Santa Clara Magazine

Neil Mackenzie Schwartz JD ’75 passed away Nov. 14, 2011. He was born December 7, 1949 in Long Beach, Calif., to Bill and Catherine Scwartz. He grew up in Riverside and Fullerton, Calif., and graduated from Sunny Hills High School. Neil was a graduate of Stanford University, class of 1972, and then went on to attend Santa Clara University Law School. He practiced law in the Bay Area and in Orange County for over 20 years. After making a career change, he left the practice of law and became a certified meeting planner. He worked for several years at Alder Droz in Laguna Beach. From there he went to work for the California Credit Union League where he was employed at the time of his death. Neil and his wife, Jane Drinkgern Schwartz made their home in Orange for the last 25 years. He is survived by his wife, Jane, and his sister, Suzanne Mounger, of Columbia, Mo.

Max H. Parker M.S. '75 died August 5, 2011. Max was born May 8, 1927 in Mt. Sterling, Cache County, Utah, a son of Henry and Sadie Parker. He graduated from Ogden High School in 1945. After serving in the navy, Max married Cleone Hale in 1947. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Utah. He was hired by IBM , and settled in San Jose, where they raised four children. Max earned his master's degree from Santa Clara University. After 40 years with IBM he retired in 1992. Cleone passed away in 1994. Max served as a Church Service Missionary and a Temple Worker for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Max was very active in the Boy Scout program helping hundreds of boys earn the rank of Eagle Scout. He was awarded the Silver Beaver award for leadership. Max is survived by his children: Craig (Becky) Parker of San Jose; Quinn (Sue) Parker of Sandy, Utah; Lori (Larry) Foote of Roy, Utah; Kirk (Lisa) Parker of Harrisville, Utah; 15 grandchildren, inlcuding Aaron Parker '01 of San Jose, and 8 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Maurine Smith of Clearfield, Utah; Elaine Harmston of Manti, Utah.

James Edward Knudson ’75 passed away peacefully on Feb. 15, 2011. Jim had waged a valiant six-month battle against pancreatic cancer. Jim was born in Tacoma, Wash. on May 1, 1953, to Irene R. and Edward W. Knudson. He attended Holy Rosary Parish grade school and graduated from Bellarmine Preparatory School in 1971. He attended Santa Clara University, graduating in 1975, and immediately entered Jesuit Volunteer Corps, serving in Fairbanks, Ark., 1975-1976. While in Fairbanks Jim met the love of his life, fellow Jesuit Volunteer Donna Kling, and they married in 1978. Jim joined the faculty of Bellarmine in 1978 teaching both Spanish and French. In 1989, he earned a master's degree in counseling at Seattle University, and continued until his death as a member of the counseling staff at Bellarmine. Jim loved the theater, and during his tenure at Bellarmine oversaw technical production for the award-winning drama department. Jim was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hiking, biking, kayaking, and cross-country skiing with friends and family. A highlight of his hiking career was his nine-day completion of the Wonderland Trail - a 93-mile circuit of Mt. Rainier. Jim had an abiding interest in Northwest Native American art, and executed several challenging paintings and carvings in faithful respect of this tradition. Jim and Donna have remained active members of St. Leo Church in Tacoma. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Irene and Edward Knudson and sister Gail Avakian. He is survived by his wife Donna Kling Knudson, son Joel Knudson (Tanicia Perry) of San Jose, daughter Katia Knudson of Seattle, grandchildren Max and Samantha Perry Knudson, brother Gary Knudson (Martha Scoville) of Tacoma, and brother-in-law Mark Avakian of Rose Lake, Idaho. 

Father Edward E. Callanan, S.J. '75 died on June 10, 2009 at Sacred Heart Jesuit Center in Los Gatos. He was born in Los Angeles on January 25, 1928, the fifth of seven children of Howard and Anna Callanan. He attended Loyola High School, where he was an outstanding football player. He continued his football career for one year at the University of Southern California before entering the Jesuit novitiate at Los Gatos in 1945. He was ordained a priest at Blessed Sacrament Church, Hollywood, in 1958. Following graduate studies in Education at Fordham University, Ed served as Vice-Principal and Principal of Brophy College Preparatory, Phoenix, 1961-67. This was followed by a long tenure at Jesuit High School, Sacramento, as Principal (1967-1974) and Director of Development (1975-1984). Since 2003 he has served as Assistant to the President for Community Relations. During his first tour of duty at Jesuit High School, Ed was instrumental in the success of the annual auction and Spring Fling musical variety shows, where he put his outgoing personality and flair for the stage to good use in raising thousands of dollars for the school's scholarship and operational funds. He was also active in civic affairs. In addition to his work in education, Ed served many years in parish work. He was Associate Pastor at St. Francis Xavier Church, Phoenix, 1984-1986, Associate and later Pastor at Blessed Sacrament Church, Hollywood, 1986-1990, and again Pastor at St. Francis Xavier, 1990-2002. Ed was a hardworking and dedicated priest who showed a deep concern for others, students and their families, parishioners, or anyone in need. His outgoing, gregarious personality enabled him to build rapport with those he met. He is survived by a sister, Maryanne McNamara, of Corona del Mar and a brother, John, of San Clemente.

