Santa Clara Magazine

Oren Lee Christensen MBA ’64 passed away peacefully on Dec. 4, 2012, after a long, courageous battle against cancer. Born in Selma, Oren grew up in Fresno, attended Fresno State College and UC Berkeley, where he studied civil and structural engineering earning Phi Beta Kappa honors. Upon graduation he attended Midshipman's School at Notre Dame University and was commissioned an Ensign, Naval Civil Engineering Corps. He served with the 103rd Navy Seabee Battalion in California, Hawaii and Guam. After completion of his military duties Oren worked in civil and structural engineering design from 1946-1958. From 1959 to 1965 he was supervisor of Facilities Planning Group at Lockheed Missiles and Space Company preparing siting and design criteria for satellite ground stations in various locations. He also received an MBA from the University of Santa Clara during this time. From 1965 to 1977 he was director of facilities planning for Stanford Research Institute. From 1977 to 1987 he took a position as vice president for new building programs, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and supervised the construction of the bank's new facilities in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Upon retirement he continued as a building program consultant for several years before devoting his time to volunteer activities in Santa Rosa and Davis. Oren was blessed with a loving marriage to Mabel Fox for 52 years. In 2000 he and Eunice Adair were married and combined their families, both having lost their spouses to cancer. Oren was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Santa Rosa, and University Covenant Church of Davis. He was active on both churches' building programs. Music was an integral part of his life and he always found time to sing in church choirs. One of his greatest pleasures came from volunteering at Mondavi Center for the Arts. He also devoted time to Grace House until his health declined. Oren is survived by his wife Eunice; daughter Sharon Hamilton and her husband, Don; son Darrell Christensen and his wife Sandi; stepdaughters Susan Coleman-LaPlanche, husband John, and Laura Ramalingam, husband Ravi. In addition he leaves seven grandchildren, D.J. Hamilton, Christen Hamilton-Simon, Jaime Hamilton, Cameron Hamilton, Erika Christensen, Jordan Ramalingam and Zachary Ramalingam; and four great-grandchildren who brought him great pleasure. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Ruby Christensen and his wife, Mabel Fox Christensen.

Charles Patrick McCarty MBA ’64 passed away peacefully at home in Ashland, Ore. on Sept. 5, 2012, surrounded by his wife and sons.

Charles was born to Charles and Zena McCarty on May 4, 1924, in Portland, Ore. He was a graduate of the University of Portland and Santa Clara University. He served in the U.S. Army, Chemical Warfare Service in both the European and Pacific theaters of World War II from March, 1943 to January 1946. He married his beloved wife, Rosemary, on July 1, 1950, at the Church of the Madeleine in Portland, Ore. He was a long time employee of SRI International. He loved reading and walking. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and with Rosemary was a volunteer for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. He was a long-time parishioner of Our Lady of the Mountain Catholic Church.

Charles is survived by his wife of 62 years, Rosemary; sons Thomas [Kim], James, Steven [Ellen], and Patrick [Colleen]; grandchildren Caroline, Michael, Dominic, Claire, and Kathryn; and great granddaughter Layla. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Teresa A. McCarty Quarman. Charles will be remembered as a cheerful, devout, loving husband, father, grandfather and, great grandfather.

Robert B. Kavale  MBA ’65 entered into rest on May 17, 2012, at the Tracy Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center. He died of pneumonia following a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He was born in the Czech Republic on January 11, 1926, to Josef and Ludmila Kavale. Known for his quick wit and good sense of humor, he will be sorely missed by friends and family.

Mr. Kavale, a resident of Manteca for four and one-half years and former resident of Saratoga, worked in Silicon Valley for more than 30 years in the industrial engineering field. A registered professional engineer and recipient of master's degrees from two California universities, including the Santa Clara University, he helped companies to reduce waste, cut costs, and improve productivity. Among other engineering responsibilities, he designed production facilities, wrote design guidelines, and developed processes and standards.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Jean Kavale, two brothers and their spouses, Josef and Libuse Kavale and Karel and Kerstin Kavale, and several nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his infant son, David Joseph Kavale.

