Santa Clara Magazine

Richard J. Morey ’61, 73, a lifelong resident of Menlo Park and Atherton, passed away on November 20, 2012. He was born Jan. 21, 1939. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Maura; son Mark of San Francisco; son Michael and daughter-in-law Katie of Beaverton, Oregon; daughter Melanie Allen and son-in-law Brett of Portland, Oregon; and grandchildren Molly, Jane, Tate, and Riley.

He attended St. Joseph's, Bellarmine and Santa Clara. Richard had a career as a cement mason and was a member of the Operative Plasters' & Cement Masons' Union for over 50 years. In his later years, he enjoyed driving to Oregon to spend time with his children and grandchildren. Above all, Rich loved to visit with his friends and family. He will be missed by all.

Larry F. Higgins ’61, 75, stepped beyond his journey with lymphoma on Nov. 27, 2012. Larry is survived by his loving wife, Charii; a son, Damon and his wife, Kerena; two grandchildren, Connor and Abigail; five siblings, Jack Higgins, Marion Walters, Bob Higgins, Patricia Cates and Eileen Higgins-Lower; and one sad dog, Katie. His parents and oldest son preceded him in death. Larry was born in Yonkers, N.Y., in August 1937 to John and Marion Higgins. He was the fourth of six children and the darling of all (although he did not know it). After several moves his family settled in Pasadena, Calif., where Larry proceeded to make a name for himself delivering newspapers (uphill both ways and in driving snow storms), and playing football and baseball for St. Francis High School. One of his proudest moments, next to the birth of his children, was his induction into his high school's hall of fame for his tenacious pitching, wild knuckleballs, and outstanding leadership. These same qualities helped him pitch spring batting practice for the Los Angeles Dodgers and be a four-year starter for Santa Clara University's baseball team. Upon graduation from college, Larry accepted a commission in the U.S. Army. He served seven years, one in Vietnam flying helicopters, and earned the regular Army rank of captain and a Reserve rank of major. Prior to deployment to Vietnam, Larry met and married his best blind date and lifelong love, Charii. Together they moved to Spokane to raise their two children, Larry John and Damon. Larry took a managerial position with American Handicrafts, where he worked hard and was promoted to district and then regional manager. After several years he took a job with the Washington State Liquor Control Board, where he managed the Pullman store. He retired after 19 years and spent his time eating ice cream, traveling with his wife and dog in their fifth wheel, playing golf, visiting his grandchildren, and trying to strike out cancer in the biggest game of his life. The lefty took it into extra innings and left the game with his head high. Larry was a deeply private person; however, he met people with kindness, respect and a gentle tease. He will be missed deeply by those he touched, especially his loving family. GOD bless and keep you!

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.

St. Helena Mayor Delford Glenn (“Buddy”) Britton ’61, 74, died unexpectedly of renal failure Jan. 8, 2013, at home, after serving four terms and having been sworn in for a fifth. 

Carl Alvin Munding ’61, with a taste of Wild Turkey, and a kiss from his beloved wife of fifty years—Kathleen—and surrounded by the love of his four children—Monica, John, Matt, and Michelle—crossed over to the Kingdom of God on Jan. 19, 2013.  His spirit lives on as he was and will always be a man who lived a life of respect, love, and service to others before himself.

Willys Irvine Peck J.D. ’69, a lifelong Saratogan, passed away on April 16. He was 89.

He was born August 21, 1923, and through the years became an iconic representative of the World War II generation. His spaciousness of soul was nourished in the orchards bordering his first childhood home; his character honed itself through the jobs he picked up around town, delivering magazines and groceries, cleaning houses, and getting up at 2 a.m. on Sundays to start the furnace in the church. Many of his adult passions were seeded in his youth. The printer's ink in his blood flowed from his newspaperman father, Llewellyn Peck, and his love for the witty and elegant turn of phrase came both from his father and his mother Lida, who was dedicated to good literature and writing. Willys considered himself a lucky man. A veteran of WWII, he was a member of the 20th armored division, one of three divisions credited by the U.S. army with the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp in 1945. Yet he felt lucky to have entered the war late enough to return home unscathed. His next big stroke of luck was his marriage to Betty Ruth Wesson in 1952. Their home in Saratoga, with its giant oaks and the creek running behind the house, gave them the space to build a magical environment, with an amphitheater for producing theatrical events, a railroad that circled the house, a train station, blacksmith shop, and printing museum complete with linotype. An avid hand-press printer, Willys was a member of the San Jose Printer's Guild. He was passionate about theater, trains and the written word. He was an author, a playwright and a poet. Willys graduated from UC Berkeley in 1949 and began his career as a journalist for the San Jose Mercury News (for a tribute from that paper, read here) as a copy editor and assistant city editor. Years later he wrote a column for the Saratoga News. In 1962 he graduated from Santa Clara Law School and practiced law until returning to the Mercury where he continued to work on the city desk even after his official retirement in 1989 for a total of 55 years. Active in preserving his town's history, Willys was involved in the Saratoga Historical Foundation and Museum, Montalvo's Phelan Library, and the California History Center. He was a member of the Saratoga Men's Club and the Saratoga Federated Church where he was christened when "both he and the Julia Morgan Chapel were new." Involved in his community, he served on many local boards including the West Valley-Mission Community College District Foundation. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty, two children, Bill Peck of Santa Clara and Anna Rainville of Saratoga, two granddaughters, Sarah and Merina Rainville, and son-in-law, Don Rainville. 

John Joseph Kiely '55, M.A. '63, a longtime teacher and counselor, and descendant of Santa Clara's prominent Kiely family, passed away Nov. 14 at his home in Los Gatos after a long battle with leukemia. He was 79.

One of nine children, he was born March 18, 1933, to grocer William P. and Elaine Kiely. The Kiely family originally left Ireland during the potato famine, then settled in Australia before immigrating to California.

He grew up in the family mansion on Homestead Road. Known today as the Kiely House, this circa-1889 Queen Anne Victorian is listed on historical tour guides of Santa Clara. In the 1950s, the home was used as a boardinghouse for students attending Bellarmine College Preparatory.

His father was a former mayor of Santa Clara, and Kiely Boulevard is named for him. His brother William P. Kiely Jr. '55 also served for years on the City Council.

After graduating from Bellarmine and Santa Clara University, Kiely embarked on a long teaching career. He taught English and drama at Santa Clara High School for 33 years. In 1992, he earned an MFCC (Marriage, Family and Child Counseling) license and launched a second career.

He was also involved with the Serra Club, a Catholic vocation group, St. Mary's Church and Holy Family's New Horizons program.

Kiely is survived by his wife of 17 years, Carole '71; his two children, Kate Kiely and Daniel Kiely '93: three stepdaughters, Melissa Burke, Julia Selfridge and Marya Ruiz; and three grandchildren, Henry, Freddy and Josie.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.