffin attended various elementary schools, including ones in the San Francisco Bay area and the Philippines before his family settled in Spring Valley, N.Y. in 1968. He was a 1974 graduate of Spring Valley High School lettering in football and baseball. He then attended State University of New York, College at Oneonta where he received a Bachelors of Art in 1978. Driving himself out west, he settled in San Jose where he completed a Masters of Business Administration at Santa Clara University in 1986. He was employed at Fujitsu Technology Solutions, Inc./AMDAHL in product management for 18 years. After leaving high tech, he enjoyed working as a tax consultant with H&R Block and insurance sales with Banker's Life and Casualty and All Care Insurance. Ruffin most enjoyed being involved with his children and always made it a point to support his children's various interests. This included coaching his son's baseball teams and supporting his daughter's interests in musical theater. Throughout his life, Ruffin was involved with baseball. As a youngster, Ruffin played Little League and as an adult played for several leagues. He coached baseball over ten years with various organizations such as the Evergreen Little League, Police Athletic League and Evergreen Valley high school in San Jose, California. "Coach Bruce" will always be remembered for his positive attitude and dedication to supporting not only his own children but to those he had the pleasure of coaching. An avid reader, Ruffin especially liked science fiction, history and science. He was a self described political junkie and his favorite TV channel was MSNBC. He was a loyal New York Yankees and San Jose Sharks fan.

Ulrike Katharina Johnson '87 on June 8, 2009 in Hawaii. Mrs. Ulrike "Bieni" Johnsonwas born October 16, 1965. She peacefully passed away June 8, at St. Francis Hospice after a valiant battle against cancer. She was the beloved wife to Robert M. Johnson and mother to 13-year-old Alicia and 10-year-old Ryan. The daughter of Mr. Adi Kohler and Mrs. Kathrin "Chacha" Kohler of Waimea, Hawaii and sister to Christian Kohler of Lincoln, Nebraska. Fittingly, her parents chose the nickname of Bieni, because even as a child, she was always "busy as a bee." Her parents, Adi and Chacha Kohler, hail from Germany and moved to America for Mr. Kohler's illustrious career in the hotel industry working for the Rockefellers on the Mainland, the Caribbean, and Hawaii. Bieni was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and raised in Waimea on the Big Island, where she graduated from the Hawaii Preparatory Academy. She followed her father's footsteps in the hotel industry and worked for Ritz Carlton and Starwood Hotels after graduating from Santa Clara University. Since 2005, Bieni worked for technology leader Trex Enterprises Corporation. While attending Santa Clara University, Bieni met and married Robert Johnson and they have spent 25 wonderful years together. She instantly became a member of the large Johnson Ohana to include Bob's parents, seven brothers, two sisters and dozens of nieces and nephews. Bob's career with Johnson Bros. of Hawaii, Inc. brought them back to the Islands in 1988 spending 8 years on the Big Island and the past 13 years in Honolulu. Together they have raised two outstanding children--Alicia and Ryan. Bieni previously served as President of the Star of the Sea School Parent Teacher Guild where she was continuously honored for her hard work in raising funds for the school. She was passionately involved with her children's numerous sporting activities. She heightened everyone's awareness about cancer through her multiple fundraising efforts amongst friends and family. Bieni enjoyed many activities to include horseback riding, hula, soccer, family hikes and time with friends and family. Her personality was uplifting to all around her. She truly exuded a gracious, selfless and bubbly personality that many have come to love. She leaves a lasting impression on all of those who knew her. She will always be remembered.

Todd Alan Rodericks '87, passed away Dec. 7, 2011. A resident of Campbell, he was born and raised in San Jose where he spent much of his childhood on his grandparent's ranch in the Berryessa area. He attended Piedmont Hills High School and graduated from Santa Clara University.

He spent his career as a mechanical design engineer at such valley companies as Ford Aerospace, Polycom, Xerox PARC, Wyse, Digeo, Health-e-Tech, Tesla, Sun Power, Velodyne, and most recently NovaTorque.

