Santa Clara Magazine

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.

Adrian C. "Poppy" van Dyk '44, died peacefully at his home in San Jose on Tuesday, June 29, 2010, surrounded by his loving family. He was 88 years old. He was born in Lewiston, Idaho, on Sept. 6, 1921, to Adrian M. van Dyk and Francine (Zuur) van Dyk, and is preceded in death by his brother Vic van Dyk and his sister Rita Williams. He attended Lewiston High School and upon graduation he boarded a train and headed south to California where he enrolled at Santa Clara University. His time there was interrupted by World War ll. He served in the Navy touring the Pacific aboard a Marines supply munitions ship, the USS Betelgeuse. In 1945, during a two week docking in San Francisco, he married his childhood sweetheart, Rose Stenstrom. Following his service in the Navy, he ultimately graduated from SCU with a degree in mechanical engineering and moved on to a successful career at General Electric and the Lawrence Livermore Laboratories working on national defense related projects. Adrian's most enjoyable activities included the annual 'extended' family camping trips on the North Coast, fishing and golf outings, traveling abroad with mom, yearly vacations in Maui, and numerous volunteering stints. Above all else his main focus and devotion was always family first. From the numerous baptisms, surprise 13th birthdays, Holy Communions, graduations, school plays, and weddings, he was always there to bless them. He is survived by his best friend and loving wife Rose of 65 years, and his devoted children: Bill (Margi Sullivan) van Dyk, Karen Pelosi, John (Margaret) van Dyk, Pam (Dan) Ross, Kitty (Bob) Dixon, Adrianne (Dave) Brown, Janet (Dan) Kirby, Sally (Mark) McGourty, Sueanne (Nick) Gera, Bob (Rhonda) van Dyk, and Rosemary (Mike) Lyons. Poppy, as he is affectionately called, will be greatly missed by his grandchildren: Julie (Tom) Pelosi Malech, PJ (Tazia) Pelosi, and John (Janine) Pelosi; Elizabeth and Stefanie van Dyk; Meghan Dixon, Amy (Lance) Dixon Munselle, and Matt Dixon; Katie (Bo) Brown Peevey, and Jenni Brown; Dana, Dan, Scotty, and Laura Kirby; Kyle, Nick, and Alex McGourty; Marianne, Marko, and Klara Gera; Trevor and Kari van Dyk; and Kelly, Michael, and Jamie Lyons. And last but not least his great-grandchildren; Hudson, Presley, and Harrison Malech, and Merrill Rose Pelosi.

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.

Dr. Pierce A. Rooney Jr. '45 on Jan. 14, 2009.  The Sacramento native was a pioneering Sacramento County pathologist who investigated deaths ranging from sleeping babies to victims of notorious Northern California killers. In 1969, he became the first board-certified forensic pathologist in Sacramento and did extensive research into causes of sudden infant death syndrome. He served as a prosecution witness at sensational trials and was a founding member of Diagnostic Pathology Medical Group Inc. He was a past president of the Sacramento County Medical Society and associate professor at UC Davis Medical School. He also attended Gonzaga University and served as a Navy officer on troop transport ships in the Pacific during World War II. He returned to Sacramento after graduating from Creighton University Medical School in 1950, delivering babies and making house calls as a general practitioner for several years before completing a residency in pathology at UC San Francisco School of Medicine. He had six children with his wife of 63 years, Barbara. Survivors include a son, Kevin '73.

John Wright Sand '46, passed away on May 23, 2010. Sand passed away peacefully at home in Del Mesa Carmel. He was born at the Old Adobe Hospital in Monterey. John's parents, Harold Oliver Sand and Margaret Wright Sand, were long time residents of Monterey and Carmel Valley. Harold established H.O. Sand Realty in Carmel Valley Village in 1946 and his grandson, Eric currently operates Eric H. Sand Real Estate in the same building which Harold built. His grandfather, Ben Wright, was associated with the Palace Drug Store and was mayor of Monterey. John's mother was a descendant of Joel Walker, signer and founder of the California State Constitution and his father was a West Point graduate. John attended San Carlos Elementary and Monterey High School, graduating in 1941. He also attended Santa Clara University before leaving to serve in the Air Force during World War II. On his return, he went to UC Berkeley, graduating with a Master's Degree in Political Science in 1950. John married Nancy Hale of Carmel in l947 in the Chapel at Carmel Mission. He and his family lived in Carmel for a couple of years before he joined the CIA and moved to the Washington, D.C. area. In 1955, he was stationed in Taipei, Taiwan and then moved to Bethesda, Maryland in l958, where he and his family had a home for 50 years. John, Nancy and their children lived in Athens, Greece from 1963 to l968. John retired in 1972 and pursued his love of Greek and Egyptian archaeology. In 2006, he and Nancy returned to their beloved Monterey Peninsula to live at Del Mesa Carmel. John renewed many childhood friendships and enjoyed visiting with them as much as possible. John enjoyed keeping up with world affairs, having spent much time in foreign capitals while working for the CIA. He spent many hours doing archaeological research on his computer in his home office. Eating out was a favorite pastime. John is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nancy; three sons, Eric Sand of Carmel Valley, Toland Sand of Sanbornton, New Hampshire and Chris Sand of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Another son, Lee Sand, preceded John in death in 2003. He is also survived by eight grandsons: Kevin Sand of Monterey, Ryan Sand of Los Gatos, Luke and Austin Sand of Melrose, Massachusetts, Jameson Sand of Hollywood and Chris, Taylor, and David Sand of Carmel Valley; and four great- grandsons and one great grand-daughter. The Sand family is especially grateful to Lela Hartman for her devoted care of John in his last year and a half of life.