Ranny Riley ’65, the psychologist best known for her work helping professional women advance their careers into the highest echelons of corporate America, died on August 14 in her home in Belvedere, Calif. She was 68. 

Born Frances O'Brien Riley in 1943, in Detroit, Mich., Ranny grew up on the San Francisco Peninsula. She joined the first women's class at the University of Santa Clara. After graduating, Ranny went on to receive her Master's degree in Psychology from Boston College.

She returned home and began to help some of the Bay Area's most iconic companies, including Apple and George Lucas' Industrial Light and Magic, develop their leadership teams. She took her PhD from Fielding. 
These events coincided with a transition in her professional focus from corporate leadership in general to a more specific focus on issues facing women, both in and beyond their corporate lives. She turned to coaching professional women, from CEOs to those just beginning their careers. As she put it, Ranny helped the new professional woman see herself differently and help her establish her own success in some of America's best companies. 

Ranny is survived by her husband Lou Lenzen of Belvedere, by her sister Anne Riley of Burlingame and by her five brothers, Reverend Miles Riley of Half Moon Bay, Dr William Riley of Redwood City, Patrick Riley of San Francisco, Ambassador Thomas Riley of Palo Alto and James Riley of Pasadena and by her eight nieces and nephews, Francie Devlin, Lisa Lenzo, Max Riley, Joanna Weidenmiller, Conor Riley, Ryan Riley, Julia Riley, and Aili Nahas.

James R. Kline Jr. MBA ’65, a resident of Healdsburg, Calif., age 76, died peacefully at his home on November 17, 2012, after a courageous battle with cancer. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Kay; son Dan (Tootie) Kline, daughter Mary (Dan) Echevarria, daughter Colly (Niel) Fischer; and his seven grandchildren, Tori, Peter, Cori, Riley, Bea, Nathan and Tess. Jim was predeceased by his sister Kay White. He is also survived by his nieces, Erin Neuberger & Colleen Wysong; and cousins Donald J. Kline, Sr., Keven Thompson and Colleen Haymaker. Jim was born in Denver, Colo., to his father Ray Kline and mother, Helen (Reifsnyder). While growing up in Joplin, Mo., he was a star athlete and competitor, playing both football and baseball during high school. Jim was an avid alumnus of Kansas University (KU Jayhawks) and during his college years he met Kay. The college sweethearts married on Flag Day, June 14, 1958. Jim & Kay moved westward and worked for Lockheed while completing his MBA at Santa Clara University. Jim eventually retired from Lockheed as CFO of the Lockheed Shuttle Operations Co. (LSOC) in Cape Canaveral, Fla. After retiring from LSOC, he and Kay moved homeward to California, settling in Healdsburg. In Healdsburg, Jim became an active Rotarian and supporter of the local Catholic parish, St. John's. He also enjoyed travelling and visiting their many friends and relatives. Jim's competitive spirit was always engaged, as he always played "by the rules." This carried to all aspects of his life, including golf, bridge, football pools and baseball. Jim gave us many gifts, including integrity, a strong work ethic, unwavering honesty and a keen sense of humor. 

David W. Rodoni ’65 was born April 19, 1942, in Oakland, Calif. to Walter and Dolores Rodoni. He died December 12, 2012 at the Windom Hospital. He graduated from Santa Clara University with a degree in math/accounting. He was the fiscal supervisor at the Toro Company in Windom where he was a 33 year employee. David married Barbara Sutherland Johnson May 18, 1971 in Chicago, Ill. He enjoyed playing cards, collecting antiques, watching old movies and spending time with his children. He loved his little poodle Wilbie who was a great comfort to him. He is survived by wife, Barbara; twin daughters, Jennifer (Kari Kustelski) Rodoni, Suzanne (Jason Herberg) Rodoni; step-children, Jerome (Patty) Johnson, Michael (Sandy) Johnson, Brian (Michele) Johnson and Angela (Ed) Johnson; brother, Jim (Michele) Rodoni. Also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Albert H. Mahrer MBA ’65 of Grand Junction, Colorado passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, July 22, 2012 of natural causes while in the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Grand Junction.  He was 85.  He was a WWII Veteran. 

