Santa Clara Magazine

William E. Daniels ’50, resident of Sunnyvale, passed away on July 3, 2012, in Mountain View. He was born in Chicago, Illinois in July of 1926 to Frank and Ottilie Daniels. His family moved west during the Depression and settled in San Francisco in 1938. He enlisted in the Army in 1946, serving in Korea in the postwar occupation army until 1948. Upon his return to the United States, Bill resumed his studies at Santa Clara University and graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1950. He met and married his wife Violetta in San Francisco in 1954. The marriage lasted 58 years until his death. His legacy includes a daughter, four sons (including Peter ’81 and John ’85), and ten grandchildren. Bill was an active member of the Church of the Resurrection. He served as a volunteer for the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, participated in the Men's Faith Sharing Group, and served with the Building and Grounds Committee. He will be missed.

John Francis Ennis ’50, of Redding, Calif., passed away at home on December 4, 2012 due to natural causes. Known as Jack, he was born December 17, 1919 in San Jose, Calif. to John and Fannie (McClintock) Ennis, and grew up with them on their ranch near Cedarville, in Modoc County, Calif. He graduated from Surprise Valley High School at the age of 16, worked for the United States Postal Service and Bank of America, and earned his airplane pilot's license before enlisting in the US Navy in 1941. He served as a radio operator onboard the USS President Adams in the South Pacific during World War II, including the Battle of Guadalcanal. After the war, he earned a degree in civil engineering from the University of Santa Clara and returned to Modoc County and Cedarville. In 1952, he met and married Angela Cooke of San Francisco, Calif., and they eventually moved to Redding to raise their family. Jack made his career with the California Division of Highways (now Caltrans), coordinating road design with local cities and counties, ultimately landing his dream job as Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator, and retiring in 1981. As a member of the Knights of Columbus, he was active at St. Joseph Catholic Church and served the parish in many capacities. He was also active in the greater community; as a Boy Scout scoutmaster, as a youth baseball coach, and as a volunteer at the food bank. An accomplished public speaker and humorist, he was a member of the local chapter of Toastmasters International. He was a long-time member and volunteer with both the Whiskeytown Sailing Club and the Shasta Wheelmen bicycle club, continuing to ride his bike beyond the age of 90, and serving as a volunteer after that time. He was preceded in death by Angela, his wife of 60 years, and earlier by his sisters Mrs. Emma Fogalsang of Colusa, Calif. and Mrs. Carmen Schlatter of Wyckoff, N.J. He is survived by his son Tim Ennis and daughter-in-law Kathy Brock of Portland, Ore.; son Tom Ennis, daughter-in-law Donna Ennis and granddaughters Meredith Ennis and Colleen Ennis of Carmichael, Calif.; son Chris Ennis and daughter-in-law Lisa Ennis of San Francisco, Calif.; and son Ted Ennis, daughter-in-law Nancy Steel and granddaughter Alyson Ennis of Placerville, Calif. 

John "Jack" M. O’Keeffe ’50, Nov. 6, 2012. Born February 18, 1927 to John M. Sr. and Lou O'Keeffe in Stockton, Calif. Loving husband to Audrey Jean O'Keeffe who preceded Jack in death this year. Adoring father of John M. "Spike" O'Keeffe III (Joan), Cynthia Nelson, Carolyn Chvosta (Bill), Rebecca England (Jack), Clark O'Keeffe (Elise) and Patricia See (Dave). Proud grandfather of Bryan and Chris Nelson, Kelly Bassett and Megan O'Keeffe, Jennifer Teresinski and Emily Moses, Malissa Crowder, Carly and Molly O'Keeffe, Joe and Drew See. Eleven adored great grandchildren with three more on the way! Survived by his brother David O'Keeffe ’53 and his wife Janelle of Colorado Springs. Uncle and In-law to many whom he loved dearly.

Jack grew up in San Jose, Calif., across from the Rose Garden. He graduated from Bellarmine High School and Santa Clara University. During both of these experiences, and with his father's guidance, he was a devout Roman Catholic. It was a devotion that he took seriously every day of his life. Following his graduation from Santa Clara University in 1950, (after a stint in the Maritime Service at the end of World War II), he began a lifelong love for the SCU athletic program. The first song his children learned growing up was the Santa Clara fight song and many family events, even weddings, were culminated with a rendition of "All Hail to SCU!" He attended the 1950 SCU Orange Bowl victory and could sing the “SCU Fight Song” up until his death.

While attending SCU he met Audrey Jean Alexander at a dance with Dominican College. Years later he swore the first time he saw her she had a bright light and a halo over her head. They were married in 1950. That same year he went to work for IBM and his first promotion was as branch manager in Richmond, Calif. In 1963 he became a key account manager at the Oakland IBM branch. At this time he moved his family to Lafayette, Calif., and his Crofton Court home became the center of activity for his children, their friends, nieces and nephews. Special times were spent in the family Lake Tahoe home that he helped build. 