Edward Terry Fitzgerald '75, 72, died June 21, 2010, at Indian River Medical Center, Vero Beach. He was born in St. Louis and lived in Vero Beach. He earned a master's degree in engineering from Santa Clara University. During more than 40 years in aeronautical engineering, he worked for most of the major aerospace firms. He retired in 2002 from Lockheed-Martin Corp. He was a Eucharistic minister at St. Sebastian's Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Sallyanne Fitzgerald of Vero Beach; three daughters; and five grandchildren.

Edward T. Bergo, Jr, J.D. '75 passed away at his Aptos home Saturday, October 17, 2009. He is survived by his son, Justin Bergo of Aptos, his parents, Edward and Mary Bergo, Sr, of Arroyo Grande, his sister, Diane Schmidt of Oceano and brother, Richard Bergo of Turlock. A native of California he was a longtime Aptos resident. A graduate of Stanford University, he worked for Aparicios in San Jose for many years.

Douglas G. Miller MBA '75 passed away on May 23, 2011. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Doug passed peacefully away in Pleasanton, Calif., after a 12-year battle with leukemia and lymphoma. Doug was born in Providence, R.I. He earned a B.S. from Golden Gate University, a MBA from Santa Clara University, and worked in the finance field for 45 years. Prior to moving to Pleasanton in 2003, Doug resided in San Carlos, Calif., for 32 years where he coached youth soccer, participated in community theater fundraiser Chickens' Ball, and was a trustee of the San Carlos School Board. In Pleasanton, Doug belonged to SIRS Branch 34, the Callippe Senior Golf Club, and participated in many Pleasanton Newcomers events with his wife, Ruby. Doug loved to travel and was a passionate golfer, and if he could combine the two - life was perfect. He was fortunate to attend the 2011 Masters Tournament in Augusta, Ga., in April with his son and played Pebble Beach for his 70th birthday. In addition to his wife, Doug is survived by his son Scott (Jennifer) Miller of Laguna Hills, daughter Andrea (Bill) Sadler of Pleasanton and seven grandchildren: Jackson, Jessica, Samuel, and Maxwell Miller of Laguna Hills and Samantha, Will and Andrew Sadler of Pleasanton. Doug is also survived by his sister, Sheila Talley, and father-in-law, Jack Walton, both of Sacramento. He also leaves his beloved dog, Sunny.

Clem Bosch J.D. '75 of Eugene, Ore., died January 19, 2010 of cancer. He was 71. He was born July 20, 1938, in Istanbul, Turkey, to Clemens and Johanna Kahn Bosch. He married Vicki Cuevas on May 9, 1975, in Palo Alto, Calif. Clem graduated from UCLA and held a law degree from Santa Clara University. He was a corporate lawyer. Survivors include his wife; four stepsons, Scott Seigel of Helena, Mont., David Parker of Capitola, Calif., Stuart Parker of Massachusetts and George Parker of Redwood Shores, Calif.; two stepdaughters, Michelle Wiseman of Portland and Carole Laubenheimer of Sunnyvale, Calif.; a brother, Renny of Costa Mesa, Calif.; and three grandchildren.

Christopher G. Pablo '72 died Dec. 9, 2009. After being diagnosed with leukemia in 1995, he organized community marrow drives for other patients. The Honolulu native was a special assistant to United States Sen. Daniel Inouye, director of government affairs for the Hawaii Medical Services Association, and served for 15 years as director of public affairs for Kaiser Permanente. In 2007, he joined the law firm of Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel, concentrating on government relations and health policy law. He was active in health care legislation throughout his professional life. He is survived by his wife, Sandra; and children Nathan, Zachary and Chris. A full obituary appeared in the Honolulu Advertiser in December 2009.