Immediately following graduation from Lisbon High School he enlisted in the U.S. Army, having served as an SP in the Army’s Special Police Unit in northern Italy where he met and married Brunine Piatti-Mahrer. Upon completion of his tour and honorable discharge, he returned to his home of Lisbon and entered North Dakota State University (NDSU) at Fargo under the GI Bill, and combined with the NDSU ROTC program, graduated with a ME degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He was commissioned as a lieutenant in the USAF and served at Edwards AFB (about 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles and home of the Air Force Flight Test Center) until rising to the rank of Captain and later his honorable discharge. 

He later earned an MBA degree at Santa Clara University and a PHD in Industrial Management at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC). During his civilian career he served as a jet engine expert and consultant for Lockheed, General Electric, United Technologies, and Pratt and Whitney, major providers of jet engines and aerospace products for commercial and military aircraft. Following his career at E-Systems at Greenville (TX) as a proposal manager, he returned to UNC to teach management information systems until his final retirement. He was a member of the VFW Post of Grand Junction, Colorado and of the Knights of Columbus San Jose Council 879 at San Jose, Calif.

He is survived by one brother Lee Mahrer of Phoenix, Ariz; three sisters, Lorraine Holmstrom, Helen Tangen, and Eileen Munkeby, all of Lisbon; six children, Dr. Bobb Mahrer of Greenville, Texas, Bill Mahrer, Austin, Texas, Maria Mahrer-Lollar of Spring, Texas, Jerry Mahrer of Farmersville, Texas, James Mahrer of Palm City, FL and Sheryl Mahrer-Coffey of Grand Junction, CO; and 13 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Marie Mahrer of Lisbon, three sisters, Margaret Hahn, Bernice Osman, and Louise Claus, and his wife, Brunine Mahrer.

Victor Lewis Parrino ’66, a resident of San Jose, passed away peacefully on Dec. 23, after a valiant battle with cancer. Vic was born in New Orleans, La., on Mar. 31, 1944, graduated from Bishop Garcia Diego High School in Santa Barbara, Calif., and earned a degree in history from Santa Clara University. He dedicated much of his free time to playing and coaching baseball, and retired in 1999 from a career as a sales rep with AAA. He enjoyed watching sports, attending SCU basketball games, gardening, reading, riding his bicycle, and rooting for his beloved San Francisco Giants.

He is survived by his loving wife and soul mate of 32 years, Rebecca; daughter Candice Sandoval-Moore (David) of Sacramento, grandchildren Jeremy Sandoval (Paola) of Sacramento, Stephanie Sandoval of Santa Clara, Amanda Taylor (Junior) of Mesa, Ariz., and Melissa Kingmixay (Tommy) of Mesa, Ariz., and 5 great granddaughters. Also survived by sister Rose Ellen Parrino of Santa Barbara, Calif. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Lawrence Cronin '66 MBA '67, who owned an insurance brokerage in Menlo Park and belonged to the Menlo Circus Club, died May 30. He was the father of Kathleen Cronin ’96.

Gene Joseph Antonides MS '66 died peacefully on May 13, 2012, after a battle with cancer.

Born Oct. 8, 1935 in Pensacola, Fla., he was the son of a naval officer and lived in many places in the country before graduating from high school in Coronado, Calif. He earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan in 1958. Later, he would complete master's degrees in physics and engineering from the University of Michigan and Santa Clara University.

After college he moved to California to work as an engineer for Lockheed Martin. He met Sally Parker and they married in 1961. They lived in Saratoga, Calif. for 36 years, where they raised their three children. Some of Gene's passions during this time included running, coaching Little League, gardening, and tutoring his kids in math and physics. Gene and Sally moved to Roseville, Calif. in 1999, where Gene volunteered with the Sun City Roseville Foundation and played tournament softball. He was a member of the 2008 national championship softball team for his age group.