Todd had an exuberant zest for life, a keen wit, was "the life of the party," had a passion for vintage Airstream trailers and all things automotive, and deeply loved his family, friends and dogs. Todd lived well and loved well! Todd was diagnosed with stomach cancer in September and recently lost his battle while surrounded by family and friends. He was the loving son of Beverly Rodericks and the late Roy Rodericks, brother to Garth (Leslie) Rodericks, and "favorite Uncle" of Tyler (20), Alyssa (19) & Kirslyn (15).

Fr. Ronald Pusak, a 1987 alumnus of the New Directions program, passed away on Jan. 12, 2012. He was born June 14, 1935.

Marilyn S. Benedict M.A. '87  died on May 29, 2008.

Donna Marie Lecrivain M.A. '87 died Dec. 24, 2009. She was 69 years old. Born in the city of Orange, California on April 4th, 1940, she was the first daughter of Julian and Donna Lecrivain. Donna made her life in the Bay Area after attending Stanford University. She started her teaching career at Strawberry Park Elementary School in San Jose. Her involvement in church ministry began at Sacred Heart Church in Saratoga as a catechist and later as an early childhood coordinator. Her dedication to the church and children continued as a Director of Religious Education at St. Nicholas Church in Los Altos and then at St. Joseph of Cupertino Church. She was a Master Catechist of the Diocese of San Jose and was actively involved in a variety of diocesan committees. During her years of ministry, she formed many catechists and mentored many catechetical leaders. She received her Master's Degree in Catechetical Ministry from Santa Clara University and was an active member of the alumni association of the Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries. She dedicated the later part her life to the students of St. Joseph Church as an advanced math teacher. Always an educator, Donna will leave a large part of herself with many in the community. She will be deeply missed by her sons Kevin Brock of Fort Collins, Colorado and Steven Brock of Lancaster, California. She will also be missed by her daughter-in-law Rhonda Edington and loving granddaughter Stephanie. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Julian and Donna, and brother Julian. She is survived by two sisters, Mary Langston of Huntington Beach, California and Roseanne LaBrie of Seattle, Washington and several nieces and nephews. Her service was  held at St. Joseph of Cupertino Church in December and she was laid to rest next to her parents at Good Shepherd Cemetery in Huntington Beach, California.

Teresa Marie Biegel '88 on March 25, 2010. Loving wife of Bryan Biegel of Sunnyvale. Devoted mother of Zack and Beth, beloved daughter of Melvin and Fran Holdener of Grants Pass, Oregon, and dear sister of Timothy Holdener of Pasadena. Teresa was born in Belleville, IL and raised in Salt Lake City. After moving with her parents to Sacramento in 1986, she graduated from Santa Clara University in 1988 with a Bachelor's degree in biology. She worked at Stanford Medical Center, HHMI, Novartis, and Roche supporting research to cure cancer and infectious diseases. Teresa married Bryan in June 1990. She became a homemaker in 2002 with the birth of Zachary James; daughter Elizabeth Sage arrived in 2006. She reveled in nature and wildlife, especially the desert country of Utah and southern CA. She became an avid fitness fan: running (including 5 marathons), cycling (including a 1,400 mile ride along the Pacific Coast), and swimming (including several triathlons). She loved scuba and went on over 100 dives around the world. Teresa was a cherished and lasting friend of all those whose lives she touched with her attentive presence and quick laughter. She was an active member of many groups: moms, PTA, fitness and sports, church, and many associated with her children's activities. She loved life, friends, and family to her last measure.

Joseph Edward Derse '88 a lifetime Ventura, Calif., resident, was called home to heaven Friday, July 31, 2009 at the age of 43 after a brief battle with cancer. Joe was born on November 15, 1965 in Ventura to the late Dr. and Mrs. Jon Derse. After attending St. Bonaventure High School he went on to graduate from Santa Clara University receiving a bachelor's degree in English. Joe was a very hard worker and enjoyed his current position at Von's in Ventura. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, and is survived by and will be missed by his brothers and sisters: Ann, John, Paul, Mary, Jane, Mike, Meg and their spouses, along with many nieces and nephews. Joe was a beautiful writer, enjoyed bingo and officiating at the local high school football and basketball games. He truly enjoyed baseball and attended many Angels and Dodgers games. He and his brother made it a point to visit a different pro ball park each year across the United States and Joe was about halfway to his goal of visiting every pro ball park.