Agnes Horvath Potter '75, fondly known as Aggie, passed away peacefully on Feb. 21, 2012, with her husband, Rick Potter, at her bedside. Her family and close friends supported her throughout her recent illness, through which she demonstrated the same courage, determination, and grace that characterized her 58 years. She was appreciative and proud of the full and rich life she and Rick had built for themselves. A resident of Los Gatos, Aggie was born in 1953 in Hungary and grew up in Niles, Ohio, until the age of 15, when she moved to California with her parents. Aggie and her parents settled in Santa Clara County where she attended Leigh High School, graduating in 1971. Aggie earned a BSC degree in accounting from Santa Clara University in 1975. Continuing her education, Aggie earned her MBA from Pepperdine University. Early in her career, Aggie held corporate and divisional management finance positions for ROLM Corporation, Sohio Petroleum, and Ampex Corporation. She was one of six partners in Management Solutions, Inc., where she helped build a successful organization. Aggie founded the Gorilla Search Group, a boutique search firm that specialized in senior financial executive searches. Aggie built long-term relationships with candidates, colleagues, and clients that transcended individual placements. She generously and graciously offered guidance and advice to friends and acquaintances and was a wonderful listener and sounding board. Aggie loved the outdoors. She spent time in her garden at home, grooming her flowers and "raising" the koi in the backyard pond. Extending this love of being outside, Aggie played golf and was active in the women's golf group at Silver Creek Country Club. Most of all, Aggie loved horses. She spent much of her time with her beloved Doc and Tally, going to the barn and cantering up the tranquil hills of Wunderlich Park all year round and in all sorts of weather. Aggie and her husband traveled the world. She loved experiencing and learning about new and different places. Aggie is survived by her parents, Stephen and Rose Marie Horvath of Los Gatos, as well as Rick Potter, her loving husband of 30 years, and Tally. She will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her or crossed paths with her. She was a beautiful person. 

Born in Hungary in 1953, Aggie came to the U.S. in 1957 with her parents and eventually moved to Los Gatos. After graduation from SCU she went on to a finance career and later became a successful recruiter in the Valley. She was co-founder and Top Banana of the Gorilla Search Group for over ten years before retiring in 2011 as a result of her illness. She will be missed by all who knew her.

William Thomas Prewett '76, M.B.A. '81 died Monday, July 6, 2009 at his home in San Jose, Calif., following a protracted illness. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 23 years, Carol Ann Prewett; three children, Scott Prewett, Kit Prewett and Sherri Acri; and six grandchildren. Born in Calvin, Okla., in 1929 to Harold Andrew Prewett and Johnie Elizabeth Lockmiller, William attended the US Naval Academy and graduated with distinction in 1953 as first in his class in mathematics. He received two graduate degrees from Santa Clara University; an MBA in 1976 and a Masters in Economics in 1981. He spent most of his career working for 32 years with IBM and lived with his family around the world including Austria, Virginia, Arizona, and New York.

Robert Michael Fredianelli '76, born in San Jose, Calif., on Dec. 18, 1953, passed away July 7, 2010. Loving husband to Paula; loving father to Robin Palleschi and husband Greg, Natalie Fredianelli-Lerno and husband, Brent, Gina Fredianelli and step-daughter Lara Belden. Also survived by parents Julio and the late Eola Fredianelli; brother Ron Fredianelli and wife Tina. Bob attended Saint Patrick's Grammar School, Bellarmine College Preparatory and Santa Clara University. Started with PG&E as a junior engineer 34 years ago and retired from his director position this year. Devoted Catholic, he loved God, his family, friends, and the San Francisco Giants. He will be remembered by all who love him for his energy and wit.

Robert J. Mazza '76 passed away unexpectedly, March 4, 2009 at work. Bob graduated from Washington High School, Class of 1973, a Magna Cum Laude graduate from Santa ClaraUniversity in 1976 and then received his Masters of Science in Public Administration from San Jose State University before going into banking where he was most recently a senior vice president at United American Bank. Bob was a member of The Rotary Club of Niles Fremont, where he served in many leadership roles including President and is the current Assistant Governor of Area 3 in Rotary District 5170. Bob was a former member of several other Rotary clubs, The Bay Area Corvette Club and a lifetime member of the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Ky. He was an avid Corvette enthusiast and enjoyed serving his community through Rotary. Bob was the loving husband for 30 yrs. of Gail Mazza, the cherished father of Katie Correia of Atwater, Calif., Robert B. Mazza, and Michael W. Mazza, both of Fremont, the devoted son of Rosemary and the late Alfred Mazza, the beloved brother of Marlene Houston and her husband Bob of Chowchilla, Calif., and uncle of Marie Olmstead of Merced, Calif. Bob is also survived by his precious granddaughter Elizabeth Correia and many other loving family members.