 

Gerald L. Colonica '46 on Jan. 14, 2009.  A native of Santa Clara, he attended medical school at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., and completed his residency at the then-Santa Clara County Hospital. In 1954, he opened his medical practice as a general practitioner and surgeon in his father's candy store on Franklin Street in Santa Clara. His medical practice spanned 44 years, during which time he performed the physicals for the SCU, Bellarmine College Preparatory, and Pop Warner football teams. He faithfully attended Bronco football and basketball games. He was a member of the Santa Clara Exchange Club, the 30's Club, the Italian Catholic Club, the AMA Tennis Association, the Friends of the Wine Maker, and the Society of Wine Educators. He was a president of the local chapter of the American Medical Association and was a lector at St Claire's Church. He was a member of the SCU Board of Fellows for 15 years. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Kathryn; six children; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

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.

Robert Board '47 on Febuary 12, 2009.  Robert is survived by his wife, Mary Lu, and sons Greg and Brad.

Robert A. Freitas '47 on Nov. 2, 2008.  A native of Concord, he was a veteran of World War II, during which he earned a Silver Star and was a captain. He was an original member of Driscoll Associates, California strawberry growers. He later was Western regional manager of the molasses division of Cargill Inc. He is survived by wife, Barbara, to whom he was married for 65 years, and a son.

Ralph J. Oswald '47 on December 21, 2009.

John Battista Quaccia '47 resident of Ashland, Ore., passed away August 26, 2009. Son of Luigi and Madelena (Gillio) Quaccia, he attended San Francisco Junior College and University of California Berkley before transferring to University of Texas Austin as a Naval ROTC cadet. Assigned to the newly formed 36th U.S. Naval Construction Battalion (SeaBees), Quaccia deployed to Okinawa where he achieved the rank of lieutenant. In 1946, John married Mae Murry of Mandan, ND, and under the GI Bill, enrolled in the civil engineering program at University of Santa Clara (class of 1947). While working for Ben C. Gerwick Construction, lived in San Francisco, then moved to Oakland, where he began his 29-year career with East Bay Municipal Utility District. Settling in Castro Valley, John was an active member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church and the Saint Vincent DePaul Society. John continued his tradition of service after moving to Mountain Meadows in Ashland, Ore., by serving on committees and boards in his new community. Preceded in death by his brother Lawrence Quaccia and son-in-law Jeff Matz, John is survived by his wife Mae Quaccia; sons Stephen (Marilyn), William (Lisa Polito), Robert (Janet), and Ronald (Andrea Tarantino); daughters Celeste Bell (Jim) and Terese Matz; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Fred L. Doelker Jr. '47, known to his family as Pancho, died peacefully in his sleep on March 31, 2010. He had been in declining health for some time. Born in Alameda and raised in Oakland, he graduated from Santa Clara University and taught English and Latin for 26 years in Campbell. He loved music and volunteered for years at Opera San Jose. He greatly missed Jimmy, his loving partner of a half-century, as well as the many dogs they shared their home with over the years. Pancho will be sorely missed by his sister, Fredi, along with his six nieces and nephews and their children. 