Gene is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sally; his three children and their spouses: David Antonides ‘84 (Gaye VanDiggelen), Jill Antonides (Jorge Rodriguez) and Mark Antonides (Emily Han); five grandchildren; twin brother Gary; sister Mary; and brother Bruce.

Edwin S. Schaller Jr. MBA ’66 was born on Jan. 16, 1929 and died Sept. 16, 2012. A former resident of Los Gatos, Ed was born in Chicago, Ill., and raised in Burbank, Calif. He attended Burbank High School, where he excelled in sports and served as senior class president. He received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UCLA and was extremely proud of his membership in the Kappa Sigma fraternity. He later attended Santa Clara University, where he earned his MBA. Shortly before graduating from UCLA, Ed was offered a job at Lockheed (following in his father's footsteps); this would become his home for the next 39 years. In 1954, a newly assigned secretary in his division, Diane Topp, caught his eye. They were married a year later in the Santa Barbara Mission chapel on Valentine's Day "so I wouldn't forget our anniversary!" In 1957, Ed was transferred to Sunnyvale and assigned to work on the Polaris Missile Program. He traveled extensively and never would, or maybe never could, talk about the nature of his work. Diane and Ed raised their 3 boys in Los Gatos and for 10 years Ed coached each as they rose through the ranks of the Quito Little League. Ed was also active in YMCA Indian Guides Gray-Y, in which he coached basketball flag football. He loved the outdoors, especially skiing fishing. The Family skied at Dodge Ridge, thawed out at the Mi-Wuk Motor Lodge, then headed off to Kelly's for dinner and a little pinball. Ed and his boys fished together at Yosemite's Saddlebag Lake and, in turn, they taught their own kids how to fish there. In April 2000, Ed and Diane moved to Rocklin, Calif. Diane was diagnosed with cancer in June of that year and passed away in August. Diane was the perfect housewife, but Ed surprised us all by making a home for himself and surviving 12 years without her support. He was active in the Springfield Senior community, especially at the fitness center, until a circulatory condition hampered his mobility. He kept much to himself, living quietly, enjoying daily crosswords puzzles, watching news on CNN and rooting for his beloved San Francisco Giants, UCLA Bruins, and adopted Sacramento Kings. Ed was lovingly cared for by his entire family during his final days, and he passed away peacefully with his son, Todd, by his side. Not surprisingly, his final words were, "Did the Giants win?" They sure did, Dad! Ed is predeceased by his parents, Edwin Spencer Schaller Sr and Ruth Eppinger Schaller, and is survived by his children- Mark (Amy) Schaller, Adam (Tricia) Schaller, Todd (Cherie) Schaller, and grandchildren- Trace, Alexandria, and Spencer, and Nik Robbins; and a sister, Jan Borchers Adams. 