John “Jeff” Frederick Healy ’88  died unexpectedly in his sleep July 24, 2010.  Jeff was born Dec. 31, 1965 and raised on the Peninsula. At Our Lady of Angeles, Serra High School and Santa Clara University, Jeff received many accolades both in sports and his other favorite endeavors. Most importantly, he was the loving son of Dr. Francis and Grace Healy. Through the years Jeff was a helpful and caring brother to Fran, Peter, Susan, Michael, Brian, Tim, Bill and Kathy. Jeff was also a thoughtful and caring brother-in-law to Ann, Virgina, Tom, Andrea, Mary Ann, Laura and Mark. Jeff’s generosity also extended his role as an uncle to Megan, Katie, Fran, Patrick, Brendan, Grace, Scott, Carolyn, Catherine, Kaitlyn, Kelly, Trevor, Aidan, Dustin, Matt, Sarah, Mike, Erin and Morgan. Jeff would have also been a terrific great uncle to Jade, Harper and Jess.  Jeff’s smile, charisma, loyalty and great love for his friends and family will never be forgotten. His family extends thanks for always being there as a son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle, co-worker and friend. 

John Chuong Van Pham '89, MSE '95, 42, son of Quy Pham and Oanh Dao, passed away on Oct. 16, 2010 in El Dorado Hills. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Gloria Renee Rodrigues, and their children, Nicholas, Anthony and Caroline. He leaves 9 siblings and their spouses, Bau (Dao), Kim (Ket Nguyen), Hoa (Xuyen), Gia (Tuyet), Thy Le (Nam), Christine (Tuong Trieu), Hanh (Tuan Nhan), Lindsey (Phillip), Huong (Jeremy) and 18 nieces and nephews. He is godfather to Robert Le, Brian Trieu and Lauren Khuu. He graduated from Santa Clara Univ. with a BS in 1989 and an MSE in 1995. After working for Cisco for 18 years and commuting from El Dorado Hills, John started working for Intel 4 months ago to be with his family every day. John loved nature and enjoyed hiking, biking, skiing and snowboarding. He especially loved playing with his kids. A beloved husband, son, brother, cool uncle, friend and co-worker, John will be remembered for his sense of humor, generosity, greatness of heart and lightness of spirit. You have to enjoy life, he would say. Visitation and viewing: Friday 10/22, 1-6 pm and Saturday 10/23, 10-6 pm (Vietnamese Rosary from 3-4:30 pm), at Miller Funeral Home 507 Scott Blvd. Folsom. A funeral Mass was held on October 25 at St. John's the Baptist Church.

Diane T. Hansch J.D. ’89 died on January 5, 2009. 

Barbara Dabel '89 on April 20, 2009. Barbara was born as Barbara Ethel Walker on January 2, 1942 to Archibald and Blanche Walker. She grew up on her family's turkey ranch at the corner of King and Tully Roads with her older sister Patricia. Barbara was a member of the first graduating class of Andrew Hill High School. She graduated from San Jose State with an art major and her teaching credential. Her teaching career started at Sheppard Middle, Pala Middle, Mt. Pleasant Elementary and LeyVa Middle Schools. Barbara then got her masters and administrative credential from Santa Clara University. She later worked at Cedar Grove Elementary, Quimby Oak Middle, Carlton Elementary and Alta Vista Elementary Schools as a principal. Her compassion for the students and her enthusiasm for their education are remembered by many. Barbara is survived by her husband Walter of 46 years, daughters Heather Hignite (Dennis) and Melissa Davis (Matt) and grandchildren Chloe, Liam and Corey. Friends and family eagerly awaited Barbara's hand-drawn Christmas cards that depicted many events of the past year. She was an animal lover and helped her daughters raise countless rabbits, pigs and sheep. Her cats were her special companions. Barbara helped Walt with raising giant pumpkins, irises, dahlias and countless other plants and flowers. She was a supporter of the new Alum Rock Library, serving as president of the Friends of the Library group. Barbara passed away peacefully at home on April 10 after a long struggle with cancer. Her family was with her in her final days and her cats helped to keep her comfortable.