As his children were growing up he volunteered at the St. Paul's Parents Club, Kiwanis Club, The Salvation Army and Knights of Columbus and coached both basketball and baseball. He attended nearly every game, recital, and horseshow that his children participated in. He encouraged this development and was eager to learn of their experiences.

In the Maritime Service he developed a love of ships and the sea. In 1983 and after his retirement from IBM, he and Audrey built the home of their dreams in Bethel Island. He was able to fulfill his love of the sea owning many boats and enjoying all the adventures a boat on the Delta waters could offer. Three of his daughters owned floating homes on his marina property. Every summer brought celebrations and his grandchildren spent cherished time in and around the water and at their home. 

In retirement, he sold real estate for Boyd Realty in Bethel Island, volunteered with Audrey at the Bethel Island Lions Club, belonged to the Bethel Island Chamber of Commerce, the San Joaquin Yacht Club and St. Anthony's Church in Oakley . He announced the "Frozen Bun Run" on New Year's Day for many years. In 1977 he started a golf tournament with two of his son-in-laws. For Jack this was a life changing event. The "Little Crosby", named for many years the JOK and eventually the JO'KN Golf Tournament, benefited many worthy causes including Bethel Island Jr. Golf, Scout Hall, St. Anne's Catholic Church in Rossmoor and eventually Stand Up 2 Cancer. He spent months planning the tournament and his family used the event as a vehicle for yearly reunions with their friends. Every family member was involved in the tournament, either playing in it or planning the events of the day. As a Real Estate agent he invited many clients and potential clients. The tournament dinner and awards party was held at Jack and Audrey's Bethel Island home. He and Audrey were gracious hosts and he ended each tournament, "Hope you had a good time, see you next year." 

So we say "goodbye" to Jack O'Keeffe, Dad, Brother, Uncle, Father-in-Law, Grandfather and Great Grandfather. We are comforted to know he is now reunited with his wife Audrey. She is introducing him to all heaven has to offer and next time you see hail the size of golf balls know that is a sign that a JO'KN foursome has teed off at Heavenly Fairways. Invitations are pending, heaven sent.

Dennis H. Rosaia ’50, born 05/26/1924 and died 05/20/2012 peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family just a few days before his 88th birthday. Beloved husband of 62 years to Lillian, loving father of Dennis (Chris), Lynne, Wayne (Cathy) and David (Kim) Rosaia. Proud Nonno of Gina (James) Collins, Dan (Deana) Rosaia, Lauren and Lindsey Rosaia, Derek Rosaia, Vanessa and Rebecca Powers and Kevin and Gary Patzelt. Adoring great grandfather of Grace Collins. Dear brother of the late Roy and Thelma Rosaia. Survived by many relatives here and in Italy. Dennis was born in South San Francisco to Italian immigrants Dante and Ernesta Rosaia and graduated from SSF High School in 1943. He entered the Merchant Marine Service, traveled around the world as a cadet and graduated as a 2nd Assistant Engineer from the Merchant Marine Academy in Great Neck, Long Island, New York. Following his service, he attended Santa Clara University, graduating with a degree in industrial engineering in 1950. In 1949 Dennis married his home town sweetheart, Lillian Sani and from their modest beginnings in a Quonset hut near campus, they began a rich family and business life together. Dennis established D&M Liquors in 1954 on Grand Avenue and grew a thriving business first with his partner Mario Pieretti, later as a sole proprieter, and finally as proud partner with his 3 sons in D&M Liquor and Deli on Spruce Ave. He believed that the family that worked together, stayed together. Extremely civic minded, Dennis was a highly respected and active community leader, serving as President of the SSF Downtown Merchants Association, President of YMI Council #32, Past President and Director of SSF Rotary Club, 16 year Board member of SSF Conference Center, SSF Parking Commission, member of Italian Catholic Federation, SIRS Branch #91, Italian-American Citizens Club, and SSF Elks. Dennis was a man of great Catholic faith and an active parishioner of All Souls Parish, serving as the head of the Rebuilding Committee following the 1964 church fire, chairing parish festivals, numerous fundraisers and still recently serving on the Finance Committee for the "Fixing God's House" campaign. He thrived being around people and was at every community event possible, working the room and charming everyone with his warm personality. He never missed the annual Santa Clara Engineering Class of 1950 reunions. Throughout it all, Lillian was at his side- behind the counter at D&M, raising the children, working at All Souls events, hosting exchange students, traveling the world and caring for him for nearly 63 years. She fulfilled his final wish by being the last face that he saw in this life. Dennis was a loving and encouraging father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Christmas Eve at Nonno's was an event he planned to the smallest detail-song sheets, trivia contests, games, great food-it was his "command performance" every year. Dennis endured health problems over the years but rarely let illness slow him down. His determination and enthusiasm for life helped him fight back time after time. During his final illness, Dennis was in charge until the end, planning his funeral, enjoying all the delicious foods he had been restricted from eating, holding court with the family, and tenderly saying his loving goodbyes to his family and close friends.