William Richard Eadington ’67, professor of economics at the University of Nevada, Reno and internationally recognized as the foremost authority on the legalization and regulation of commercial gambling, passed away peacefully at his home in Crystal Bay, Nevada on February 11, 2013 at the age of 67 following an eighteen month battle with cancer. Born on January 1, 1946 to the late Elizabeth and Thomas Eadington, William (Bill) grew up in the town of Brea in Orange County, California. He attended Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, then Santa Clara University where he received a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics. On February 3, 1968, at the age of 22, he married Margaret Dean, with whom he had gone to grade school at St. Mary's in Fullerton, California. In 1969, after completing his Ph.D. in Economics from Claremont Graduate School, he and Margaret moved to Reno and he went to work at the University of Nevada, where he spent his entire 43 year career on the faculty of the Economics Department in the College of Business.Over the course of his prolific career, Bill became the leading academic expert in the field of gaming. He founded the Institute for the Study of Gambling and Commercial Gaming at the University of Nevada, Reno. He wrote extensively on issues relating to the economic and social impacts of commercial gaming, and served as a consultant and advisor for governments and private sector organizations throughout the world on issues related to gaming laws, casino operations, regulation, legalization and public policy. Bill was a founding member of the International Academy for the Study of Tourism and a former associate editor of the “Annals of Tourism Research and the Journal of Gambling Studies.” He served as the organizer of the University's ongoing triennial International Conferences on Gambling and Risk Taking, which began in 1974, and served as founder and co-moderator of the annual Executive Development Programs for Senior Level Casino Executives since 1991.In 1990, Bill was awarded a Foundation Professorship at the University, and starting in 2004, he held the Philip G. Satre Chair of Gaming Studies at the University. In 2011, he was inducted into the American Gaming Association's Gaming Hall of Fame with a Special Achievement Award for Gaming Education. Bill served as an Academic Visitor to the London School of Economics, as a Visiting Professor at the Center for Addiction Studies, Harvard Medical School, and as a Visiting Lecturer at the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. He also was on the faculty of the Centre for the Study of Gambling and Commercial Gaming at the University of Salford (U.K.). In 2008, Bill was awarded a Doctor of Business Administration honoris causa by the University of Macau. In addition to the notable academic and policy contributions Bill made to the field of gaming during his career, he made a larger personal impact on the students, industry and government professionals with whom he taught, worked and came to know personally. Bill is survived by his wife, Margaret Eadington, his son Michael Eadington, his daughter and son-in-law, Diana and Darren Reed, and his three grandchildren, Sophia, Roxanne and Scarlett. He is also survived by his sister Elizabeth, his brothers Robert '65 and George '72, J.D. '75, his siblings' spouses, beloved nieces and nephews, and many special friends around the world. Bill brought a unique and wonderful sense of intelligence, humor and insight into the world that he shared with his family and friends. He will be missed dearly by his loved ones.In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe or Tahoe Safe Alliance.

Ross "Butch" Joseph Prusinovski ’67 was a resident of San Leandro. Ross "Butch" Prusinovski passed away peacefully on Nov. 16, 2012, surrounded by family. He was born in Oakland to Louis and Gwendolyn Prusinovski on March 26, 1945. He attended Bishop O'Dowd High School and Santa Clara University. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Gwendolyn Valdovinos. He is survived by his well loved wife, Alana Prusinovski, his sons Thomas and Patrick, and his daughter and son-in-law, Anna and Eric Lardiere. Dear friend and brother to Louis Prusinovski and his wife Renee. Beloved son-in law to Aileen Mathisen, and brother-in-law to Ignacio Valdovinos and Kristin Famosi. Proud and loving uncle to Michelle Valdovinos, Sandy Holland, Steve Valdovinos, and Debbie and John Prusinovski. Fun loving great uncle to Ben, Nick and Alexis Valdovinos and Kyle, Kameron and Cody Chase. He loved and enjoyed countless cousins throughout California and Idaho. Ross served as an Army Captain in Vietnam and returned home to Oakland to work in the family owned business of PH Motors. He has worked at Engine Performance Warehouse in Oakland for over thirty years. Ross loved vacations at the beach with his family, reunions in Idaho, visiting air shows and museums, and most recently walks around Lake Chabot with his friend, John Milton. He was happy and kind and always open to making a new friend. He will be in our hearts forever. 

Richard E. Byrne ’67, of Massapequa N.Y., died on June 25, 2012. Retired from Sperry as an electrical engineer. Beloved son of the late Albert and Lillian Byrne. Survived by his loving family and friends. 

Benjamin Daniel Laubacher III ’67, age 66, of Springfield, Va., died on Sunday, January 15, 2012 at Invoa Fairfax Hospital. Beloved husband of Maureen Laubacher ’67; loving father of Benjamin D. Laubacher IV (Rai), Christopher Laubacher (Eileen) and Patrick Laubacher (Stacey); devoted grandfather of Benjamin V, Kaitlyn, Brandon, Natalie, Joanna, Michael, Lindsey, Caroline, Matthew and Nicholas. Benjamin is also survived by his siblings, David Laubacher, Ann Watts (Dick), George Laubacher (Carol), Greg Laubacher (Joanne) and Pam Swigert (Steve). Benjamin is preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Laubacher.  