Eugene "Gene" Marvin Donatelli '47 was born on Feb. 9, 1926. A resident of Santa Cruz, he passed away in Santa Cruz on Tuesday, March 12, 2013. His last days were spent at home with his family. Born in Seattle, he moved to San Jose with his parents Frank and Madelyn when he was two years old. He went to Bellarmine for high school and to Santa Clara University. He was an Army Coreman Gunnery Instructor in the US Army Air Force during WWII. Gene met Mary on a blind date, and they married in 1949. His work career included a family grocery store, sales and working in construction. He founded Donatelli Sons Construction in 1970 and retired in 1988. Gene enjoyed backpacking in the Sierras, fishing trips to Canada, and traveling the world with Mary. He was a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and raised money for the Alzheimer's Association through the yearly fundraiser. He recently celebrated his 87th birthday with about 100 of his friends and family. He "loved" golf, walking his dog Fergie, building furniture and art structures with wood, baking his famous cookies and spending time with his family and friends. He also enjoyed watching detective shows with his loving and patient caregiver Fabiola Herrera. The family is grateful to Fabi for her care of both Mary and Gene. Gene was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Mary, his son Eugene (Pilar), and his daughter, Catherine. Gene is survived by six children: Chris (Theresa), Susan, Tim, Michael (Barbara), Margaret (Kelly) and Grace (Mark); his grandchildren Chris, Jenny, Paul, Natalie, Elena, Angela, Stephanie, Tony, Gina, Rachael, Vincent, Catherine, Miles and Monica; his great grandchildren Aiden, Timmy, Isabella, Cameron, Gabriella, Jacob, Bryce, Daniella, and Emma.  

Edward Joseph Fennelly '47, "Coach Fennelly," 84, passed away on July 23, 2009 in Paso Robles, Calif. Ed was born in Oakland, Calif., on September 16, 1924 to Edward and Martha Fennelly. He attended St. Elizabeth's grammar school and went on to begin his outstanding athletic background at St. Joseph's High School in Alameda. He remains a legend to this day in Pilot annals, garnering honors in basketball, baseball, and track. During both his junior and senior seasons, the Pilots basketball team was Catholic Athletic League Champions (1941-1942). In 1942 Ed led St. Joseph's to a record 17 game league winning streak and an undefeated season. He was awarded All League and All Alameda County Selection in both those years as well as being the second leading scorer in the CAL in 1942, when he was Team Captain. During World War II, while in the U.S. Marine Corps, he was assigned to the V-12 Marine Officers Training program at the College of the Pacific in Stockton, where he further enhanced his athletic fame, starring for the Tigers in both Football and Basketball. His 1944 basketball team was one of the best in the history of COP. After Japan surrendered, he returned home and continued his education, attending University of Santa Clara as a junior on a basketball scholarship. He was a starter on the famed Bronco basketball team that in his senior year compiled a record setting season of 21-4 in 1947, beating Cal, USC and UCLA in the same week. After graduating from Santa Clara, Ed joined the initial faculty at the newly opened Riordan High School in the fall of 1949. While teaching business and math courses, he was the first coach for the Riordan Crusaders football, baseball, basketball, and track teams, and a cross country mentor also. Ed was called back to the Marines during the Korean conflict, reaching the rank of 1st Lieutenant. In 1952 he was relieved from active duty and discharged with honors. He then returned to Riordan to continue his teaching and coaching career. Coach Fennelly had an impressive record, with the baseball team finishing 2nd in its first year. The Varsity basketball team never finished lower than 3rd in the 8 years he was at the helm. In his longest coaching stint, Ed's track and field teams took seven league championships in his 10 years, while his cross country teams won 3 CAL titles. Ed met the love of his life, Ann "Nancy" McEntee at a school dance around Christmas in 1949. They were married in August of 1950, and their first home was a small apartment below the Brother's residence at Riordan. In 1957 Ed started Riordan's golf team, and in 1958 started a swimming team. In 1958, Ed retired from coaching and became the director of athletics at Riordan, becoming the school's first lay director. Surrounded by boys all day, Ed and Nancy were thrilled when they were blessed with two daughters, his "little dolls," Geralyn in 1960 and Kristin in 1962. Ed held this position of Riordan's Director of Athletics until 1965, when he accepted the position of Assistant Commissioner for the Catholic Athletic League. In 1967 the West Catholic Athletic League was founded, realigning the East and West Bay schools, and Ed became the league's first Commissioner. Through his guidance and leadership, the WCAL became the most esteemed, prestigious prep organization in the state. In 1970, Ed became business manager of Riordan, again, being the first layman to serve in this capacity at a high school in the Archdiocese of San Francisco. At Riordan's 25th Anniversary celebration, he was given the distinct honor of receiving a Proclamation from then San Francisco Mayor Joseph Alioto. Ed retired from full-time education in 1989, after 40 years of teaching and service to Riordan High School. At his retirement celebration, Ed was presented with a Resolution from the Honorable Quentin Kopp, in which he was recognized for his outstanding contributions and inspirations to the youth entrusted to his care, and for being a true example of all educators throughout the Bay Area. He continued to serve the WCAL and, through the league, the Central Coast Section, until his retirement in May of 1996. Ed lived with his wife in San Bruno for 30 years, where they were active in their church parish of St. Roberts. In 1981, they moved to San Carlos, where they would live for 24 years. Again, they were active members of their church parish, St. Charles, and would eventually gather there with family and friends to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in August of 2000. In his retirement Ed enjoyed playing tennis and golf, spending time with his two grandchildren, and traveling with Nancy, including trips to Ireland to visit family and celebrate their proud heritage. Ed was a true gentleman with a quiet strength. He was known to be firm when necessary, gracious always and beloved by many. He was widely respected as an outstanding athlete, inspirational and superior teacher and coach. Former students recall him being strict yet fair, along with his incredible wit. He was a gifted administrator, admired for his consistent and high standards. He will always be remembered for his passion for his work, and his positive impact on the people around him. Ed was preceded in death by his wife Nancy, on April 18, 2003, and his brother, Thomas Fennelly. He is survived by daughters Geralyn Fennelly, of Los Angeles, CA, daughter and son-in-law Kristin and Scott Miller of Paso Robles, grandchildren Melissa and Donny Miller, and sisters Patricia Geiger and Kathleen Henry.