Rita Burke Prime M.A. '76, M.A. '91  After a full and complete life, passed away peacefully August 3, 2009. Rita Margaret Mary Burke was born in New York City on 11/21/1915. She lost both her parents early in life, and lived in Connecticut with her step-grandmother, who was the joy of Rita's young life, and who inspired her love of Ireland and all things Irish, who nurtured in her the complete love and support of her family, and the inclusion in this family of all she came in contact with. If you ever met Rita, you knew she was "tough Irish", a coffee "fiend", a "fresh air fanatic", and a lifelong Dodgers fan. You also probably fell in love with her and became her friend forever. Rita met Ellis Roy Prime and they married on September 14, 1942 in New York City. Soon after, Rita and Roy moved to Los Angeles, where they had three children, Robert Bruce, Mary Ann, and Patricia Kathryn. They established a home and a strong base of family and friends, raised their children, and were very active in their Church. Rita always considered Los Angeles her "true home". Rita completed her college degree and began teaching high school in Southern California. Rita and Roy moved to Mountain View, Calif., in July of 1970, and Rita quickly became a teacher at Milpitas High School. She founded and ran their reading program and was the band counselor. During that time she was awarded a master's degree from Santa Clara University in education. While at SCU she joined Pi Lambda Theta sorority, and coordinated and ran a program dispersing information about head injuries, among many other projects. She also opened and ran an educational supply store for several years, all while still teaching. After retiring from Milpitas, she continued in education by consulting for the East Side Union High School district in San Jose. After moving north, Rita and Roy became parishioners at St. Joseph's Church in Mountain View. They became very involved with many aspects of the Church, and Rita was a founding member of the pastoral counseling group there. She returned to Santa Clara University and was awarded a master's degree in pastoral counseling. She continued as a lay minister and pastoral counselor past 2000. She had boundless energy, a smile for everyone, and a truly caring spirit of uncommon joy and generosity. Her greatest pride was her family: Robert Bruce (Donna), Mary Ann, and Patricia Kathryn (Doug McLean); her grandchildren Michael Bruce Prime (Warapha), Dennis Robert Prime (Lisa), William Wiley Bedsworth II (Louise), and Megan Aileen Bedsworth (Kent Bailey), and her great-grandchildren Kaelan, Jesse, Olivia, Gavin, Ellie, Colleen, and Wiley. She was the center of a loving family and will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know her.

Paul Joseph David ’76, born July 5, 1954, died September 1, 2012. Beloved husband of Laurie David ’79. Father of Alison and Mariel and partners Ed and Graham. Smooth sailing now in heavenly waters.

James McCullough M.A. '76 on May 24, 2008.

Gene Mackey ’76, born Dec. 18, 1952, a resident of Danville, died on Sunday, April 22, 2012 at the age of 59, lovingly surrounded by his children and dear family friend the Rev. Vincent Scott. Gene was born in San Francisco in 1952 and lived his childhood years in South San Francisco attending Los Cerritos Elementary, Parkway Junior High, and graduating from South San Francisco High School in 1971. He joined the United States Air Force and was ready for deployment to Vietnam when the war ended. He was a 1976 graduate of Santa Clara University majoring in business and was then credentialed as a CPA, with his first professional job working at Ernst and Young in San Francisco. Gene began a 35-year career in the real estate and mortgage industry with Security Pacific and Better Homes, then ultimately opening his own real estate mortgage company, Bay Pacific Realty, with his wife Mary. In 1998 he joined Chase Manhattan Bank's Home Loan Center. From there Gene moved his career path to manage: First Horizons Mortgage Co., Washington Mutual Loan Center, Countrywide Home Loans and then ending his mortgage career with Bank of America Home Loans in Danville, where he lived. He loved building company offices and mentoring the marketing and sales associate staff as well as the support staff that so loyally worked alongside him. Survived and forever loved by his wife, Mary, sons; Scott (Courtney), Kevin (Shelley), his devoted son Sean, who always remained an inspiration of grace and courage for Gene, and grandchildren Jack, Taylor, Sabrina and Stefanie. Gene is also survived by his parents Gene and Margaret Mackey, married 63 years, brother Robert (Pam) and nephews Ryan and Adam. Gene was predeceased by his beloved infant baby brother, David.