Allen Frank DeNegri MBA ’67 passed away on March 13, 2012. He is survived by his wife, Robin, and his children, Deb (Nyberg) and Dean DeNegri.

Thomas R. Johnston ’68 was 66 years old.  3/30/1946 to 5/23/2012.

John Vincent M.A. ’68, who served as principal of Ladera School from 1968 to 1978 and vice principal of La Entrada School for many years, died July 18. He was 84.

Jerry Franklin Kirk M.S. ’68, 80, a resident of Santa Clara, entered into rest on Aug. 4, 2012, at the Terraces of Los Gatos, a skilled nursing facility, after fighting a battle with cancer. Jerry was born in Salisbury, N.C., to Arnold Burtis Clay Kirk and Virley (Maxwell) Kirk on April 13, 1932.

He was preceded in death by his parents, ABC and Virley (Maxwell) Kirk; and his brothers and sisters, John Clay (Catherine), Dorothy Eamich (Richard), Raymond (Lois), Arnold Jr (Ettamae), Mildred Shortall (William), Evelyn Jean Kirk-Ramsey (Jack) and Margaret Larabee (Leo). He is survived by his sister, Nina Jo Kirk-Scoggins (William) of Lexington, N.C.; three sons, Steven Arnold, Kevan Scot and Jody Kenneth; and five grandchildren.

Jerry graduated from Boyden High School in Salisbury Class of 1950. He served as a radar engineer in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955 during the Korean War. After his military service, Jerry attended the University of Maryland and graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Jerry married Betty Jo Gregg in San Diego, Calif. He spent most of his career at, and retired from, Lockheed-Martin in Sunnyvale, Calif. He worked primarily on the now declassified reconnaissance satellite programs "Gambit" and "Hexagon." Since the programs became declassified, Jerry was able to share the details of his involvement in the programs and was extremely proud of his contribution to the programs success.

Jerry continued his education while raising a family and working for Lockheed-Martin and obtained a Masters in Engineering from Santa Clara University. While Jerry was growing up, the family owned a horse at the Milford Hills residence outside of Salisbury, N.C. Through his childhood experiences, Jerry developed a life-long passion for horses and horse racing. Once asked what made him smile, his response was, "Picking a horse race winner!"

Fred "Freddie" Domino ’61, J.D. ’68 was born in Chicago in 1939 and passed away on Jan. 2, 2013, in Morgan Hill. He was a lawyer. His parents were Sylvester "Jack" Domino and Ann Domino. His sister was Kathy Domino. He is survived by wife Ruby Domino of Morgan Hill, daughter Dawn Domino of Morgan Hill, niece Trista (Domino) Zwemke of Palm Springs, and nephews David Domino of San Jose and Thomas Angelo Smith of San Francisco. He loved golfing and taking trips to Italy.

Richard J. Conner ’69 was born April 2, 1947 and died Nov. 11, 2012. He was a resident of San Ramon. A fighter to the end, Rich finallly ran out of credits at the video poker machine of life and succumbed to glioblastoma after a fierce battle with the disease. Predeceased by his father Glease Conner in 1982 and his mother Euphrasia (Lillie) by only seven days, he is survived by his daughter Shannon (Tom), brother Bill (Joan), Fiance Cynthia, nephew Michael and niece Elizabeth Walker. Rich was born and raised in San Rafael and grew up in the house his father was born in, back in 1912. He had a love for fishing, gambling, music and his all time favorite, his work-outs at Club Sport of San Ramon. Rich was a graduate of Marin Catholic High School in 1965 and Santa Clara University in 1969. His first job was selling photocopiers for IBM, where he made a name for himself and was soon hired by Ethicon. The last 25 years of his life he worked for Hill-Rom, earning several prestigious awards and superior sales achievements. A well kept secret, Rich was an accomplished ballroom dancer and he and Cynthia spent many nights at Top of the Mark in San Francisco dancing the night away. He will be deeply missed by those he mentored and loved, both professionally and personally.