William B. "Bill" Nystrom ’48 was born on Jan. 16, 1922 and died on Oct. 24, 2012, completing his 90-year-long and distinguished journey on this earth. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Grace S. Nystrom, his daughters, Sue A. Hughes (Rodger) and and Karen L. Church, his sister Helen Konowitz, brother-in-law Al Auten, grandchildren Krista (Hughes) Stamper (Jim), and Keegan ’03, Katie, and Heidi Church (their father, Robert), and extended family, Deryn (Moore) Holland. Pre-deceased by his parents, Herman F. Nystorm and Vira B. Nystrom, brother, John Nystrom (Lucille), and sister, Shirley Auten.

Bill lived in New Jersey until 1942 when he entered the US Army during World War II. Before serving overseas in the Pacific Theater, he received engineer and communications training at the University of Santa Clara and UC Davis.

Upon returning to civilian life, Bill and his young family returned to the University of Santa Clara, graduating magna cum laude. Ultimately they returned to Grace's hometown, Redding, Calif. Bill started his public accounting business in 1948. Obtaining his CPA accounting certification, he founded Nystrom and Company. He retired after 40 years with his company.

Bill's dedication to public service is legendary. It includes locally serving as the President of the Enterprise Elementary School District for 17 years. He served on the Board of Mercy Medical Center as well as Mercy Air Ambulance. He served on the boards and committees of Boy Scouts, March of Dimes, Chamber of Commerce, as well as the City of Redding and Shasta County. Bill also served on the Board of the McConnell Foundation including as its Chairman.

On a national and international scope Bill was prominent in Rotary International (RI). He joined the Redding Rotary Club in 1964 and became its President in 1971. In 1975, he became District Governor and a national RI Executive Director in 1985. He served on the RI Executive Committee as Treasurer in 1986. He continued on dozens of RI committees which included visits and presentations in many states and 13 foreign countries. Bill received the Distinguished Service Award and Citation for Meritorious Service from the Rotary Foundation. In his spare time, Bill enjoyed photography, fishing, travel and family visits.
 

Special thanks to Mercy Hospice for their care and thoughtfulness, to Kasa Latikua for her patience and dedicated care, and to the several other caretakers involved in his care.

William Ahern '48, resident of Danville (formerly of San Leandro). Bill passed away Saturday, July 3, 2010, in San Ramon, Calif., at age 87. He was born in Oakland, Calif., on June 20, 1923 to Wilhelmina and Raymond Ahern. He attended St. Francis deSales Grammar School, St. Joseph High School, Santa Clara University and finally the University of San Francisco for his law degree. Bill married his beloved wife Eleanor Stohlgren on June 14, 1947. They just recently celebrated 63 years together. Shortly after their marriage, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He attended the Wartime Submarine Schooling, learned to fly and attained the rank of Lieutenant. He later entered the Navy Reserves which enabled him to head home to family and start a new career. Bill worked in the District Attorneys Office in Alameda County and was assigned to supervise the Southern Alameda County Office. After a successful career with the District Attorneys Office, he established a private practice with his close friend Robert Mooney in San Leandro. Harold Moore joined the Law firm a short time later. Besides the normal aspects of practicing law, he performed a great deal of pro bono work for those in need. He retired from his Law practice after 50 years. Bill was an accomplished athlete in several sports. He was a championship level tennis player at Bay O Vista Tennis Club. He was inducted into the St. Joseph High School and Santa Clara University Basketball Hall of Fame. He will best be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He loved life, family gatherings, Tuesday lunches with his brother George and the poker club, all horse races, and any reason to celebrate! He was a devoted Catholic, a daily communicant, and a very witty Irishman. He will be greatly missed by his wife Eleanor; children Michael Ahern, Patricia Manifesto, Elizabeth Hackl, Gregory Ahern; their spouses: Sandra Ahern, Thomas Manifesto, Ric Hackl, and Kathleen Ahern; grandchildren Cynthia Martino, Kimberly Windsor, Jonathan Ahern, Kevin Ahern, MaryAnn Torres, Michael Ahern, Erin Ahern, and nine great-grandchildren. 