Florence Muniz Sprague '76 on April 27, 2010. Florence was a unique and amazing woman, born before her time. Unable to afford university, she attended nursing school and served her country as a cadet nurse in a military hospital. She would work as a nurse well into her seventh decade. In 1946 she met and married the love of her life, Neal Sprague. Florence supported Neal through dental school and moved with him to Sunnyvale where they established their practice and raised their family. Florence received her bachelor's degree from Santa Clara University in 1976 and went on to teach classes at De Anza College and adult education programs. She was an avid student and a passionate teacher. She loved gardening, writing, reading, and travel. Florence celebrated the millennium with a three-month-long cruise around the world, adding to the 85 countries she had visited. She was a voracious reader, and loved sharing the books and movies she liked best. Florence also loved dancing, ice cream, and, most of all, her family. She is survived by her sister Sally, daughters Jan and Karen, her grandchildren, and many, many friends. She is now enveloped in the loving arms of her husband Neal and her son Don, who went before her to prepare the way.

Dean Brackley, S.J., M.Div. ’76, died Oct. 16, 2011, surrounded by members of his community and several of his closest friends at the Jesuit infirmary in Santa Tecla, El Salvador, following a six-month struggle with pancreatic cancer. Kevin Burke, S.J., Dean of the Jesuit School of Theology, wrote: "Dean was one of the Jesuits assigned to El Salvador following the assassination of the six Jesuits and their two co-workers at the University of Central America in November 1989.  His contribution to the mission of the UCA and the Central American province of the Society of Jesus was exemplary. Indeed, he became a key link in the chain of witnesses keeping alive the memory of the Central American martyrs in El Salvador and in the universal Church.  He was a great human being and a great Christian. It is an honor to recognize him as an alumnus of the Jesuit School of Theology."

Audrey Bernfield M.A. ’76, died on her seventy-fifth birthday, November 3, 2012, after a long battle with cancer. Audrey was an innovative force at several universities. At Stanford, she nurtured students in the Program in Human Biology while building an advising system that became a model for the nation. Later, as Director of Undergraduate Advising, she championed the view that college is a place for intellectual exploration where students discover the passions that lead to meaningful lives and careers. As Director of Enrichment Programs at Harvard Medical School, she developed programs that expanded medical students' engagement in the world at large, and was the first non-physician elected president of the International Health Medical Education Consortium, now known as GHEC. She was a lifelong crusader for reproductive rights, starting as a counselor and eventually serving on the boards of several women's health organizations, including Planned Parenthood of Boston. She also served on the boards of the Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus; The Transition Network, an organization for professional women who are transitioning to retirement; New Georges, a New York City theatre company; and as President of the 1661 Foundation, which supports the development of young progressive leaders. Audrey earned a BA in Political Science from the University of Illinois and a Masters in Counseling Psychology from the University of Santa Clara. She is survived by her children, Susan and her husband Claude Millman, Jim and his wife Camilla Enders, Mark and his wife Rachel Saunders, and four grandchildren. Her husband Merton R. Bernfield died in 2002.

Timothy William Reed ’77 passed away on Aug. 23, 2010. A fourth generation Californian, with ties to Santa Clara Valley Pioneer Families, he was born in San Jose to William and Jane Reed. He was raised on the family ranch in Sunnyvale and grew up picking and drying fruit. He graduated with honors from Homestead High, De Anza College and Santa Clara University, receiving his Bachelors of Science Degree in Chemistry. Reed worked in the electronics industry prior to undertaking a major career change. Over the years he worked as an Independent contractor, Property Manager before settling in on a career as an Accountant. His passion in life revolved around his interests and hobbies and his favorite team the Forty-niners. He loved to search out unique experiences and tasting foods from different cultures. He was an avid reader and collector of books and periodicals. Other interests included martial arts, history, politics, music and movies. He is greatly missed by his surviving family, loving parents Bill and Jane, brother Patrick with his wife Roseann and family, along with his many cousins, their spouses and extended families. He will be fondly remembered for the attributes which made him shine. His thoughtfulness, generosity, loyalty, dedication and work ethic, his good nature, humor and of course his trademark grin.