Joseph "Joe" F. Ercoli ’69—an unforgettable firecracker—began lighting up the halls of Heaven on the morning of October 3, 2012. A proud and passionate Italian-American, the always lively and colorful Joe was born in San Francisco on May 18, 1947 to Joseph and Patricia Ercoli. Growing up in South San Francisco, Joe was educated at All Souls Elementary, Serra High School, and Santa Clara University. Distinguishing himself as a civil engineer, as a South City restaurateur, and as a long time salesman, Joe toiled his entire life with a tirelessness and tenacity that was as impressive as it was unmatched. A lover of horses, political discussions, and the Dollar Store, Joe's most fiercely cherished treasure was the beloved family that survives and celebrates him: his devoted bride of forty-three years, Christine, and his dear, precious children, Alexis and Joseph. We shall not see his like again, but the world is richer for his having passed this way. He was the brother-in-law of David Ferrari ’61, J.D. ’64.

Harry Ellis MBA ’69 received his healed body in heaven on Aug. 28, 2012, after losing his three-year battle to fully recover from illness.

Harry was born in New Haven, Conn., on Dec. 2, 1938. After graduating from Providence College, he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army. While stationed at Fort Ord, he decided to stay in California where “there was no snow.”

He worked in Oakland for Kaiser, Sand and Gravel Division, for 10 years, and completed his MBA at Santa Clara University, and then began his long career in the wine industry in Bakersfield. In 1976, he moved to Napa where he worked for Beringer Winery, Franciscan Winery and ended his career as CFO at Geyser Peak Winery, retiring in 2000.

At Beringer, he first met Elaine, his best friend and wife of 34 years. His interests included history, classical and “old-time” country music, golf and hockey. One goal he completed was to visit every state in the union. In 2003, he and Elaine joined the international Christian organization, Operation Mobilization, as regional development associates. They traveled extensively for OM, visiting overseas ministries to the poor and oppressed, then returning home to relate stories to donors who shared their passion to bring freedom and hope.

In addition to his wife, Elaine, Harry is survived by his brother Frank Ellis of Notre Dame, Ind.; his sister in-law, Judy Ellis, of North Haven, Conn.; and nieces and nephews on both east and west coasts. He was recently predeceased by his brother, David Ellis. Both family and friends will miss Harry’s gifts of encouraging others and his ability to see the humor in all things.

Burt E. Stepanek MBA ’70, a resident of Saratoga, was born on June 25, 1920. On July 23, 2012, Burt suffered a stroke and passed away at Kaiser Hospital, Santa Clara, with his loving family by his side. He was born in Czechoslovakia and lived with his family in Winnipeg, Canada and New York City. He is survived by his wife, Betty, and four children: Gail, Craig, Cory and Michele White. He is also survived by three step-children; JoAnn Cope, Karen Tidwell and Scott Scriver. He is also survived by two grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, and three step-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Margaret and several nieces and nephews. He was a veteran of World War II and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from New York University. He worked for one year for Philco, Inc. in San Juan, Puerto Rico, then moved with his family to California. He worked at Lockheed, Sunnyvale as a Senior Buyer and Supervisor for 30 years. While at Lockheed, he attended evening classes at Santa Clara University, and earned his MBA. Also, while at Lockheed he taught evening classes in Accounting at West Valley and De Anza colleges. He tutored English as a Second Language, and volunteered for the IRS many years at tax time. After retirement from Lockheed, he obtained his Brokers License and worked in Real Estate for a short time. Over the years he purchased eight rental units and kept them in top condition, doing much of the work himself. He enjoyed playing golf, tennis, skiing, hiking, backpacking and camping. He loved dancing, and he and Betty square-danced for more than 20 years. They traveled extensively and were members of the Y for many years. They enjoyed long walks together and spending time with family. He spent much of his time in recent years gardening. He will be truly missed.