William (Val) Molkenbuhr Jr. ’48 passed away March 16, 2012, in Lewiston. Val was born and raised in San Francisco and attended St. Ignatius Jesuit High School, where he was student body president. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in World War II. He graduated from the University of Santa Clara as the student body president and was awarded the Nobili medal. He married Patricia Catherine Murphy in San Francisco in 1948 and graduated from Stanford Business School, receiving his MBA in 1950. Patricia passed away in 1975. Val moved to Lewiston in 1968, and managed Great Western (Best). In 1976 he married Lou Raffety Morgan. Val retired from Best in 1991 and was an active volunteer with various community organizations, including VALCAN, Retired Senior Volunteer Programs, St. Stanislaus Church, Interlink and the Marine Corps League. He was a devout member of St. Stanislaus Church and Knights of Columbus. Survivors include: wife Lou Molkenbuhr of Lewiston; children April (Pat) Shinn, Val M. III, Ann Marie M., DeAnn (Roger) Johnson, Raydeane (Jonathan) Owens, Darcy (Jim) Nelly, and Jame (Ryan) Davis; 14 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Thomas Francis Griffin ’48, a resident of San Jose, and a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away March 19, 2012, at the age of 85 from complications of pulmonary fibrosis and pneumonia. He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Eileen. He is survived by his seven children, Maureen Ricketts, Kathleen (Tim) McCaughey ’73, Thomas Griffin, Jr. (Michele), Sheila (Norm) Griffin Whiteman ’81, Ellie Powers (Mark), Terry Griffin (Michelle), and Timothy Griffin ’88. Cherished grandfather of 23 and great-grandfather of 1. He was born in San Francisco and was a resident of San Jose for 55 years. Thomas was a graduate of St. Peter's High School and Santa Clara University, where he received his degree in electrical engineering in 1948. He went on to work for IBM Corporation for many years and was a proud member of their Quarter Century Club. He was a past member of the St. Christopher Holy Name Society and served on the original fundraising committee to build Presentation High School in the early 1960s.  He was a supporter of many Catholic causes and organizations.

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.

Robert E. Jones ’48 died on March 12, 2013. A resident of Hollister,
Robert Eugene Jones was born in San Jose, CA to Ralph and Rose Jones on February 17, 1924. As a third generation native Californian he grew up in San Jose, amidst the splendor of the vast flowering orchards and beauty of Santa Clara Valley.
In 1942 he eagerly volunteered in the United States Army. Under the command of General George S. Patton he advanced to the ranks of Sergeant, and was taken to the fighting lines in Austria, Germany and France. He was awarded the Silver Star for carrying one of his wounded commanding officers to safety in the midst of battle.
After three years of military service he returned to his studies at Santa Clara University, where in 1948 he proudly earned a degree in Structural Engineering. Following his engineering passion along with his team partner/architect, Norton Curtis, many notable buildings on the campus of SCU were erected: Swig, Dunne and McGlaughlin Halls; Graham Complex; Sullivan Engineering; and Benson Center.
As a successful self-employed structural engineer he enjoyed living in the Almaden Valley. Upon his retirement he moved to Hollister.
His pride and joy was his cattle ranch, located in Paicines, CA. During the 1800s this historic property was once a part of the booming New Idria Quicksilver Mine.
In 2009 after a near fatal accident on his ranch his health declined. Prior to his accident he led a very active life attending many Santa Clara University Alumni functions, Elks Club activities, traveling, and working on his cattle ranch. He peacefully passed away on March 12, 2013.
He is survived by his second wife, Doris I. Jones; his sister, Frances Jones Weller; his first wife, Jane Walters and their four children, Mark Jones, Patrick (Oh) Jones '74, Gayle (Steve) Newgren, and Cindy (Gary) Frazier; grandchildren, Greta Newgren (Jeff) Fitzgerald '02, Tyler Newgren, Colter (Szilvia) Frazier, Carly Frazier, and Chelsea Frazier.